Electric gates consume power in two main states: when they are on standby and when they are actively opening or closing. Based on available information, the power usage varies significantly between these states, impacting your daily electricity consumption and cost.
Standby Power Consumption
Even when not in use, electric gates require a small amount of power to remain responsive. According to a reference from 03-Jan-2023:
- When on standby, electric gates will on average consume approximately 100 watts (w) of electricity a day.
This figure of "100 watts a day" is likely referring to the total daily energy consumption while the gate is idle, which equates to 100 Watt-hours (Wh) per day. This is the baseline power usage that is constant as long as the gate is connected to the power supply.
Active Power Consumption
The power draw increases substantially when the gate is in motion. The same reference states:
- When active, they can use up to 700w.
- When active, their running time is limited to approximately 20 seconds.
This means an electric gate motor can draw a peak power of up to 700 watts when actively opening or closing. However, this high power consumption is only for a very short duration per operation cycle.
Energy Usage Per Cycle and Cost
The actual energy consumed during an active cycle (opening or closing) is relatively low due to the short running time. The reference provides a practical insight into the cost:
- This means every cycle of your gates adds 0.2 pence to your energy bill.
A "cycle" typically refers to one complete operation, like opening and then closing the gate. Based on the active power (up to 700W) and duration (~20 seconds), the energy used per cycle is approximately 3.89 Wh (calculated as 700W * (20/3600) hours). This small amount of energy translates to the stated cost per cycle.
Summarizing Gate Power Usage
Here's a quick overview of the power and energy figures:
| State | Power/Energy Consumption | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | Approx. 100 watts (w) a day (likely 100 Wh/day) | Continuous, idle consumption |
| Active | Up to 700w (peak power) | Only when moving (approx. 20s) |
| Per Cycle | Approx. 3.89 Wh | Energy used for one open/close |
| Cost Per Cycle | 0.2 pence | Financial impact of one operation |
Daily Energy Consumption
The total daily energy consumption of your electric gate will be the sum of its standby consumption throughout the day plus the energy used during each activation cycle.
- Minimum Daily Usage: 100 Wh (standby only)
- Example Daily Usage (e.g., 4 cycles): 100 Wh (standby) + (4 cycles * ~3.89 Wh/cycle) = 100 Wh + ~15.56 Wh = ~115.56 Wh
Compared to other household appliances, the standby power usage of a gate (around 4.17W average if 100Wh/day) is relatively low, similar to some modern electronics. The active power is high but short-lived. Therefore, the number of times you use the gate daily significantly impacts the total energy bill more than the continuous standby consumption.
