Installing an electric door and gate isn’t something you just do with a screwdriver and a Youtube video. There are a lot of electrical work that will need to be done to ensure that all of the work meets the legal and safety guidelines. If the work is done incorrectly, it can be a hazard and very costly. Additionally, it can cause others to be hurt and even cause problems that will make your insurance void.

Here is a brief overview of the electrical work needed for the automatic control and electric doors and gates and instances that will need a certified electrician.

Electrical Requirements for Automated Doors

Remote control and automatic access systems like electric gates and garage doors need to have a reliable electrically accessible main power supply. The motor units usually run off of 230V, like your home electrical systems, but in some cases like with big commercial systems, they can use three-phase power.

The supply needs to be enough for the motor load. Do...
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Electric gates and automated doors work great until something in the electrics goes wrong. Then the units become a liability for the business. Water gets into connections, cables become damaged, and all of a sudden, you've got an outdoor installation with mains voltage running through it while people walk by all day.

Safety reulations and accross the board standard safety practices are in place due to previous accidents that have happened. An untended piece of maintence on a control board, a gate becomes posotioned down on a person and traps them because the safety features are programmed wrong, a motor has a thermal runaway due to the wiring being out of standard and a fire is present. Addressing and executing safety modifications to these machines is crucial to safety.

RCD Protection Requirements

RCDs are the breaker switches in your consumer unit that go off when they detect a fault. They monitor the current flowing through a circuit and if some of it is leaking whe...
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Electric garage doors are becoming ever more popular. Homeowners and landlords are recognising their value and time and space saving devices, as well as their additional security benefits. If you are thinking of installing one, then you should first check that the electricity supply is adequate and you will be able to wire in your new garage door. This could be an issue if there isn't currently an electricity supply to your garage, or if you haven't had an electric garage door previously.

Check with an installation expert, who will be able to tell you whether you can install an electric garage door at all. They can advise you on the electricity supply and if you need to get an electrician involved, you can find out more about what is needed. For most homes, it will be possible to install an electrically operated garage door, but it may take some preparation beforehand.

Roller shutter garage doors come in two types: electric and manual. With an electric door, there will be a motor that opens and closes the door, so you don't have to do it yourself manually. Other than this, the design of the doors is very much the same, so is it worth opening and closing the door electrically, for more money?

As with anything garage door related, the choice is yours. It is up to you to decide what matters to you and what you are willing or able to prioritise. This includes whether it's important to you to be able to open your garage door more easily, and more quickly. If it is, then an electric roller shutter door could be exactly what you need. It will roll up much more quickly and with minimal effort.

Buying a new garage door? Want to enhance your existing garage door? Electric door openers are the perfect option. They will offer you a touch of luxury, allowing you to open your garage door without even having to leave the comfort of your home or your car. Many customers choose to install electric garage door openers rather than installing a brand new garage door. If there is nothing wrong with your existing garage door, then this can be a beneficial, cost-effective option for you.

How much work does it take to fit a garage door opener? Can I do it myself?

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you might be able to fit a garage door opener yourself. It isn’t too complex a process, but do bear in mind you will be working with electricity and that if you are at all unsure, it’s better to ask a professional to do it. They can ensure your garage door opener is fitted safely and accurately – remember it will need to be fitted properly or you could void your warranty.

How much wil...
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