The maintenance of manual and motorized gates is not only a technical fulfillment, but also a legal obligation under safety regulations (maintenance is a general measure of protection – Legislative Decree 81/2008 Article 15), which is essential to prevent accidents, ensure the safety of users and ensure, over time, the proper functioning of the system.
Every gate, in fact, is a mechanical structure subject to wear, stress and constant vibration. Therefore, ignoring its maintenance means increasing risks, liabilities and costs.
For these reasons, mandatory gate maintenance is a necessity that allows locksmiths, carpenters, installers, and owners to ensure that each structure functions properly, without risk to people, property, and the system itself.
Many people only think about gate maintenance the moment something stops working: a swing gate that sticks, a motorized gate that won’t open, a worn hinge that creaks with every movement.
In reality, maintenance is an ongoing activity that must be scheduled, documented, and performed regularly by qualified personnel, just as with other technical systems, such as boilers and elevators, which require periodic inspections.
European regulations are very clear that any gate, regardless of how it is used, is a mechanical structure that can pose a risk if it is not maintained and monitored over time.
And, in the case of motorized gates, which are considered to all intents and purposes to be machines, the responsibility for maintenance falls under the obligations of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (i.e., the decree implementing the Machinery Directive in Italy – Legislative Decree 17/2010).
At the same time, the UNI EN 13241 standard, which applies to manual and motorized gates, recalls the maintenance requirement in Section 4.5, stipulating that any gate (manual or motorized) must meet precise requirements for safety, mechanical strength, stability, protection against crushing, dragging, shearing, and risks arising from the movement of gates.
These requirements must be verified and maintained over time, not only during installation, but throughout the life of the system.
The same principles are also reiterated and set by the Construction Products Regulation CPR 305/2011/EU.
FAC Srl, an Italian company that has been designing and manufacturing components and accessories for residential and industrial gates for more than 50 years, assists locksmiths and installers worldwide with constant technical support for all verification and maintenance activities of the structures, also offering detailed technical data sheets with indications and official guidelines for the control, lubrication and proper maintenance of the components.
Thanks to our many years of collaboration with Studio Cioffi Servizi, we are also structured to help installers operate in compliance with the regulations, simplifying the management of bureaucratic requirements and offering complete and up-to-date training on CE forms, necessary for the marketing, installation and motorization of any type of structure.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the obligation to maintain gates, focusing in particular on the information that professionals, locksmiths and installers need to know in order to operate safely and in full compliance with industry regulations.
What the regulations on mandatory gate maintenance provide for
To really understand what is meant by a maintenance obligation, it is necessary to distinguish between the maintenance of manual gates and the maintenance of motorized structures, considering, however, that both types of systems must be constantly maintained in a safe condition.
Maintenance of motorized gates: an explicit obligation
The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC states that maintenance of motorized gates must be a mandatory, periodic, traceable activity that can be performed only by qualified technicians.
The directive classifies all motorized gates as machines, making a whole series of checks and fulfillments mandatory on the part of the manufacturer, installer and owner.
The regulations stipulate the need for periodic inspections for all types of components, particularly in the following aspects:
- Anti-crushing and anti-collision safety systems,
- Obstacle detection systems,
- Mechanical strength of the handling organs,
- Sash stability,
- Guides, hinges, racks, carriages, bearings,
- Electrical devices, photocells, flashing lights,
- sensitive edges and emergency systems.
Each component must be maintained in full functional efficiency, and any work on it must be recorded in the appropriate maintenance logbook, which is contained in the plant booklet.
What about manual gates? The obligation also exists for this type of facility
Many people believe that only motorized gates require maintenance. In fact, even manual gates, while not covered by the Machinery Directive, must comply with UNI EN 13241, which sets out precise safety and performance requirements for all types of gates and doors, specifically:
- Mechanical strength requirements;
- structural stability requirements;
- operational safety requirements to prevent mechanical hazards such as crushing, dragging or shearing.
Even manual gates, therefore, must have their components regularly maintained to ensure safety and compliance over time. They fall under the controls provided:
- Checks on the stability of the structure;
- Control of hinges, hinges, sashes and stops;
- verification and prevention of crushing or failure risks;
- Alignment and closure control;
- Monitoring wear in the rotation or sliding zones.
The risks of failure to maintain
A gate on which proper maintenance is not performed exposes users, owners, installers and technicians to significant risks, both physically and legally.
Risks to people
A gate can create real dangers if it is not maintained, such as:
- Fall of the sash due to failure of hinges or welds;
- Crushing during sash rotation;
- Shearing in the joint areas;
- Dragging of clothing or objects;
- Derailment in sliding gates;
- Electrical malfunctions in motorized gates.
