Electric Gate Installation in Eastbourne

Automated electric gates provide security, convenience, and enhanced kerb appeal to your property. D J Fox Electrical designs and installs professional electric gate systems for residential driveways and commercial properties across East Sussex.

With over 15 years of specialist electrical expertise, we install sliding gates, swing gates, and remote-controlled systems with full safety integration and compliance.

What We Provide

• Complete gate assessment and access planning
• Electric gate system design and selection
• Gate installation and motor mounting
• Control panel installation and programming
• Remote control pairing and configuration
• Photocell (safety beam) installation
• Keypad entry system integration
• CCTV intercom integration
• Emergency manual override provision
• Safety testing and certification
• User training and documentation
• Maintenance and support contracts

Why Choose D J Fox Electrical?

• NICEIC Approved Contractor with gate expertise
• 15+ Years Electric Gate Installation Experience
• Professional-Grade Equipment with Warranties
• Safety-First Approach (photocells, emergency overrides)
• Integration with Access Control & CCTV
• Proper Electrical Circuits and Protection
• 24/7 Emergency Service available
• Fully Insured and Certified

Gate System Types

Sliding Gate Systems

Popular for modern installations:

• Operation: Gate slides horizontally across driveway
• Space: Requires space equal to gate width (no swing space needed)
• Ideal for: Limited space, modern aesthetic, high security
• Motor Type: Linear actuator (belt or chain drive)
• Installation: 1-2 days typical
• Cost: £2,500-6,000 typical (gates + installation)

Swing Gate Systems

Traditional option for established properties:

• Operation: Gate(s) swing inward or outward on hinges
• Space: Requires clear swing area (minimal if pillar-mounted)
• Ideal for: Residential driveways, established properties
• Motor Type: Swing arm actuators (2 motors for double gates)
• Installation: 1 day typical
• Cost: £2,000-5,000 typical

Comparison:

Factor	Sliding	Swing
Space Required	Equal to gate width	Gate width swing area
Maintenance	Requires track cleaning	Lower maintenance
Cost	Slightly higher	Slightly lower
Aesthetic	Modern	Traditional
Reliability	Very reliable	Very reliable

Control Systems

Remote Control Access

Wireless operation:

• Handheld remote fob (range: 50-100+ metres)
• Vehicles can open gate automatically
• Multiple users with separate codes
• Battery-powered (typical life: 2-3 years)
• Backup manual operation if batteries fail

Keypad Entry

PIN code entry:

• Visitor or delivery access without remote
• Time-limited codes possible
• Audit trail of entries
• Suitable for commercial properties
• Integration with intercom systems

Photocells (Safety Beams)

Automatic obstacle detection:

• Infrared beam across gate path
• Automatically stops/reverses gate if beam broken
• Essential safety feature (required for compliance)
• Protects against accidental injury
• Installed on both sides of gate

Intercom Integration

Two-way communication:

• Visitor announcement capability
• Remote gate opening from inside property
• Video intercom options (see visitor on camera)
• Voice communication feature
• Integration with CCTV systems

Access Control Integration

Professional systems:

• Integration with keycard or fob access control
• Automated access logs (who opened gate, when)
• Integration with alarm systems
• Unified security system management
• Commercial properties benefit most

Sliding Gate Installation

Components:

1. Motor & Control Panel - Linear motor with control electronics
2. Track System - Heavy-duty aluminum or steel track
3. Rollers & Guides - Support gate on track, reduce friction
4. Safety Photocells - Prevent gate operation if beam blocked
5. Remote Control & Batteries - Wireless operation capability
6. Emergency Manual Release - Manual operation if power lost
7. Post/Pillar Mounted - Usually on entrance pillar(s)

Installation Process:

1. Site assessment and track route planning
2. Prepare posts/pillars for mounting
3. Install track system (horizontal)
4. Mount motor and control panel
5. Hang gate on track and rollers
6. Adjust gate alignment and operation
7. Install photocells and test operation
8. Configure remote controls and access systems
9. Install emergency override mechanism
10. Full safety testing and certification

Typical Timeframe: 1-2 days for standard installation

Swing Gate Installation

Components:

1. Swing Arm Motors - Typically 2 for double gates (1 for single)
2. Control Panel - Manages motor operation
3. Hinges & Pillars - Support gate weight (heavy-duty required)
4. Safety Photocells - Stop gate if obstacle detected
5. Leaf Guides - Ensure proper alignment
6. Remote Control - Wireless opening capability
7. Emergency Manual Release - Manual operation backup

