Electric gates form a core part of modern property security and access management. The questions below address key considerations around electric gates and associated systems, including barriers, bollards, intercoms and school gate installations.
Access Control and Intercom Systems
What is an intercom system?
Intercom systems allow communication with visitors before granting access. Video and audio intercoms are commonly used with gates, barriers and pedestrian entrances.
Can intercoms be used with smartphones?
Yes. Many modern intercom systems allow remote access and monitoring via smartphone applications, enabling users to manage entry from anywhere.
What access control systems are available?
Access control options include keypads, proximity cards, fobs, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), GSM controls and managed cloud platforms.
Can access control systems integrate with electric gates and barriers?
Yes. Our systems integrate directly with electric gates, automatic barriers and intercom systems.
Do access control systems require ongoing maintenance?
Yes. Regular inspection and servicing are essential to maintain security, reliability and compliance.
Do you work on systems installed by other companies?
Yes. We routinely repair, upgrade and maintain existing access control systems.
Which access control brands do you support?
We work with established manufacturers including Paxton, Videx, BPT, AES, Hikvision and Comelit.
Automatic Barriers and Rising Bollards
What are automatic barriers used for?
Automatic barriers are commonly specified for car parks, logistics facilities, commercial premises and controlled access roads. They provide fast vehicle access control and integrate with systems such as ANPR, intercoms and keypads.
What are automated rising bollards used for?
Automated rising bollards control vehicle access and provide discreet security for private estates, commercial sites and sensitive locations. They are often used for perimeter security and traffic management.
Are barriers and bollards suitable for residential properties?
Yes. Rising bollards and barriers are increasingly specified for premium residential driveways, private estates and managed developments where discreet vehicle control is required.
Are automatic barriers suitable for public car parks?
Yes. Barriers are widely used in public and private car parks and include safety systems to protect vehicles and pedestrians.
Can barriers integrate with existing access control systems?
Yes. New barriers can be integrated with most access control systems, including GSM, fob readers and ANPR solutions.
Do you provide servicing and repairs?
Yes. We offer planned maintenance contracts and responsive call-outs.
How long do automatic vehicle barriers last?
With correct specification, installation and regular servicing, barrier systems can provide reliable operation for many years.
Electric Gates
How much does an electric gate cost?
The cost of electric gates varies considerably because every property, entrance and installation is unique. Factors such as the type and size of the gates, automation equipment, ground conditions, electrical works, access control systems and required safety features all influence the final cost. As a guide, homeowners considering a completely new, professionally designed and installed electric gate system should typically budget from around £10,000, with larger or more bespoke projects costing significantly more. At Premier Gate Automation, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pricing or unrealistic online estimates. Every system is designed around your property’s specific requirements to ensure it is safe, reliable and built to last. Following a detailed site survey, we’ll provide a transparent quotation and expert advice, helping you choose the most suitable solution for your budget without compromising on quality, compliance or long-term performance.
How long will residential electric gates last?
With correct maintenance, aluminium and steel gates can last 20 years or more. Timber gates require periodic refinishing.
What is an electric gate system?
An electric gate system combines a physical gate with automation equipment, safety devices and access control technology to provide controlled vehicle and pedestrian entry.
Are electric gates safe?
Electric gates are safe when correctly designed, installed and maintained in line with UK legislation and recognised industry guidance. Compliant systems incorporate appropriate mechanical design, safeguarding measures and safety devices, supported by risk assessment and ongoing maintenance.
Do electric gates require planning permission in the UK?
In many cases, electric gates do not require planning permission if height and boundary regulations are met. Listed buildings, conservation areas and certain boundary conditions may require approval. Professional advice should be sought before installation.
Electric Gates at Schools
Can installation work be carried out without disrupting the school day?
Yes. We understand the challenges of working within live education environments. Wherever practical, installations are scheduled during school holidays, weekends or outside teaching hours. Our engineers carefully plan each project to maintain safe access for pupils, staff and visitors while keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.
Can you maintain and repair school gate systems installed by other companies?
Yes. We maintain and repair automated school gates regardless of who originally installed them. Our engineers support schools with planned maintenance, emergency breakdowns, safety inspections, force testing and system upgrades, helping keep entrances safe, reliable and operational throughout the year.
Can Premier Gate’s upgrade our existing school gates?
Yes. Many existing school gate systems can be upgraded rather than replaced. We regularly modernise ageing automation equipment, install additional safety devices, improve access control, replace obsolete control panels and upgrade systems to improve reliability and extend their service life. Where replacement is the safer or more cost-effective option, we’ll explain why and provide clear recommendations.
