How to Manually Open an Electric Gate
Step-by-step instructions for manually releasing and opening your electric gate during a power failure, remote failure, or motor fault.
Safety First
Never force an electric gate open without using the correct manual release. Forcing the gate can damage the gear rack, motor, or gate structure. Always use the manual release mechanism before pushing the gate.
Manually Opening a Sliding Gate Motor (Centurion D5 Evo / D5 Smart / D10)
Locate the manual release
On Centurion D5 motors, the manual release is a red or orange lever or a key-operated release mechanism on the side or top of the motor housing. Check your motor's label, Centurion labels include the location of the manual release.
Insert the release key (if key-operated)
Some motors use a special T-key for the manual release. This key is typically supplied with the motor at installation. If you've lost it, contact us, we can supply a replacement. Insert the key and turn to disengage the motor from the gear rack.
Pull or push the manual release lever
For lever-type releases, pull the lever towards you (or push, depending on design) until you hear or feel the motor disengage from the rack. Some motors make a click when disengaged.
Push the gate open manually
With the motor disengaged from the rack, the gate should slide freely. Push it open manually. Take care, the gate is no longer motorised and will move freely including closing under its own momentum if the ground is slightly sloped.
Re-engage after power/motor is restored
Once power returns or the motor is repaired, push the gate back to its starting position and re-engage the manual release (return the lever or key to its original position). The motor should pick up normal operation on the next remote press.
Manually Opening a Swing Gate Motor (ET Nice Toona / Centurion Swift)
Locate the manual release on the swing arm
Swing gate motors (ET Nice Toona, Centurion Swift) have a manual release mechanism on the motor arm itself, typically a knob, pin, or key slot at the point where the arm connects to the motor.
Disengage the arm from the motor
Insert the release key and turn, or turn the manual release knob, until the arm disconnects from the motor drive. The arm should then be freely moveable by hand.
Swing the gate open manually
With the arm disengaged, push the gate leaf open. The gate should swing freely on its hinges. For a double-leaf gate, you'll need to release both arms independently.
Re-engage after motor restoration
Return the gate leaf to its starting position, re-engage the arm, and return the release mechanism to its original position. Test with the remote to confirm normal operation.
Load Shedding vs. Motor Fault, What's the Difference?
Load Shedding
Motor Fault
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open my electric gate without power or a remote?
All electric gate motors have a manual release mechanism that allows you to disengage the motor from the gate and push it open by hand. For Centurion D5 motors, the manual release is a lever or key mechanism on the motor body. Locate it before you have an emergency, we recommend familiarising yourself with it during installation or the next time a technician visits.
Can I damage my gate motor by manually releasing it?
No, if you use the correct manual release mechanism as designed. The risk comes from forcing the gate without using the release. Always disengage via the manual release before applying any manual force to the gate. Forcing a gate while the motor is engaged can strip the nylon gear, bend the rack, or damage the motor mounting bracket.
My gate battery died during load shedding, how do I get in?
Use the manual release to disengage the motor and push the gate open. As a preventative measure, consider upgrading to a motor with better battery backup (Centurion D5 Smart) or adding an external battery upgrade to your existing motor. We can service or upgrade your battery, call us.
After manually releasing my gate, it won't re-engage with the motor. What should I do?
First, ensure the gate is fully back in its closed (or open) starting position, the motor limit switch may prevent re-engagement if the gate is in a mid-position. If the manual release mechanism isn't returning to its engaged position, or the motor still doesn't respond after re-engagement, call us for a repair assessment.
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