Battery backup automatic gates in North Cyprus: systems that keep working during power cuts

What is a battery backup gate system?

A battery backup gate system is one where the automatic gate motor is supported by a battery unit that takes over when mains power is cut. When power is available the battery charges automatically; during an outage the system switches to battery without you noticing. In practice we see three approaches:

• Battery module integrated into the control board: The motor manufacturer's own backup unit; the neatest solution.
• External battery and charging unit: Can be retrofitted to other brands and older systems.
• Low-voltage motor systems: Some motors are designed to be directly battery-compatible and switch to backup more easily.

Battery backup does not only help during outages; it can also indirectly benefit the system during voltage fluctuations. In some solutions, protection circuits used together with the battery reduce the risk of the control board being damaged as power drops and returns. That is why we also assess board protection when adding a battery.

Why does it matter so much in North Cyprus?

Kıb-Tek power cuts can be frequent, especially during peak demand in the summer months and on stormy winter days. Without battery backup, your gate stays wherever it was when the power went: your car can be stuck in the garden or garage, or the gate can be left open, creating a security gap. Customer access being cut off at businesses in Nicosia (Lefkoşa), residents waiting at the entrance of complexes in Kyrenia (Girne) and Iskele, and the hassle of opening by hand at remote homes in Güzelyurt and Lefke make battery systems almost essential.

Opening a gate by hand during a power cut is not always easy. Moving a heavy sliding gate or a large garage door manually can be difficult, especially for elderly people and children. Searching for the motor release key in the dark at night is another hassle. A battery backup system removes all of these situations.

Which gates can have a battery added?

• Automatic gate motors (sliding and swing)
• Automatic garage door motors
• Residential complex and car park barriers
• Automatic sliding glass doors and automatic swing doors
• Some shutter and roller shutter motors

Not every motor takes battery backup in the same way; control board compatibility and motor type are checked during the site survey.

What to consider when choosing

• How many open/close cycles you need during an outage: A family home and a complex entrance have different needs; battery capacity is chosen accordingly.
• Motor compatibility: If the manufacturer offers an original battery module, we recommend that first.
• Outage behaviour: Should the gate stay open or closed when the battery runs low? This can be programmed to suit your security and usage needs.
• Battery life: Batteries lose capacity over time; periodic checks and replacement when needed should be planned.
• Installation location: The battery must be placed in a box that protects it from moisture and excessive heat.

Some users prefer to combine battery backup with a solar panel. This can be considered for garden entrances far from the power line or in rural areas; however, its suitability depends on how heavily the gate is used and on local conditions. We can discuss this option with you during the site survey too.

Installation process

1. Site survey: We inspect your existing motor, control board and how you use the gate.
2. Quote: We provide a quote explaining the compatible battery solution and, if needed, a board replacement.
3. Installation: The battery unit is placed in a protective box, and board and charging connections are made.
4. Handover: Mains power is cut and the system is tested on battery, and we show you how it behaves during an outage.

You can see the general process on our how it works page.

After installation we test the switch to battery several times in front of you, so you know in advance how the gate will behave in a real power cut. Features such as the gate switching to slow mode or giving a warning signal during an outage can also be set on some models.

Maintenance and warranty

During periodic maintenance on battery backup systems, the battery's ability to hold charge is measured and the connections and charging circuit are checked. For the systems we install: 3-year warranty; if periodic maintenance is carried out without interruption, the warranty can be extended to up to 5 years. Because batteries have a limited service life, we let you know at maintenance visits whether a replacement is needed. If you have a problem during a power cut, you can reach our 24/7 breakdown service.

Because the battery unit sits in a closed box, it is often overlooked; yet a weakened battery will not perform as expected during an outage. That is why we always test the battery at maintenance visits and report the result to you clearly.

Why REKA?

• Over 20 years of experience and close knowledge of North Cyprus power conditions
• Battery solutions compatible with all motor brands
• References including METU Northern Cyprus Campus and the Turkish Armed Forces
• Free site survey and 24/7 breakdown service

Don't get stuck at the gate during power cuts; call us on +90 539 102 13 13 or request a free site survey.