Swing Gate Automation in Southampton and Hampshire

Swing gates are the most common driveway gates in the country, and for good reason. They suit most entrances, look right on period and modern homes alike, and work well with automation when they're set up properly. We automate swing gates across Southampton and Hampshire, as well as Dorset, Surrey and Berkshire, whether that's a new pair of gates we've made or gates you already have.

How swing gate automation works

An automated swing gate has a motor fitted between the gate and its post or pier. When the control panel tells it to, the motor pushes or pulls the gate open and closed on its hinges. The control panel handles the timing, the speed, how far the gate travels and what happens when a safety device is triggered.

On double gates we fit one motor per gate. Each leaf is driven and controlled on its own, and the panel sets them to open and close in the right order so they meet neatly in the middle.

Types of swing gate motor

There are two main styles, and the right one depends on your gates and your entrance.

Above-ground arm motors fit on the inside of the gate and post. They're easy to reach for servicing and suit a wide range of gates and posts.

Underground motors sit in a box beneath the hinge, out of sight. They keep the look of the gates clean, which suits some properties, but they need good drainage, because standing water is a common cause of faults.

We'll recommend the type that suits the gate weight, the post size, the ground and the look you want.

Opening inwards or outwards

Most swing gates open inwards, onto your driveway. That works well where the drive is level or falls away from the gate. If the drive rises behind the gate, an inward-opening gate may hit the ground before it's fully open. In that case we can look at outward-opening gates, which need space and must not swing over a public footpath or road, or at a sliding or cantilever gate instead. Our guide to sliding vs swing gates covers this.

What we check before automating

Whether the gates are new or existing, we look at:

• The gates themselves. They should be straight, solid and swing freely by hand. Gates that drag or sag will strain a motor.
• Posts and piers. They need to be strong enough to carry the gate and the motor. Brick piers sometimes need reinforcing.
• Hinges. Worn or undersized hinges are a common cause of trouble.
• Hinge gaps and finger traps. The gap at the hinge side must be safe, and gaps in the gate design must not trap hands.
• Space and slope. The gate needs clear room to open without hitting cars, walls or kerbs.
• Power. Can a cable be run, or would a solar-powered gate suit? Our site survey is free, and we will check this for you.

If your existing gates aren't suitable, we'll tell you honestly. We make our own steel gates, so we can design a new pair with the right hinge positions, motor mounting points and gap sizes built in from the start.

Safety on swing gates

Swing gates have particular danger zones: the closing edge, where the two gates meet; the hinge side; and the area the gate sweeps through as it opens, where someone could be pinned against a wall or car.

We protect these with photocells and safety edges. Photocells are non-contact sensors that stop or reverse the gate when something breaks the beam. Safety edges are contact devices that stop or reverse the gate if they touch something. Most gates use both, because they protect different zones.

Every installation is force tested before handover, and force testing is repeated on every service and safety check.

Opening the gate: access control

Choose how you and your visitors get in: remote handsets, keypads, intercoms, GSM units that let you open the gate from your phone, or loops that open it as you drive out. See our guide to gate intercoms and access control.

Handover and aftercare

At handover we show you how everything works, including how to open the gates by hand in a power cut. You get an O&M manual, the force-test readouts and a settings book kept in the control panel.

Swing gates should be serviced at least every six months, so the hinges, motors and safety devices stay in good order. Our maintenance contracts are tailored to each site.

Frequently asked questions

Can my existing swing gates be automated? Often, yes, if they're in good condition, swing freely and are hung on strong posts. We'll check at a survey.

Do double swing gates need two motors? Yes. Double gates have one motor per gate.

Are underground motors better than arm motors? Neither is better in every case. Underground motors are hidden but need good drainage. Arm motors are easy to reach. We'll recommend what suits your entrance.

What if my drive slopes up behind the gate? An outward-opening gate, or a sliding or cantilever gate, may work better.

Will automated swing gates be safe for my children and pets? We fit suitable safety devices, usually both photocells and safety edges, and force test before handover.

How do I get started? Call or WhatsApp 07890 387915. Photos of your gates and posts sent by WhatsApp help us plan the survey.