What is a gate safety edge and what does it do?

See that rubber strip running along the edge of an automatic gate? It's called a safety edge, and it's one of the most important safety features on your gate. In this post we explain what a safety edge is, how it works with your gate's control panel and photocells, and the signs that it needs attention.

What is a gate safety edge?

A safety edge is a pressure-sensitive rubber strip fitted to the edges of a gate, in the places where the gate could trap or crush someone. It looks like a simple piece of rubber, but inside it's a sensor. It's there to react the moment something touches it.

How does a safety edge work?

When something presses against the safety edge, it sends a signal to the gate's control panel. The panel then stops the gate and reverses it, moving it away from whatever it has touched.

That could be a person, a child, a pet or a car. Instead of continuing to push, the gate backs off. It's a simple idea, and it's what makes it possible for a heavy, powered gate to move safely in places where people walk and drive.

Safety edges and photocells: what's the difference?

Safety edges work alongside photocells, and the two do different jobs:

• Photocells are the small sensors either side of the opening. They send an invisible beam across the gateway and detect something in the beam's path, without contact.
• Safety edges detect contact. If something is touched by the moving gate, the safety edge reacts.

Photocells can only watch the line of their beam, so safety edges help protect the areas the beam doesn't cover. If your gate won't close at all, the photocells are often the first thing to look at. Our post on why your electric gate won't close walks you through three safe checks.

Where are safety edges fitted, and why do they matter?

You'll typically find safety edges on the leading and closing edges of the gate, and around hinge or trap points, where a gap opens and closes as the gate moves.

They matter because they protect people, especially children, as well as pets and vehicles. UK guidance expects automated gates to have suitable protection against crushing, and safety edges are a key part of that.

Signs your safety edge needs attention

Keep an eye out for:

• Torn or split rubber along the strip
• Other damage, such as an edge that has been knocked, crushed or has come loose
• The gate reversing for no reason, when nothing is in its way

If you notice any of these, keep clear of the gate and call us. Please never remove a safety edge, bypass it or tape over it, and don't try to adjust or repair it yourself. A safety edge that doesn't work properly may not stop the gate when someone is in the way. If it needs fixing, our gate repairs team can help.

How we check safety edges

We test safety edges and carry out force testing on every service and every safety check. Force testing measures how hard the gate presses against anything in its way, which is something you can't judge by eye.

Our safety systems and gate health check costs £199 for one gate, plus £99 for each additional gate checked on the same visit. Gates should be serviced at least every six months, and a maintenance contract means those visits are booked for you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I tape over or disconnect a safety edge if it keeps stopping my gate?

No. A safety edge is there to stop the gate trapping or crushing someone. Removing, bypassing or taping over it is dangerous. If it's stopping the gate for no reason, call us and we'll look at it properly.

Does my gate need safety edges if it has photocells?

They do different jobs. Photocells detect something in the beam without contact, while safety edges detect contact. An engineer can check that your gate has suitable protection.

How much does a repair cost?

Call-out charges depend on your location. Repairs are quoted after an on-site assessment.

Do you cover my area?

We're based in Southampton and work across Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey and Berkshire. See areas we cover.

Worried about your safety edge?

Call 07890 387915, Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:30pm, or WhatsApp a photo or video of your gate to the same number. You can also contact us online.

Out-of-hours emergency call-outs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Extra charges apply outside normal hours.