How Often Should Electric Gates Be Serviced?

Most electric gates should be professionally serviced at least once a year. Gates exposed to heavy use or harsh weather usually need servicing every six months. With this frequent servicing, motors, safety sensors and moving parts are kept in optimal condition for safe and reliable gate operation. Furthermore, breakdowns and expensive repairs are minimised as your gates last longer.

Whether you’ve added a gate to your driveway or need one to control access at your commercial site, consistent maintenance is essential. In this guide, we explain when servicing is needed, what it includes and why it is so important.

Quick summary:

• Residential electric gates should be serviced every 12 months
• Commercial or high-traffic gates should be serviced every six months at least
• Servicing is essential to maintain the performance of motors, safety sensors and moving parts that typically wear over time
• Commercial and communal gates carry maintenance duties under UK health and safety law
• Book a service if you notice slow movement, unusual noises or unresponsive controls

Recommended electric gate service intervals

There is no single figure that suits every property. Usage and location affect wear, but as a general rule, the intervals below reflect what many installers and manufacturers will recommend.

Type of use	Typical example	Recommended service interval
Light residential	Single-family driveway gate	Every 12 months
Light commercial/shared residential	Small office, gated development	Every 6-12 months
Heavy or high-traffic	Industrial site, logistics, schools, busy entrances	Every 6 months (sometimes more often)
Harsh environments	Coastal, exposed or roadside locations	Every 6 months

In some cases, these intervals can become even shorter. If, for example, the gate is used multiple times a day, the wear on it is considerable compared to a gate that may only cycle once or twice a day. Furthermore, where gates are installed in muddy areas, close to the sea or in locations prone to heavy rain, corrosion and the clogging of mechanisms are more likely. Finally, if a gate failure compromises safety, many businesses will decide on a quarterly service schedule rather than a twice-a-year inspection.

Do electric gates need servicing?

Yes. Electric gates have mechanical parts, electrical motors and safety systems that could all degrade if not maintained. Without regular servicing, even the smallest problems such as a worn hinge can develop into something significant that may cost a lot to repair or present a significant safety risk.

Three good reasons not to skip your electric gate servicing include:

• Safety: The most important reason to have your electric gate serviced. Photocells, safety edges and force limits are what stop a gate from closing on a person or vehicle. Regular servicing will check that these features all work correctly.
• Reliability: Spotting a worn part early is far cheaper than replacing a failed motor or control board after an unexpected breakdown.
• Longevity: Lubrication, alignment checks and cleaning all extend the working life of the system.

Legal responsibilities

Powered gates are classed as machinery in the UK, and this brings legal duties, particularly for commercial and communal sites. New gates must be designed and installed to meet the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which bring the European Machinery Directive into UK law. For workplaces and shared premises, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 place a duty on owners and occupiers to keep gates maintained and safe for everyone who uses them.

In practice, this means a documented risk-based maintenance schedule is not just a good idea, but often a legal expectation for commercial gates. Recognised industry guidance, such as that published by the safety charity Gate Safe, sets out the best practice for safe installation and maintenance. As a Gate Safe approved installer, we work to these standards at all times.

(Regulations and standards are often reviewed and changed, so the above should only be used as a general guide. For full compliance, speak to Harrier Gates, professional gate installers across Surrey and West Sussex.)

How to service electric gates

Servicing your electric gates is split into two parts. The upkeep you can safely do yourself, and the technical inspection that should be left to a qualified engineer.

Electric gate maintenance you can do yourself

Simple, regular attention between professional servicing will go some way to keeping your electric gates in good condition and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

• Keep the gate clear: Remove twigs, stones, leaves and debris from the tracks and hinge points. Trim back any overhanging branches or other vegetation.
• Clean gently: Wipe the gate down, remembering to keep the motor clear of dust and dirt. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any debris. Rain can turn dust into grime very quickly, and untreated, this can lead to faltering parts.
• Watch and listen: Listen for unusual noises from the gate. Check for a slower movement or a hesitation in the gate too. These are early warning signs that there could be a fault that needs addressing.

Avoid over-lubricating or opening up the motor or control box yourself. Too much lubricant attracts dust and dirt, and the electrical parts of the gate should only ever be handled by a professional.

Electric gate maintenance that needs a professional

Electrical and safety-critical checks require a qualified engineer with the right knowledge and tools. From testing safety sensors and force limits to inspecting wiring for corrosion and confirming the system meets current safety requirements, professional servicing ensures your gate is safe and functioning. Professional servicing also comes with a record of work, a useful piece of evidence for compliance and reassuring potential buyers or tenants.

You can book professional electric gate servicing and repairs with our team. We cover Surrey and West Sussex and are only a call away.

What a professional service includes

A proper service and inspection of your electric gate goes well beyond a brief assessment. A qualified engineer will look at both the mechanical and electrical systems of the gate.

Mechanical checks:

• Hinges, brackets, arms, rollers and tracks inspected for wear
• Gate alignment tested so it closes correctly without straining the motor
• Moving parts lubricated where needed
• Signs of rust or damage treated or flagged

Electrical and safety checks

• Motor performance measured for smooth opening and closing
• Control board, wiring and remotes tested for faults
• Photocells, safety edges and force limits checked and confirmed working
• Manual release mechanism tested for use during a power cut

The engineer should leave you with a clear picture of the gates' condition and highlight any repairs before they become urgent. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than an emergency call-out.

Signs your electric gate needs attention

Holding off until the 6- or 12-month window approaches isn’t a good idea if certain issues with your gate arise. If you notice any of the following, book a service sooner rather than later.

• Slower opening or closing than normal
• Unusual noises such as grinding, squeaking or clicking
• Remotes or keypads responding intermittently
• The gate stopping mid-cycle or reversing unexpectedly
• Jerky or uneven movement
• Visible rust, cracked welds or worn tracks

Most of these issues point to strain, misalignment or a developing sensor fault. Addressing them quickly prevents a small issue from turning into a costly one. Our guide on common electric gate faults and how to prevent them dives into the detail a little further.

Keep your gates running safely

Regular servicing is the simplest way to protect the security, safety and value that electric gates bring to your property. Whether you need a one-off inspection or an ongoing maintenance schedule, our electric gate servicing team looks after homes and businesses across Surrey and West Sussex. Contact us today to arrange your service or new installation.

Electric gate servicing FAQs

How often should electric gates be serviced?

Most residential electric gates should be serviced once a year. Commercial or high-traffic gates, or those exposed to harsh conditions, usually need servicing every six months.

Can I service my electric gate myself?

You can safely handle routine upkeep, such as cleaning and clearing debris; however, electrical checks should only be conducted by a qualified professional.

Is servicing a legal requirement?

For commercial and communal sites, owners and occupiers have a duty to keep powered gates maintained and safe under UK health and safety law. For domestic gates, it is strongly recommended rather than mandatory, though safety obligations still apply.

What happens if I don’t service my electric gates?

Small faults that are ignored can develop into bigger problems that cost more to repair and may present additional functional and safety risks.