What safety features should an automated school gate include?
Every school gate system should be individually risk assessed, as the appropriate safety measures will depend on how the entrance is used, the volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and the surrounding environment.
At Premier Gate Automation, we design systems using appropriate safety devices such as monitored safety edges, photocells, obstacle detection, force limitation and emergency release mechanisms where required. Every installation is professionally commissioned, safety tested and supplied with comprehensive handover documentation in accordance with current UK powered gate safety guidance.
Are automated school gates a legal requirement?
No. There is no general legal requirement for schools to install automated gates. However, many primary schools, secondary schools, academies and colleges choose to install them to improve safeguarding, manage vehicle and pedestrian access, control visitor entry and enhance overall site security.
Every education site operates differently. Following a site survey, we can recommend whether automated gates, barriers or controlled access systems are appropriate for your school’s operational and safeguarding requirements.
What are school gate systems?
School gate systems include electric gates, pedestrian gates, barriers and controlled access systems designed to support safeguarding, site management and controlled entry.
Are school gates subject to specific safety requirements?
Yes. School gate systems are safety-critical installations and must be designed, installed and maintained in line with UK legislation and recognised safeguarding guidance.
Garage Doors and Automated Doors
Do you install automated garage doors?
Automated garage doors provide secure and convenient access for residential and commercial properties. Systems can be integrated with remote controls, access control platforms and smart home systems.
Can garage doors integrate with electric gate systems?
Yes. Garage doors can be integrated with gate automation and access control systems to provide a unified entry and security solution.
Gate Installations
How long does it take to install an electric gate or access system?
Installation times vary depending on design, civil works and system complexity. Bespoke and commercial systems typically require longer installation programmes than standard residential systems.
Can existing manual gates be automated?
In many cases, existing gates can be automated, subject to structural suitability and compliance requirements. Some gates may require modification or replacement to meet safety standards.
Gate Maintenance & Repairs
Do electric gates and barriers require regular servicing?
Yes. Regular servicing is required to ensure safety, reliability and compliance. Service frequency depends on usage levels, environment and risk profile.
What should I do if my gate or barrier stops working?
If safe to do so, isolate the system and contact a qualified engineer. Do not attempt to repair or modify the system yourself.
Do electric gates need regular servicing?
Yes. Electric gates should be serviced regularly to ensure safe operation, reliability and compliance with UK safety legislation. Service frequency depends on usage and risk level.
What should I do if my electric gate fails?
If safe to do so, isolate the system and contact a qualified gate engineer. Do not attempt to modify or repair the system yourself.
Can I manually open my electric gate during a power cut?
Yes. Every electric gate installed by Premier Gate Automation is fitted with a manual release mechanism, allowing the gate to be opened if there is a power cut or equipment fault.
To use it, you will normally need the manual release key supplied with your system.
If you’ve lost your release key, are unsure how to operate the manual release, or the gate still won’t open, our engineers can assist. We can also supply replacement release keys for many gate automation systems and provide guidance over the phone where possible.
Gate Safety and Legal Responsibilities
What safety features should an automated school gate include?
Every school gate system should be individually risk assessed, as the appropriate safety measures will depend on how the entrance is used, the volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and the surrounding environment.
At Premier Gate Automation, we design systems using appropriate safety devices such as monitored safety edges, photocells, obstacle detection, force limitation and emergency release mechanisms where required. Every installation is professionally commissioned, safety tested and supplied with comprehensive handover documentation in accordance with current UK powered gate safety guidance.
Who is responsible for electric gate safety?
The owner or duty holder is responsible for ensuring the system remains safe and maintained. This applies to homeowners, landlords, managing agents and commercial organisations.
What legislation applies to electric gates and barriers?
Electric gates and barriers are classed as machinery and fall under UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Supply of Machinery Regulations. Industry guidance from the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and Gate Safe also applies.
Are electric gates safe for children and pets?
Electric gates are safe when correctly designed, installed and maintained. Children should never play near gates and safety devices must be kept operational.
Round the Corner Gates
What are round the corner (RTC) electric gates?
Round the corner gates are specialist sliding gate systems that follow a curved or non-linear path. They are specified where space is restricted or where entrances require a bespoke architectural solution.
What are bi-folding and telescopic gates?
Bi-folding gates fold in sections to reduce space requirements, while telescopic gates use multiple leaves to reduce run-back space. These systems are commonly specified for restricted entrances and architectural projects.
What is a cantilever sliding gate?
Cantilever gates operate without a ground track and are supported by structural posts and counterbalance. They are commonly used for commercial, industrial and high-security environments where ground tracks are impractical.
