Most automatic gates rely on sensors to open and close. Despite these devices being extremely convenient and reliable, sometimes your gate may fail to operate due to the sensors becoming blocked or damaged. Here’s what you need to know about troubleshooting the most common gate sensor issues.

Common Sensor Issues

Your residential gate’s photo-eye sensors operate by shooting a beam of light from one side of the gate to the other. If the photo eyes detect an object in the gate’s path, the gate system will no longer open or close. Your gate may also start opening or closing and then suddenly reverse direction. Here are four common sensor issues that can cause these types of disturbances and how to fix them.

1.) There’s something blocking the sensors

Twigs, rocks, leaves, and other debris can enter the path of your automatic gate sensors and cause your gate system to malfunction. It’s important to regularly remove any debris from around your gate and trim back large branches and shrubs to keep the pathway clear. In addition, sometimes direct sunlight can interfere with the signal between the sensors’ beam and cause issues. If this is the case, you can use a small piece of cardboard to block out some of the sun.

2.) The sensors are misaligned

Photo-eye sensors are delicate and can easily become misaligned. If there isn’t a clear path between the sensors, they can’t detect each other and will stop working. Generally, a red flashing light means your sensors are misaligned. If this happens, simply realign the sensors by hand and make sure they’re facing each other. You can usually do this by simply tightening a screw or bracket.

3.) The sensor lenses are dirty

It’s common for the photo-eye lenses on your gate to become dirty, smudged or covered in cobwebs. It’s a good idea to periodically clean them. You can do this by wiping them down with a dry, lint-free cloth. In addition, sometimes water on or around the photo-eye lenses can cause them to malfunction. This is likely if your sensors were exposed to rain or water from a sprinkler system. If this occurs, simply wait for the area to dry before attempting to open your gate.

4.) There’s a problem with the wiring

Automatic gate sensors are likely to malfunction if the wiring is damaged. This may occur for a number of possible reasons. For example, damaged wiring can sometimes be caused by insects nesting inside the sensor or rodents chewing through wires and weakening the connection. If this occurs, you’ll likely need to replace some of the wiring to get your gate back up and running.

If you’re experiencing problems with your gate sensors, it’s best to call a qualified gate technician from Creative Door Services™. If the sensors on your residential gate aren’t working properly, the system could fail to detect people, pets, vehicles, and anything else that enters its path, possibly resulting in property damage or a severe injury.

Gate Sensor Replacement

Most gate sensor issues can be fixed by a trained professional. However, sometimes gate sensors break down due to everyday wear and tear. If this is the case, it’s best to replace the sensor entirely, especially if you’ve been using the same sensor for upward of 10 years.

Some modern sensors are Wi-Fi enabled, a feature that allows you to control the opening and closing of your gate through an app on your smartphone. If you want to take advantage of the conveniences offered by the latest technology, consider upgrading to this type of model. These sensors can be very practical, as they allow you to let contractors, friends, and family members access your property even if you’re away. Indeed, replacing your gate sensor with one that’s Wi-Fi enabled is likely to be a good investment.

Gate Repair Services in Western Canada

If you’re experiencing sensor issues or any other problems with your driveway gate, the experts at Creative Door Services™ can help. Our experienced technicians provide installation, repair, and retrofit services on a variety of residential gates, gate operators, gate access control units and more.

To learn more about our products and services, or to get a free quote, contact us today. We have eight locations from which were happy to serve you. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.