Quick Tips for Diagnosing Automatic Gate Opener Issues in Houston
An automatic gate that will not open can be very inconvenient or worse, it becomes a very big headache especially when you are eager to get in or out but your gate decides otherwise. At Houston Automatic Gate Repair, we know what it feels like when something doesn’t operate as it should. Even experts can find it tricky to figure out and fix the real problem when automatic gates start acting up. But we experts are one step ahead and just one step away to solve your problem. And not only do we fix things, we fix issues correctly, or, as you and I might say, the ‘right’ way.
In today’s post, we’ll walk you through a breakdown of an actual client’s automatic gate issues to demonstrate the actual processes we go through every other day So, if there is a stuck gate on your way, let’s be easy and read how Houston Automatic Gate Repair always comes to the rescue!
The Diagnosis Of Issue: A Gate That Won’t Open
We got a call from a client who wanted an automatic entrance gate repair in Houston because his gate wasn’t powering on after some harsh weather. The gate wouldn’t open, and they had no idea what was wrong. Sound familiar? Extreme weather, especially cold temperatures, can often lead to issues with gate openers and their power systems.
Step 1: Troubleshooting the Power
We arrived at the site and began by checking the power supply. The first thing we noticed was that the concrete around the gate had been cut, leading to a visible wiring path that connected to a gray junction box. We tested the wires there but found no power coming through.
With no power showing up on our meter, we moved to the next step: checking the controller and the circuit. Despite resetting the controller, it still wasn’t responding. It was clear there was an issue with the power, so we kept digging deeper into the system.
Step 2: Digging Deeper Checking the Breakers
After confirming that the power wasn’t coming from the control box, we headed inside to locate the breakers. No breakers appeared to be tripped, but we found something interesting: the gate’s control box was plugged into an outlet, not wired directly to the breaker.
We tested the outlet—no power. That’s when we realized that the power for the entire gate system was coming from a simple wall outlet, which wasn’t supplying electricity. At this point, it was clear we had to find the root cause of the power issue.
Step 3: The Real Culprit A Faulty Control System
After a phone call with the manufacturer and more troubleshooting, we discovered that the gate opener had a pre-existing control box that had been left in place after the gate was replaced a few years ago. The team had bypassed some internal devices in the control box, including a small transformer, and continued to use the older system with the new opener. Over time, this system had been running solely on two batteries.
Here’s where it gets technical:
The backup batteries failed to generate enough power to operate the gate during the winter. At night or in very cold climates, the battery discharges and cannot supply enough voltage to trigger the solenoid. When testing this feature, we found that the voltage reduced from as high as 34 volts to 19 volts when attempting to close it. It is therefore clearly seen that this drop in voltage was in a way explaining why the gate was not working.
The Solution We Have Offered To Our Client
We presented two solutions to the client:
- Wiring the System for Line Voltage: It would make the gate’s power supply constant. It means that no battery problems would occur in the future since the system would be rewired to utilize constant line voltage only.
- Replacing the batteries: This would certainly restore operation, but only on a temporary basis. The batteries would need to be replaced every few years, which is not right for the system that is used every day.
In both those scenarios, we explained to the client the differences between both options and which form of investment would be more cost-effective and significant in the long run.
What Are the Common Ways to Diagnose a Problem With an Automatic Gate Opener?
In case you are repairing the gate opener of the automatic system on your own, then you can diagnose the problem in the following manner:
- Check Power Supply: Ensure the gate opener is plugged in or wired properly.
- Inspect Circuit Breaker: Verify if the breaker is tripped or needs resetting.
- Test the Batteries: Check if the backup batteries are dead or need replacing.
- Examine the Control Board: Look for burn marks or damaged components on the control board.
- Inspect Sensors: Ensure the sensors are clean and aligned to avoid obstruction.
- Test Remote Control: Check if the remote is functioning or needs new batteries.
- Check for Wiring Issues: Look for loose or damaged wires that may be interrupting power flow.
- Listen for Motor Sounds: No motor sound could indicate a faulty motor or power failure.
- Verify Gate Movement: Ensure the gate’s mechanical components (e.g., tracks, rollers) aren’t blocked or damaged.
- Inspect Weather Conditions: Cold or extreme weather can affect the battery and power supply.
What Can You Expect From Us?
As with every other working experience, this project of Houston Automatic Gate Repair was also a learning process for us. It was challenging to explore a lot, identify several problems, and seek the optimal approach for the client. The takeaway for us was clear: Whether it’s just a simple home gate or a complicated automation system of a big corporation, knowing what has to be done and how to do it is everything.
When it comes to addressing gate problems at Houston Gate Repairs, no problem is minor or major to us. It is our job to get your system back up and running, and we do it with either a quick fix or a proper solution. Also, we never rush to come up with the lay of the land but take time to provide an explanation of the problem and suggest a practical solution. It is how we establish trust with our clients, of which each repair works as a basis for the next.
Need Help With Your Automatic Gate?
If you have any problems with your automatic gate power issues, gate opener, or any other problem Houston Gate Repair is the solution.
We consider ourselves to be highly professional, reliable, and cost-efficient in the implementation of our solutions.
Contact us, and let us help to get your gate working again.