How to Use Your Gate's Manual Release Safely

Power cuts, flat batteries and breakdowns happen, and when they do, an automatic gate can leave you stuck inside or outside your property. Every gate motor has a manual release (sometimes called an override or emergency release) that disconnects the motor so the gate can be moved by hand. Knowing how to use it before you need it saves stress and prevents damage.

Why you should never force a motorised gate

When the motor is engaged, the gate is locked to the gearbox. Pushing or pulling the gate without releasing the motor fights the gears directly. That can strip teeth, crack gearbox housings, bend arms and damage the rack. It can also be dangerous if something suddenly gives. If the gate will not move, assume the motor is still engaged and use the release.

Find your release before you need it

Manual releases vary by brand and model. Common types include:

• A key-operated lever or knob on the motor housing, often with a small cylinder lock
• A key that unlocks a cover, behind which is a lever or a hex socket
• A lever with a lock on swing gate ram arms
• A release under a cap on underground swing motors, sometimes needing a special key

Find the release, check you have the key, and keep it somewhere you can reach from both inside and outside the property. The motor manual will show the exact procedure. If you do not have one, a technician can show you during a service.

Before you release the gate

Take a moment to think about what the gate will do once it is free.

• Check for slope. On a sloping driveway, a sliding gate may roll downhill as soon as it is released. A swing gate may swing open or shut on its own. Stand on the uphill side of a sliding gate, never in front of it, and be ready to control it.
• Check the wind. A solid swing gate can be pushed hard by a gust once it is free.
• Clear the area. Keep children, pets and cars away from the gate path.
• Know the gate's weight. Large gates can be very heavy. Get help if needed.

If the gate is damaged, has come off its track, or is leaning, do not release it. Call a technician. A gate that has come off its rollers can fall once it is free.

Releasing a sliding gate

1. Unlock and open the release cover or lever on the motor.
2. Turn or pull the release as shown in the manual. You may feel the drive gear disengage.
3. Push the gate gently. It should move freely along its track.
4. Move it slowly, controlling it all the way. Do not let it run into its end stop.

If it is still hard to move, check the release is fully engaged. If it is free from the motor but still heavy, the track, rollers or guides may be the problem. See sliding gate track and roller repairs.

Releasing a swing gate

1. Locate the release on each motor arm, or under the cover of an underground motor.
2. Release one leaf at a time.
3. Swing the leaf slowly, keeping hold of it.
4. If there is a drop bolt or electric lock, make sure it is disengaged first.

If a swing gate is very hard to move once released, the hinges may be worn or the leaf may be dragging. See swing gate hinge and arm repairs.

Leaving the gate in manual mode

If the gate is going to stay in manual for a while, think about security. A released gate can be pushed open by anyone. If you need to keep it closed, use a padlock or chain, or close it and re-engage the motor in the closed position.

Re-engaging the motor

1. Move the gate to the position recommended in the manual. Some motors prefer to re-engage with the gate closed, others anywhere along the travel.
2. Close the release lever or turn the key back.
3. Gently push the gate a little until you feel the gears engage. The gate should then lock in place.
4. Lock the release cover.

Some motors need to relearn their limits after being released, and the first cycle may be slow or stop at an unusual point. If the gate behaves strangely after re-engaging, check the manual or call a technician.

Power and electrical safety

You do not normally need to open the control box or touch any wiring to use the manual release. Do not open a mains-powered control box. In NSW, electrical wiring work must be done by a licensed electrician.

When to call for help

• The release will not turn, or the key is missing
• The gate is still very hard to move after releasing
• The gate has come off its track or is leaning
• The gate will not re-engage or behaves strangely afterwards
• You had to use the release because of a fault, not just a blackout

In those cases, send us the details through the contact page. We pass the job to an independent local technician who can diagnose the fault. More on what they check is on the automatic gate repairs page.