One of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of your automatic gate opener is to protect its vulnerable components from rain and moisture of any sort.
Rainfall is a risk for gate openers because it is forceful, consistent, and can result in short circuits, motor damage, control board failure, or many electrical and mechanical problems that will ultimately ruin your gate opener.
So, how exactly do you protect your gate opener from rain? The key is to focus on the vulnerable components: the motor, electronics, and wiring, and to ensure that whatever protective measure you use is adequate and covers all sides.
This blog will explain 5 effective ways to secure your gate opener against rainfall.
1. Use a Weatherproof Housing
The most effective way to protect your gate opener from rain is to make a waterproof casing for its motor electronics and wiring.
If your gate opener does not come with one (which it should), you need to make a protective housing to keep out rain without trapping any moisture within it. A good option would be one of those waterproof or weather-resistant boxes that are made for outdoor electronics.
Keep in mind, though, that not just any weatherproof box will be capable of keeping the rain out of your gate opener. A good weatherproof housing for a gate opener must share three essential characteristics:
- 1. It must be durable enough to withstand rain in the long term
- 2. It must be properly ventilated, so the components within don't heat up
- 3. It must be elevated enough (shoulder height or more).
Again, most quality gate openers already come with such sealed waterproof casing to keep out rain and dust. If you live in an area with a very wet climate, consider installing a small overhang or housing box. That should give it the extra protection it needs.
2. Elevate The Control Box From the Ground
Another effective way to prevent your gate opener from rain damage is to ensure that the motor and control board are mounted high enough off the ground, about 3-4 feet high.
Even if your automatic gate opener comes in a protective box, you still need to ensure that it is not installed in a location where it is likely to be exposed to rainwater. The best way to do so is to mount it high enough.
Here’s how you can elevate the control box of your gate opener in a way that is safe, efficient, and effective at keeping it from coming in contact with rainwater:
- Choose a mounting post or pedestal: Use steel, aluminum, or any other kind of treated wood that is strong enough to support the weight.
- Use a sturdy post or pedestal, mount the unit at chest height, protect it from weather, and secure all wiring.
- Bolt or weld a bracket/plate to the post to make it more stable
- You can add a cover or enclosure to shield from rain and sun.
- Run wires through conduit for protection from moisture, pests, and UV damage.
Remember to position it so you can open the control box comfortably for maintenance.
3. Use Protective Covers
Another effective method you can use is to add protective covers to the roof of the waterproof housing that protects your automatic gate opener motor/ components. Use a sloped, UV-resistant cover or hood. Consider doing this, especially if your gate opener is half or fully exposed.
This is an extra protective measure you should use even if your gate opener motor and wiring are already safe in a box and mounted high enough.
When it rains, the top of the box is still exposed to direct and forceful raindrops, and is most likely to break in the long run. A protective cover takes the brunt of the rain and shields your gate opener’s housing from direct rainfall.
4. Ensure all Connections are Properly Sealed
Another great idea to protect your gate opener from the rain is to use weatherproof cable glands and waterproof connectors for wires.
This is an extra measure you must consider, especially if your electric gate opener is installed some distance from its power source and connected by long wires, which might be exposed to the rain.
Use waterproof cable glands to seal the wires, paying special attention to the connectors. Always come back after regular intervals to inspect the sealing and make sure it is still intact.
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5. Carry out Our Regular Maintenance
Another method that works for protecting your gate opener from rain damage is good old regular maintenance. Check seals, clean drains, and ensure there are no cracks that might let water in.
This is actually a preventive measure, and you should definitely adopt it even if you have all the other measures in place.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Gate Opener From Rain
Most times, built-in waterproofing will suffice. However, it pays to play it safe, especially if you live in an area that gets more than average rainfall during the year. Building a shelter and adding a cover will ensure long-term protection.
Explore these gate opener maintenance guidelines for more tips.
