What Do Most Installers Get Wrong When Installing Automatic Gates?
What Do Most Installers Get Wrong When Installing Automatic Gates?
There are plenty of installers. But far fewer who don’t just wire things up — they actually think. At first glance, an automatic gate seems simple: motor, rack, control unit, power supply — done. But in practice, the fact that it works doesn’t necessarily mean it’s been done properly. Here are some mistakes that even experienced installers tend to make.
1. Failing to Accurately Assess Gate Weight and Usage Frequency
This is probably the most common mistake. Many installers choose a motor based on a quick glance: “this one should handle it.” But even two gates weighing 350 kg can be vastly different if one is opened once a day and the other thirty times. A motor doesn’t wear out only because of weight — it also wears out because of cycle count. When a motor is overloaded, it heats up more quickly, operates more noisily, and sooner or later starts showing faults. And that’s not a manufacturing defect — it’s a selection mistake.
2. Using the Wrong Rack Type
It matters whether the rack is plastic or steel — and which specific type is used. Plastic racks are quieter, corrosion-resistant, and easier to install. However, under industrial or frequent-use conditions, they wear out or break quickly. Steel racks handle heavy loads much better, but without proper surface treatment they will corrode over time, especially outdoors. A common mistake is failing to match the rack type to the site conditions and usage patterns. The result: premature replacement — and, of course, complaints.
3. Not Installing Photocells Where They’re Needed
Photocells aren’t just optional safety accessories — in some cases, regulations require them. Regardless of legal requirements, properly installed photocells protect people, animals, and vehicles. A moving gate can cause serious injury if there’s no sensor to stop it. There have been many cases where a gate reversed into a car simply because no obstacle detection was installed. Despite this, some installers “forget” to mount them, or install only one pair in the wrong position. This isn’t an area to cut costs — it’s an area to think ahead.
4. Skipping Soft Start/Soft Stop Configuration
Many control units support deceleration before reaching the end position, but this feature is often left disabled. Yet it can significantly extend the system’s service life. Soft deceleration reduces mechanical stress, prevents jerky stops, and avoids slamming the lock. The motor, the gate, and the entire structure last longer when they don’t have to stop suddenly from full speed. The mistake is that many installers see this as a waste of time — even though repeat service visits cost far more time in the long run.
5. Not Testing the System Thoroughly
It’s not enough that the gate opens and closes once. After a proper installation, every function should be checked. Test whether it responds to the photocell. See how it behaves after a power outage and restart. Confirm it closes properly. Check whether it reopens when an obstacle is detected. Listen to how it sounds during operation. These aren’t complicated tasks — they just take time. Those who skip them will have the customer reporting the problems later, and those issues can’t be fixed with a quick on-site glance.
6. No Proper Documentation Left with the Customer
It may seem like a small detail, but it’s becoming increasingly important. A short, easy-to-understand guide — or at least access to the control unit’s manual — can make a big difference. The customer may not be an expert, but if they want to adjust something or a fault occurs, they won’t have to call the installer immediately. This saves time for both sides. Installers are often called back simply because the customer doesn’t know what to do after a simple LED indicator starts blinking.
7. They Don’t Prepare the Customer for Maintenance
No matter how good a system is, it still needs occasional maintenance. A few drops of lubricant, some cleaning, a quick tension check — that’s often all it takes. But if this isn’t explained during installation, the customer may assume the system will last “forever and a day” without any care. An installer’s job isn’t just wiring the system — it’s also passing on a basic mindset: this equipment needs attention. Even if it’s only once a year. If this step is skipped, when the first issue appears, the system won’t be blamed — the installer will.
An automatic gate system isn’t rocket science. But there’s a level where the difference between “it works” and “it works properly — and will keep working properly for years” is no longer about price, but expertise. Professionals pay attention to these details. That’s why they’re the ones customers call back — not someone else.