What Happens to an Automatic Gate in a Power Cut? Manual Release and Backup

Short answer: in a power cut an automatic gate simply stops where it is and stays locked by its motor gearbox. You open it by hand with the manual release key: every SGM sliding gate motor comes with 2 keys that free the clutch so the gate slides by hand, and a replacement clutch switch with 2 keys costs ₹799. If you want the gate to keep working on its motor during cuts, the motor needs a mains backup such as a properly sized inverter; a small 12 V UPS is not made for gate motors. Prices are our live website prices, include GST, and delivery across India is free.

What happens to an automatic gate when the power goes?

Our SGM sliding gate motors run on 220 V AC. When the supply drops, the motor stops. If the gate was moving, it stops part-way. If it was closed, it stays closed.

It also stays locked. A sliding gate motor drives the gate through a gearbox and a pinion on the gear rack, and while the clutch is engaged that drive train holds the gate in place. That is why you cannot just push an automated gate open by hand, and why the motors come with release keys. For security this is good news: a power cut does not leave your gate free to slide open for anyone. For you, it means the release key is the one thing you must be able to find in the dark.

Remotes, the Wi-Fi module and a GSM opener all stop working too, because they only send a signal to the motor's control board. Even if your router is on a backup, the gate cannot move without mains power at the motor.

How does the manual release work?

The SGM-370, SGM-550, SGM-750 and SGM-1200 listings all say the same thing: in case of power failure, the gate can be opened and closed manually after releasing the clutch, and each motor comes with 2 keys to free it. The release disconnects the motor's drive from the pinion, so the gate rolls freely on its wheels like a normal manual gate.

How to open an automatic sliding gate by hand

1. Switch off the motor's supply at its MCB or isolator. If power returns while you are pushing the gate, you do not want the motor to start.
2. Find the release lock on the motor body and insert the release key.
3. Turn the key and open the release as shown in your motor's manual. You will feel the drive let go.
4. Push the gate slowly and evenly. Do not throw it; a heavy gate keeps rolling and can hit the end stop hard.
5. Lock the gate in position with a manual bolt or padlock if you are leaving it closed and unattended.
6. When power returns, close the release, lock it with the key, remove the key, switch the supply back on, and run one full open and close cycle while you watch the gate.

On a heavy gate of 1000 kg or more, pushing by hand needs a good track and often two people. A gate that is stiff by hand will also strain the motor, so fix wheels and track during your next service. Our sliding gate motor buying guide covers track condition before installation.

Where should I keep the release keys?

• Not on the motor and not in the gate area. A key left near the gate lets anyone release it.
• In a fixed place inside the house, known to every adult. A hook near the main door works well.
• One key with a trusted person for when you are travelling, such as a neighbour or the guard.
• Replace a lost key set promptly. The sliding gate clutch switch with 2 keys (₹799) is listed as compatible only with Navkar Systems sliding gate motors.

Can an automatic gate keep working during a power cut?

Yes, if the motor gets mains power from a backup. There are two common ways in Indian homes:

• Run the motor from the home inverter. The motor's 220 V supply is wired from the inverter output on its own MCB. The inverter and battery must handle the motor's power (370 W to 1200 W across the SGM range) plus its higher starting current, on top of whatever else the inverter is already running. Ask your electrician to check the inverter's rating and wiring before connecting. A pure sine wave inverter is the usual choice for motors.
• A dedicated backup for the gate. Larger sites such as societies and factories sometimes put the gate on a generator-backed line or a separate inverter. Plan this with your electrician based on how often the gate opens during a cut.

What does not work is a small 12 V DC UPS. Our UPS-12 mini UPS (₹950) gives 12 V DC at 1 A for 2 to 5 hours and is made for biometric machines, routers and Wi-Fi cameras. It is useful for keeping your router and camera online, but it cannot run a 220 V gate motor. For DC backup of door locks and access control, read our access control power supply and battery backup guide.

Gate motors and their manual release

Product	Supply	Manual release (from the listing)	Price
SGM-370 sliding, 600 kg	220 V AC	Release clutch, 2 keys included	₹22,500
SGM-550 sliding, 1200 kg	220 V AC	Release clutch, 2 keys included	₹25,500
SGM-750 sliding, 1500 kg	220 V AC	Release clutch, 2 keys included	₹32,500
SGM-1200 sliding, 2000 kg	220 V AC	Release clutch, 2 keys included	₹35,000
ARM-3K swing arm, 300 kg	220 V single phase	Manual override listed	₹39,999
Clutch switch with 2 keys	None	Replacement release for Navkar Systems sliding motors	₹799
UPS-12 mini UPS	12 V DC out, 1 A	Not for gate motors; for router, camera, biometrics	₹950

See every model in gate automation and spare parts in gate motor accessories. Motor prices and kits are compared in the sliding gate motor price guide.

A few habits that make power cuts painless

• Practise the manual release once in daylight, so everyone at home knows how.
• Keep the gate track clean so the gate rolls easily by hand.
• Do not leave the release open after the power returns; the gate will not respond to the remote and is not locked.
• If you run the gate on an inverter, check the battery health with your inverter service.

FAQ

Will my automatic gate open during a power cut?

Not on its own unless the motor has a mains backup. Use the release key to free the clutch and slide the gate by hand, or wire the motor to an inverter that can handle its load.

Is my gate secure when the power is off?

Yes. While the clutch is engaged the motor's gearbox holds the gate, so it cannot simply be pushed open. Keep the release keys inside the house.

I lost my gate motor release key. What do I do?

For Navkar Systems sliding gate motors, order the clutch switch with 2 keys (₹799) and fit it in place of the old one.

Can I run a sliding gate motor on a home inverter?

Usually yes, if the inverter and battery can handle the motor's power and starting current along with the rest of your load. Have an electrician check the rating and wire it on its own MCB.

Can a mini UPS run my gate motor?

No. The UPS-12 gives 12 V DC at 1 A for routers, Wi-Fi cameras and biometric machines. A 220 V gate motor needs an inverter or other mains backup.

Do I need to reset the gate after a power cut?

Lock the release again with the key, switch the supply on, and run one full open and close cycle while watching. If it stops in the wrong place, check the limit switch magnets.

Prices are NavKar Systems website prices on 27 October 2026, inclusive of GST, and may change.