FAQs Electric Gates

Here in Ireland, electric gates are an excellent solution to protect your property and give you peace of mind. Whether you are looking for electric gates for your business or your home, we can help you to find the best fit for your requirements and your budget.

We are often asked questions about the legalities and planning permissions surrounding electric gates, as well as pricing and weather-proofing. Our industry is strictly regulated here in Ireland, and we know that compliance is a primary concern for the homeowners we work with, as well as safety considerations.

Here, we’ll take a look at the FAQs we regularly address and explain some of the common concerns our customers come to us with. We know that securing your home is all about giving you and your family peace of mind, and understanding the answers to some of these questions can help.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Automated gates are classified as heavy machinery, so Irish law imposes strict licensing and safety standards. We are often asked:

Question: Who is legally allowed to install electric gates?

Answer: Only contractors who hold a valid license from the Private Security Authority (PSA) can legally install, service or repair automated gates. Hiring an unlicensed individual is an offence that carries fines of up to €3,000 and even the risk of imprisonment. We are proud to be fully licensed by The Private Security Authority and certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, and we are committed to maintaining high standards in every aspect of our work.

Question: What is the PSA 80 Standard?

Answer: The PSA 80:2025 standard is the mandatory safety framework here in Ireland. It requires installers to issue a formal Declaration of Conformity and conduct force testing to ensure that every electric gate installed will reverse safely upon hitting an obstacle. This is essential to protect people, especially children, and animals from harm.

Question: Do I need planning permission?

Answer: You generally will not need planning permission if your gate is less than 2 metres in height. However, if the gate is at the front of your property, local councils will often require permission if it exceeds 1.2 metres. Permission is always required if you are creating a new or wider entry point onto a public road.

Costs and Retrofitting

Property owners often ask us about the financial and logistical requirements of automation, and these are some of the most common questions:

Question: How much does it cost to install an electric gate?

Answer: Total costs typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ depending on materials, size and mechanisms. Standard electric swing gates average €2,500 to €3,500, while sliding gate systems generally range from €3,000 to €5,000. Manual gates will also vary in cost, depending on the materials they are made from and the quality of their structure, and you can compare the costs when you are considering upgrading the security in and around your home.

Question: Can existing manual gates be automated?

Answer: Yes, most structural manual gates can be retrofitted with overground, underground or sliding motor systems. The installer must first assess if the existing posts and hinges can withstand the structural force of automation, and our experienced team can visit you to carry out this essential check.

Functionality and Irish Weather

The damp and unpredictable climate here in Ireland is often a concern with regard to the mechanical reliability of electric gates. If you are investing in a system that will protect your home and your family, you want to know that it will be operational at all times and that you will not be compromised by poor weather conditions. We are often asked:

Question: What happens if something is in the way of the gate?

Answer: If an object is in the path of your gate when it is opening or closing, it will automatically stop and reverse safely. This is an essential protection mechanism for anyone in the vicinity and is especially designed to ensure that children and animals are not at risk of harm. It is also a protection mechanism for the gate itself, ensuring that it is not damaged if there is an obstruction preventing it from opening or closing safely.

Question: What happens during a power cut?

Answer: There is no need to worry about being locked out of your property – or inside it! – If there is a power cut. Our systems are designed to cope with all eventualities, and all compliant systems feature a physical manual release key to disconnect the motor so you can push the gate open safely. Optional battery backup kits can keep the system fully functional during brief outages.

Question: How often do electric gates need servicing?

Answer: We recommend that your electric gates be serviced at least once per year to keep them operating smoothly. In Ireland, we tend to have high rainfall and damp conditions, and this means that regular checks on the components of your electric gates will help to extend their life. Checks should include checking the waterproof enclosure seals and testing the mechanisms, as well as lubricating mechanical hinges.

Question: How are electric gates controlled?

Answer: When we install electric gates, we work with you to find the control systems that suit you best. Common entry methods include remote control fobs, digital keypads and. GSM phone diallers, which allow you to open the gates via a call or app on your smartphone. Depending on the way you use your premises, you may wish to opt for a particular control system.

Planning to Install Electric Gates?

If you are planning to install electric gates, we’ll need to know:

• Do you have existing gates or are you installing a completely new system?
• Is your driveway level or sloped?
• What approximate height do you want for your gate?
• Will the gate be part of your home security system?

We’ll work with you to find a design you love, and we’ll ensure that this fits with the location and style of your property. We have a catalogue of designs and models that can be tailored to suit your requirements, and our professional team can advise you on all aspects of your installation.

At Sentinel Security, we know how important it is to feel safe in your own home, and your electric gates are all part of the system that protects you and your family. Finding the best solution for your home and your business will give you the reassurance you need.

Sentinel Security: Home Security Solutions in Ireland

We know that installing a home security system is the best way to protect your home from being burgled, and we can help you to find the best system for your property. The right choice for you will depend on your location and the type of property you are protecting, and options include monitored systems and self-monitoring, as well as smart integration.

We have many years of expertise in Ireland’s security and access management industry, with bespoke security solutions for homes, businesses and farms. We can deliver security solutions for public buildings, events and private properties, and we will tailor our services to suit you and your home or business. We are fully licensed by The Private Security Authority and certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.