Many accidents occur precisely because of wear and tear not detected in time.
Risks to owners
In case of an accident due to poor maintenance, the owner may be:
- Held civilly liable for the damage caused;
- Subject to administrative penalties;
- involved in legal proceedings;
- not covered by insurance, which can retaliate if the facility was not up to code.
Risks for locksmiths, installers and maintenance workers
A poorly maintained gate can also put the professional at risk:
- If the installed gate was not delivered with a maintenance plan;
- If the correct technical documentation has not been issued;
- If the scheduled periodic maintenance is not carried out.
This is why FAC Srl, through detailed technical data sheets and constant assistance, supports professionals and installers in correctly defining all necessary maintenance checks.
Manual and motorized gate maintenance: the differences
The maintenance of a manual gate and that of a motorized gate share many elements, but they also have important differences.
A manual gate mainly requires checking the mechanical part: hinges and hinges need to be lubricated, plates and welds checked, as well as the stops, sashes, and sash alignment. The pillars and any sliding system (wheels, guides, thrust bearings) should also be monitored to avoid sagging or instability.
In the case of motorized gates, in addition to all mechanical controls, it is also necessary to monitor the electrical and electronic parts: motor, arms or rack, photocells, sensitive edges, sensors, flashing lights, and control unit. Emergency batteries and wiring, which must be protected from the elements and kept in perfect working order, should also be checked.
Regulations stipulate different maintenance frequencies, depending on the installation environment: for private settings, at least one maintenance per year is required; for businesses, public places, or high-traffic settings, appropriate checks must be performed every six months.
In both cases, regular maintenance will prevent breakdowns and ensure the safe use of the gate over time.
Who is responsible for gate maintenance
Maintenance of a manual or motorized gate is a responsibility that involves several people, namely: the gate manufacturer, the installer, and the gate owner.
The manufacturer has a duty to provide all the necessary documentation for the proper use of the gate: the user manual, maintenance instructions, CE declaration, and the logbook on which to record maintenance work performed over time.
Similarly, the installer is responsible for assembling the gate according to current regulations, carrying out the initial inspection and testing, and informing the customer of the maintenance obligations he or she will have to meet.
Finally, the owner is the entity legally required to ensure that maintenance is carried out regularly by qualified personnel. Timing varies according to the type of context: for private individuals, an annual check is recommended, while for companies, public agencies and areas with high frequency of use, the check should be mandatory at least every 6 months.
FAC Srl: professional support in the periodic maintenance of facilities
FAC Srl works alongside locksmiths, carpenters and installers around the world on a daily basis, offering not only certified and reliable gate components, but also professional technical support for all needs related to the selection, installation and proper maintenance of components over time.
In our datasheets, which come with each product, you will find concrete and precise help in managing installation even beyond assembly. From the list of components to be monitored, to the frequency and number of cycles recommended for inspection and lubrication, you will find all the information you need in our product sheets to ensure safe and compliant gate maintenance.
As mentioned above, in addition to technical documentation FAC also offers dedicated professional support, offering clarification, guidance and advice tailored to each specific installation.
Why choosing FAC components helps (also) with maintenance
Installing a gate with FAC components means starting with a real advantage: in fact, all FAC accessories are designed to be robust, compatible, and easy to inspect and maintain.
Construction quality is the first element that makes the difference: 100% Made in Italy production, the use of certified materials, and the rigorous testing to which all our components are subjected ensure high reliability and long service life. Added to this is a careful design that aims for maximum internal compatibility: arms, hinges, hinges, plates, carriages and all other accessories talk to each other naturally, facilitating installation and maintenance tasks.
In summary, a gate made with FAC components is not only more stable and reliable over time, but also becomes easier to maintain, especially in high-use settings where operational continuity is critical.
Gate maintenance: an obligation and an investment in safety
In conclusion, maintenance of gates-motorized or manual-is not only a regulatory requirement, but also a key safety measure, as well as an investment in the life of the system.
A well-maintained gate works better, lasts longer, is safer, obeys the law and protects those who use it.
That is why our company, which has always been involved in the field, encourages all professionals who carry out the work to schedule an annual maintenance plan, informing the owner of the structure about the necessary checks.
In fact, scheduled maintenance is not only good practice, but the most effective way to ensure safety, continuity of operation, and peace of mind for both the installer and the end user.
Looking for robust and reliable components for your projects? Visit our site to discover all FAC gate accessories! You can view and download our data sheets on each product’s specific page.