Installation Process:

1. Assess existing gate structure
2. Upgrade hinges and pillars if necessary
3. Install swing arm motors
4. Install control panel and power supply
5. Mount safety photocells
6. Configure and test operation
7. Pair remote controls
8. Set opening/closing speeds and delays
9. Install emergency override
10. Safety testing and certification

Typical Timeframe: 1 day for standard installation

Electrical Requirements

Each electric gate installation requires:

Power Supply:

• 230V single-phase supply to control panel
• 10A circuit recommended (smaller may be acceptable)
• Dedicated circuit breaker protection
• RCD protection for safety
• Location: typically in entrance pillar or nearby

Battery Backup:

• Ensures gate operation if power fails (typically 12V DC)
• Allows several open/close cycles without mains power
• Standard feature on most systems
• Battery replacement needed every 3-5 years

Emergency Manual Operation:

• Manual release mechanism to open gate without power
• Allows property exit if electrical failure
• Important safety feature
• Typically located on control panel

Installation Cost:

• Electrical circuit: £300-500
• Power supply to pillar: £200-400
• Total electrical: £500-900

Safety Features & Compliance

Photocell Safety Beams

Most important safety feature:

• Automatically stops gate if beam blocked
• Prevents injury to people caught in gate path
• Infrared beam across opening
• Installed on both sides
• BS EN 12453 compliant

Emergency Manual Override

Required by regulations:

• Manual release lever or key
• Allows gate opening without power
• Located on control panel
• Clearly labelled for emergency use
• Critical for fire safety compliance

Auto-Close Function

Time-based security:

• Gates automatically close after set time (typically 10-30 seconds)
• Prevents unauthorized access
• Audible warning before closing
• Essential security feature

Audible/Visual Warning

Legal requirement:

• Audible alarm before gate operation
• Visual light/beacon flashing
• Warns of impending gate movement
• Prevents accidental injury

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Optional backup power:

• Ensures gate operation during power cuts
• Typically 12V battery backup
• Allows multiple cycles per charge
• Peace of mind for emergencies

Typical Installation Costs

Sliding Gate System:

• Gate & motor: £2,000-4,000
• Installation labour: £800-1,200
• Electrical work: £500-900
• Remote controls & access: £300-500
• Safety systems: £200-400
• Total: £3,800-7,000

Swing Gate System:

• Gates & motors (2): £1,500-3,500
• Installation labour: £600-1,000
• Electrical work: £400-700
• Remote controls: £200-400
• Safety systems: £150-300
• Total: £2,850-5,900

Additional Options:

• Video intercom: +£800-1,500
• Keypad access: +£300-500
• Access control integration: +£500-1,000
• CCTV integration: +£400-800

Costs vary based on gate size, system complexity, and site conditions.

Service Coverage

Available across Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham, and all surrounding East Sussex locations within a 25-mile radius.

Related Services

• Access Control Systems - integrated access management
• CCTV Installation - surveillance system integration
• Security Lighting Installation - lighting around gates
• Additional Circuits - dedicated power supply

Compliance & Standards

All gate installations comply with:

• BS EN 12453 - safety of automatic doors and gates
• BS EN 12445 - test procedures for safety of automatic gates
• Building Regulations Part K - access and safety
• Health & Safety Act - workplace safety (commercial)
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC - equipment safety

We ensure all installations meet or exceed these standards.

Maintenance & Support

Regular maintenance keeps systems reliable:

Annual Service:

• Full system inspection and testing
• Photocell alignment verification
• Motor and mechanism lubrication
• Safety function testing
• Control panel diagnostics
• Cost: typically £100-200/year

Repairs & Spares:

• Emergency repair service (24/7 available)
• Motor replacement and repair
• Control panel issues
• Battery replacement (£50-150 typical)
• Remote control replacements (£30-60 each)

Extended Warranties:

Available for additional peace of mind and protection.

Get a Free Consultation

Contact D J Fox Electrical for electric gate assessment and system design.

Phone: Call for gate consultation Email: Submit property details Online Form: Request site survey Emergency: 24/7 support available

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D J Fox Electrical Ltd NICEIC Approved Contractor Gate Automation Specialist Serving Eastbourne & East Sussex since 2009