Electric gates have become one of the most desirable upgrades for many UK homes, offering convenience, security, and instant kerb appeal. If this is your first electric gates installation, you may have plenty of questions about the process, cost, safety, and regulations. Our guide will walk you through every stage, so you know exactly what to expect, and how to get the best results for your property.
At Fraser Gates, we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through their first electric gate installation across Surrey, Hampshire, and the South of England. From the initial site survey to the final handover, we always make certain that every step is clearly explained, professionally executed, and tailored to your property’s unique requirements.
The Key Benefits of Electric Gates
Installing electric gates in the UK includes several advantages, starting with robust physical security that provides a formidable barrier against unauthorised entry. Complete control can be maintained through various access methods including key fobs, smartphone apps, or keypad entry systems, giving you both convenience and peace of mind.
Electric gates can also dramatically improve your home’s street presence and boost its market value considerably. The visual impact of a professionally installed gate system helps to create an immediate impression of quality and attention to detail that potential buyers often value highly.
They integrate seamlessly with security features such as CCTV and intercoms, and can connect effortlessly to home automation systems. For families that value privacy, these gates provide a dependable barrier that keeps your garden and driveway completely private from the street.
From a financial standpoint, many insurance providers offer discounts for properties with enhanced perimeter security, making electric gates a practical investment that pays dividends over time. Combined with their durability and low maintenance requirements, professional electric gates deliver excellent long-term value.
We deliver tailored electric gate solutions for every property type, from country homes to city entrances, always with a focus on safety, reliability, and style.
Key Factors Affecting Electric Gates Cost
One of the first questions most clients ask is how much electric gates installations cost in the UK, and the answer depends on several factors. The type of gate you choose, whether it’s swing, sliding, cantilever, or bi-fold will affect both the complexity and the price. The size and weight of your gates are also important, as larger and heavier gates require more powerful motors and stronger supports.
The material you select makes a difference too: bespoke timber, steel, aluminium, and composite gates each have their own price points. If you want features like simple remote control or more advanced options such as smart home integration, keypad access, or mobile app entry, these will also impact the cost.
The condition of your site has a bearing on costs as well. If you have a sloping driveway, difficult access, or need additional groundwork, installation may take longer and cost more. Any extra features such as integrated lighting, CCTV, anti-climb devices, or decorative elements will also add to the final price.
Always request a detailed, written quote from your installer, and be cautious of prices that seem unusually low. When it comes to electric gates, a quality installation is an investment that will pay for itself in time.
Planning Your Electric Gates Installation: Surveys, Permissions & Design
Most UK homes can install electric gates up to 2 metres high (or up to 1 metre if next to a public highway) without planning permission. However, if your property is listed, situated in a conservation area, or if your gates exceed permitted development heights, planning permission may be necessary. Shared residential entrances generally require formal approval and professional design.
When it comes to materials, you might select steel for maximum security and a sleek, modern look, or aluminium for a lightweight, rustproof solution that’s ideal for automation. Hardwood offers traditional elegance, though it will require regular oiling or sealing to stay looking its best.
Composite gates provide a low-maintenance alternative with a timber effect that stands up well to British weather, while wrought iron is ideal for ornate designs and classic strength, provided it’s regularly treated to prevent rust.
Fraser Gates crafts every electric gate to your exact specifications, offering a choice of finishes and access options to suit your property.
Step-by-Step: The Electric Gates Installation Process
A successful electric gates installation starts with careful planning and expert advice. At Fraser Gates, every project begins with a thorough site survey and a personal design consultation.
During the initial stage, a certified automated gate technician will visit your property to assess entry points, ground levels, and any potential obstructions. They will discuss your security, privacy, and design preferences to ensure your new gates fit your needs.
Your technician will also recommend the best gate type for your space and confirm that you have access to a suitable electrical supply. If your installation requires planning permission or has to comply with building regulations, your specialist will help clarify these requirements.
You’ll receive a comprehensive written quote and a clear project plan, along with advice about any legal or planning considerations. Once you approve the design, your gates will be custom-made in the workshop.
