Gate actuator (lever, chain or magnetic)

Metal security gates get a dedicated actuator: a motor pulls a lever or a chain, or an electromagnet releases the gate latch. Very common in Singapore, Malaysia and Southern Europe where the gate is a second door.

Door untouched: yes · Keeps mechanical key: yes · Difficulty: ●●●○

Applies to these lock types

Singapore HDB main-door mortise set and metal gate lock

Measurements this architecture needs

  • Clearance between door handle and gate handle
  • Hasp staple diameter
  • Door thickness

Adapter interfaces to design

  • Lever clamp range for gate latch bars of 6–16 mm
  • Weather sealing for a fully exposed outdoor actuator
  • Power: battery versus doorbell wiring

Design targets

Targets marked "from standard" come from the cited document. Targets marked "practice" are our engineering guidance and must be verified for your design.

TargetValueBasis
Pull force ≥ 40 N with 20 mm travel practice
Ingress protection IP65 minimum for an outdoor gate practice

Known blockers

  • Gate bar spacing and frame thickness vary by building project, even within one country.
  • Sun exposure kills batteries and adhesives; tropical rain kills unsealed electronics.
  • Never actuate anything that forms part of a fire escape route.

Design checklist

  • Measure bar spacing, bar diameter and latch travel on real gates.
  • Fail-safe direction: a dead battery must leave the gate openable by hand from inside.

Sources

Engineer feedback