Maintenance of the automatic gate

Like all new purchases designed to simplify our lives and make it easier to get around and do things, the installation of a gate, door, garage door or automatic up-and-over door makes us feel like we have solved a problem!

In this case, nothing seems more true! Automation systems fitted on doors and gates are very practical, but after the initial euphoria, it is important to avoid that feeling of disorientation aptly summed up by the expression: “Great!! So now what?”

Once our gate has been properly installed by experts, we must make sure that the situation is always under control and that we know exactly what to do in order to keep our automated system in perfect working order.

One thing we must always keep in mind is that safety is the first criterion we must satisfy!
It is worthwhile underlining that children often who face the greatest risk and can fall victim to accidents caused by malfunctions or damages to the automation systems, as the many reports in news accounts unfortunately show.

When to get in touch with customer support

To avert any such danger, we provide some basic guidelines on how to keep your automated gates, doors or sliding garage doors safe. We will explain all the main aspects, including the main checks that must be carried out and who should perform them.

Basically this is a practical guide to help you find your way around the tricky world of gates, doors and automatic garage doors.

So, let’s begin by looking at who can do what and how.

– For obvious safety reasons, the private user (who normally lacks specific expertise) should not try to work on the appliance.

Private individuals must adhere to the instructions provided by the installer and play an important part as they must promptly report any case of non-conformity, poor functioning or hindrances that may limit in any way the normal opening and closing operations. The emphasis here is on the word promptly. It is important to intervene before the situation deteriorates or the problem gets worse.

– Now let’s consider the role of the installer.

First of all, it must be pointed out that all preventive maintenance work must be carried out by specialised technicians so as to avoid any risk of dangerous accidents.

The regulations governing the installation and maintenance of automatic gates are set out in Directive 2006/42/EC, also known as the “Machinery Directive”. Under this Directive, automatic gates are likened to machinery, which is why they are subject to a series of safety and maintenance rules to ensure their efficient operation.

The Machinery Directive specifies that maintenance work on automatic gates must be carried out on a yearly basis and that the firm in charge of the work must provide compulsory certification by attaching a label on the piece of equipment after a check.

Therefore, the CE declaration of conformity protects the owner of the automatic gate and guarantees that the work has been carried out in accordance with the law.

The firm that installs and maintains the automation system must provide a document that contains:

– the CE declaration of conformity;
– the wiring diagram of the gate;
– a drawing of the entire system;
– instructions on how to use the automation device properly;
– a technical installation and maintenance manual;
– a declaration of conformity for the single components;
– a maintenance logbook for recording all interventions carried out on the machine.

Overview of routine maintenance of automatic gates

Now that we have introduced the regulations, let’s go into more detail and see what maintenance work an installer/maintenance technician must complete in order to guarantee the utmost efficiency and safety standards for the automation system.

Preventive maintenance must be carried out both on the mechanical structure and the electronic part.

Checks on the mechanical structure include:

– Making sure that the hinges are well lubricated and stable, so that the opening and closing mechanism works smoothly.

– Inspecting all the mechanisms that move the gate or door: there must be no signs of wear, rust or dirt. It is advisable to regularly clean the brackets and pistons in order to remove any dust, leaves and insects.

– After the structure has been cleaned, all the mechanisms and moving parts should be well lubricated.

Before doing that, always make sure that the motor is switched off!

As far as the electronic parts are concerned, the checks by the maintenance technician must primarily focus on the photocells, to make sure that they work properly.
To this aim, a brush could be used to remove dirt, leaves or insects that might reduce the sensitivity of photocells. The same goes for their supports.

On the other hand, the surface of the photocell glass must be gently wiped clean with a cloth.

Another important aspect that will improve safety is the use of safety edges in order to avoid crushing.

These safety edges can be installed on both the moving parts and the fixed parts of the automatic gate and, as with all the other components, must be regularly cleaned and checked.

To sum up, the most important role in the maintenance process of a smoothly-working and perfectly safe automation system for gates is played by the user who should always promptly report any anomalies in the device’s operation.

Routine maintenance carried out at regular intervals by expert maintenance technicians, along with the use of LIFE motors designed for satisfying the highest standards in terms of safety, resistance and durability, guarantees a hassle-free automatic opening and closing system for absolute comfort and practicality.