Next comes the groundwork and foundations. The team will dig post holes and channels for electrical cables or sliding gate tracks, and lay protective ducting to keep wiring safe. Reinforced concrete bases will be poured to anchor posts and make certain the gates remain level and secure. If you have an existing driveway, our team will work carefully to minimise disruption and restore surfaces as closely as possible to their original finish.
Once the groundwork is finished, the gates themselves will then be fitted using carefully adjusted hinges or rollers for perfect movement, with technicians making sure the gates open and close smoothly and safely.
The electrical wiring and automation system will come next with the installation team connecting your gates to the property’s power supply using a rotary isolator for emergency shut-off.
The chosen motor and control system, whether above-ground, below-ground, or sliding, will then be installed and programmed. Access control features will then be installed according to your specifications along with any additional security features.
Before handover, the installer will thoroughly check that everything is working properly including all safety devices and obstacle detection systems, demonstrating safe operation for you and any other users. You’ll also receive full documentation, maintenance instructions, emergency contact details, and a guide to troubleshooting basic issues.
Regulations, Safety, and Accreditation
Electric gates in the UK are subject to strict safety standards to protect property owners, residents, and visitors. All reputable companies, including Fraser Gates, adhere closely to these requirements at every stage of the installation process.
For legal compliance, every electric gates installation must follow UK and European standards, including BS EN 12453:2017 for powered gate safety, the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, and the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Installers must also comply with Part P of the Building Regulations to ensure safe domestic electrical work. Emergency manual release devices must be fitted in case of a power cut, and clear warning signs are required on all automated gates.
It is always best to choose a DHF or Gate Safe accredited installer, such as Fraser Gates, to ensure your warranty, legal position, and insurance coverage are fully protected.
Maintaining Your New Electric Gates in the UK
Once your new gates are installed, keeping them in top condition is mostly a matter of regular, sensible care. Most problems can be avoided with simple checks and professional servicing. Fraser Electric Gates offers maintenance packages to make ownership easy and worry-free.
To keep your system running smoothly, regularly inspect your gates for any signs of damage, rust, or misalignment, and use only the lubricants recommended by the manufacturer on hinges and rollers.
It’s important to test all safety features periodically, making sure that photocells and safety edges work properly and that nothing blocks the gate’s movement. Clean tracks and remove any debris, leaves, or stones that might affect the gate’s operation.
Each year, arrange for a professional service visit, during which motors, wiring, and safety systems will be fully checked. A well-maintained gate will stay safe, compliant, and reliable for many years and will also help to ensure your warranty and insurance stay valid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Gates Installation
How long does installation take?
From your first enquiry to the final handover, the whole process normally takes between four and six weeks. The installation itself, once work starts on site, usually takes between two and five days, depending on the gate type and site conditions.
Will my gates work in a power cut?
All legally compliant systems are fitted with a manual release so you can operate the gates in an emergency. Some systems can also be installed with battery backup for extra reassurance.
Can I add electric gates to my existing manual gates?
Yes, manual gates can often be converted to electric operation, though this requires a full safety assessment and compliance with current regulations as if installing new gates.
What happens if my driveway slopes significantly?
Sloping driveways require specialist motor selection and additional safety considerations, with sliding or cantilever gates often being more suitable than swing gates for steep gradients.
Why Trust Fraser Gates for Your Installation?
There are many reasons why you should trust us with your project. We offer a fully bespoke, made-to-measure service, from the initial sketch to the completed installation. All our technicians are trained and Gate Safe accredited, keeping up to date with the latest industry safety standards.
We only use premium materials with all electric gate installations, and we provide comprehensive aftercare and maintenance plans to keep your gates in perfect working order. You’ll always get clear, honest pricing, with no hidden charges, just transparent written quotes and a full warranty on every job. Fraser Gates reputation for excellent customer service is built on years of five-star reviews from homeowners across the UK. If you’re ready to transform your entrance, contact us today for a no-obligation survey and expert advice.