How to Manually Open an Electric Gate (Sliding & Swing)
If your electric gate motor fails during load shedding, a power outage, or a motor fault, you can manually override the motor and push the gate open by hand. This guide covers the manual release procedure for the most common gate motor types in South Africa.
Manual Release: Centurion Sliding Gate Motor (D5 Evo, D5 Smart, D10)
- Locate the manual release lever or bolt on the side of the motor housing (usually marked with a key icon or padlock symbol).
- Insert the manual release key (supplied with the motor — store it safely, often on a hook near the motor).
- Turn the key clockwise until you hear/feel the motor disengage from the rack.
- Push the gate manually to the open or closed position.
- To re-engage: turn the key back counterclockwise until the motor re-engages with the rack.
Manual Release: ET Nice Drive Motors
ET Nice sliding gate motors use a similar manual release key on the drive housing. The release bolt is typically on the top or side of the motor. Turn to disengage, push gate manually, then re-engage after power is restored.
Manual Release: Swing Gate Motors
Swing gate arm motors (Centurion Vantage, Vector, ET Nice Toona) have a manual release on the arm mechanism. Disengage the arm at the arm pivot or at the motor base. The gate will then swing freely by hand. Re-engage after the fault is resolved.
Lost your manual release key? Call JD Gates on 012 012 6285 — we carry keys for all major brands.