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Today’s gates are designed for greater convenience and ease of use. That’s why the automatic gate has become so popular. It offers practical, comfortable, and secure access to your property. The system relies on photocells for safe operation. Here’s what you need to know about installing these sensors and why they matter.
Why are gate photocells important?
Gate photocells are small, discreet safety devices found on most automatic gates. Usually oval or rectangular, they’re mounted on either side of your gate. Their main function is to automatically stop the gate if an obstacle—like a person, vehicle, or pet—is detected. Despite their critical role, gate photocells are affordable and easy to find. You can typically purchase a set for around $30.
How do gate photocells work?
Gate photocells usually consist of a transmitter and a receiver. Each unit includes a power indicator, wiring terminals, and lenses. The system works by sending an infrared beam from the transmitter to the receiver. If something interrupts this beam, the gate will stop moving automatically. For more details on activating or deactivating the sensors, refer to the installation manual provided with your gate opener.
How to install gate photocells
Photocells are typically mounted on the gate posts and on the outside edge of your property. For reliable operation, make sure both units are installed at the same height and directly facing each other. While there’s no specific US standard for photocell installation, European standard EN 13241-1 requires them if your gate opens onto a public road. In such cases, a flashing warning light should also be installed to signal when the gate is operating. Generally, photocells should be positioned between 20 and 24 inches above ground level, but you may need to adjust this height if you have small children or pets. If the sensors are set too high, they might not detect a pet passing through, which could be dangerous. For added security, you can install extra photocells on posts inside your property.
How to wire gate photocells
The wiring process depends on the type of photocell you’re using. Common types include:
- Standard photocells, which require 2 wires on one side and 4 on the other;
- Battery-powered or reflector photocells, which use 4 wires on one side and batteries on the other;
- Bus-type photocells, which only need 2 wires on each side.
After installation, always test the photocells to ensure they’re working correctly and providing the intended safety function.
