Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can open an electric gate by hand. Nearly every gate opener from DoorKing, Nice, Viking, FAAC and HySecurity has a manual release for power outages and motor failures.
- Always turn the power off first, then use the manual release. Never force a gate while the motor is still engaged.
- Where the release is and how it works depends on the type of gate: slide, swing, underground or barrier arm.
- Put the opener back in gear and test it before you trust it again.
I'm a Houston native, and I've been through more hurricanes and power outages than I can count. Whenever the power goes out, someone seems to end up stuck on the wrong side of their gate. So here's the good news: yes, you can open an electric gate by hand. Quality gate openers include a manual release that disconnects the motor, letting you move the gate yourself. The steps are much the same for most gates: make sure it has stopped, turn off the power, use the release, and move the gate slowly.
Quick steps
- Wait for the gate to stop moving completely.
- Turn off power at the opener's disconnect switch or circuit breaker. If the opener uses solar power or battery backup, disconnect the battery as well.
- Locate the manual release on the operator or arm.
- Insert the release key or move the release lever to disengage the motor.
- Open the gate slowly and steadily by pushing or pulling it. Stop if it binds.
- Once power is restored, re-engage the release, gently push the gate to help the gears engage, restore power, and test the gate.
Safety first!
An automatic gate can weigh hundreds or, in some cases, thousands of pounds. Before attempting to move any gate manually:
- Keep children and pets well away from the gate.
- Turn off the power, even if you believe the outage has already disabled it. Power may be restored without warning, causing the gate to move.
- Do not stand between the gate and a post, wall, or fence along which it slides.
- Do not attempt to force the gate while the motor remains engaged. Doing so may strip the gears and damage the operator.
How to open each type of gate
Sliding gates
A sliding gate operator is positioned beside the gate and moves it using a chain or rack-and-pinion mechanism. The manual release is located on the operator itself, typically behind a keyed cover or in the form of a handle or knob. Once released, the gate can be moved by hand along the track. If it remains difficult to move, check for obstructions in the track.
Swing gates with actuator arms
Actuator arms extend from the post to the gate. Most swing gate opener models have a keyed release located on the arm. Turn the key to disengage the motor, then swing the gate by hand. On some older models, the arm must be unpinned from the gate bracket.
Pad-mounted swing operators
A pad-mounted operator is installed on a concrete pad and moves the gate using a jointed arm. The release is located on the operator, typically as a lever or a key-operated mechanism beneath the cover.
Underground swing operators
Underground operators are installed in a box beneath the gate hinge. The release is typically accessed using a special key inserted through the top of the box. Keep the key in a readily accessible location so it can be found during a power outage, including in low-light conditions.
Hydraulic operators
Hydraulic operators, including many FAAC and HySecurity gate opener models, use a release valve that allows hydraulic fluid to bypass the pump, letting the gate move. Open the valve as described in your manual, then close it again before returning the opener to service. If these "bypass" systems haven't been used for a long time, the valve may be more difficult than usual to operate. Be patient and apply pressure gradually to avoid damaging the release knob or key.
Barrier arm gates
Barrier gates usually have a release or a hand crank on the cabinet. Once released, you can raise the arm by hand. Make sure it's secured in the up position so it can't come down on a car.
If you're stuck on the outside
If the gate is closed and you're outside the property, look for an emergency release key, a lockbox, or a keypad that may still work on models with battery backup. Many properties use siren-operated systems or lockboxes to help fire and EMS personnel enter during an emergency. We offer siren-operated systems for this purpose. Please don't put yourself or others at risk by trying to climb over the gate or fence. The fence line is designed to cause serious bodily injury and prevent unauthorized use.
Returning the opener to its normal state
- Move the gate back to the position your manual calls for, usually fully closed.
- Put the release back in gear: turn the key back, close the hydraulic valve, or reconnect the arm.
- Turn the power back on and run the gate through a full cycle while you watch it.
- Make sure the safety devices still stop and reverse the gate.
If the gate won't run after you put it back in gear, the opener may need to relearn its limits, or the battery may be drained. See our blog concerning gate opener batteries.
Don't get caught twice
A good battery backup keeps most openers running normally right through a power outage, and regular maintenance keeps the release working when you need it. I cover both in Gate Opener Maintenance and Hurricane Preparation for Gated Entries.
Frequently asked questions
Can all electric gates be opened manually?
No! Cheap plastic openers from "jungle" websites and "home improvement" warehouses often don't! (Most don't even meet UL safety standards.) However, Gate Openers Direct in Houston, Texas, doesn't sell those. Our premium-quality units from reputable manufacturers meet UL safety standards. These quality gate openers include some type of manual release or override for outages and repairs. Some may take more effort to open, such as heavy gates or hydraulic operators, but they can still be opened. Always refer to the installation manual supplied with your gate opener. If you no longer have it, all the manufacturers we work with publish their installation manuals on their websites. They can usually be found under a "Support" icon or on the product page for your specific model.
Where is the manual release on my gate opener?
In most cases they are located on the operator or the arm, and usually behind a keyed cover. Check your manual, or call me with the brand and model and I'll tell you where to look.
I lost my release key. Now what?
Replacement keys are available for most brands. Call me with your opener model and we'll get you one.
Still stuck?
Call Gate Openers Direct in Houston, Texas at 713-330-3333. Tell me your opener brand and model. If we sold it, we can walk you through where the release is and how it works. If it is a brand we do not sell, the very least I can do is try to refer you to a link for your unit.