How to Reset Your Electric Gate

Like a computer, a gate's control board can sometimes get itself in a muddle – after a power cut, a storm, or for no obvious reason. A simple power reset can clear it. Here's how to do it safely.

Before you reset

Check the obvious things first:

• Is anything blocking the gate or the photocells?
• Is the manual release locked in?
• Does the remote have a working battery?

See electric gate troubleshooting.

How to do a power reset

1. Find the isolator switch for the gate. It's usually a switch on a post or wall near the gate, or in the garage or house.
2. Switch it off. Make sure nobody's near the gate.
3. Wait about a minute. This lets the control board fully power down.
4. Switch it back on.
5. Stand clear and operate the gate with the remote. Watch it through a full open and close.

What to expect

After a reset, many gates:

• move slowly on the first cycle while they find their open and closed positions
• may go a little further than usual the first time

That's normal. After a cycle or two it should be back to normal. If it isn't, call me.

When a reset isn't the answer

Don't keep resetting if:

• the gate trips the electrics when it's switched on – there's a fault
• there's a burning smell or visible damage
• the gate behaves dangerously – moving on its own or not stopping
• it works for a while and then stops again

Switch off at the isolator, use the manual release if you need to, and give me a call.

What not to do

Some control boards have their own reset or "learn" buttons. Please don't press them or open the control box – that resets the gate's travel and force settings, which then need setting up and testing properly.

Gate still not right? Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.

Questions people ask me