How to Manually Release a Roger BE400 Electric Gate Ram Motor (Power Cut Guide)

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Dec 14, 2025
4 min read

Gatemen – PRIME Roger Technology Installers

If your electric gate will not open due to a power cut, the Roger Technology BE400 above-ground ram motor can be manually released to allow access. This guide explains how to safely release and re-engage your Roger BE400 swing gate motor during a mains power failure.

Gatemen are specialist electric gate engineers, providing emergency repairs, servicing, and installations across the UK. This guide is written by experienced engineers who regularly attend “gate won’t open – power cut” call-outs.

⚠️ Important Safety Warning

Once the Roger BE400 ram motor is manually released, the gate leaf may swing freely. Always secure the gate and keep people, vehicles, and pets clear before moving it.

Only proceed if you are confident you can manually operate the gate in a controlled and safe manner. If the gate is heavy, damaged, or difficult to move, do not attempt to release it — contact a professional gate engineer.

Roger BE400 Above-Ground Ram Motor (Swing Gate)

BE400 above-ground ram motor installed on a swing gate

When Would You Need to Manually Release Your Electric Gate?

Manual release is typically required when:

There is a mains power failure
The gate will not open and no battery backup is installed
You need emergency access in or out of your property

The Roger BE400 includes a built-in manual release mechanism for these situations.

🔑 Always Know Where the Manual Release Key Is

Keep the manual release key accessible
Do not store it inside a garage or building that requires the gate to open
Familiarise yourself with the release location before an emergency

Finding the release for the first time in darkness or bad weather can be difficult. Gatemen provide gate system training during new installations and servicing visits.

Always store the Roger BE400 manual release key in a safe but accessible place. If the key is locked inside the property, you may not be able to access your gate during a power cut.

Do You Need Any Tools to Release a Roger BE400 Gate?

No tools are required.

You only need the manual release key supplied with your Roger Technology gate installation.

If tools are needed, the motor may be jammed or damaged, in which case we recommend contacting Gatemen for professional assistance.

Step-by-Step: How to Manually Release a Roger BE400 Ram Motor

Step 1: Isolate the Power Supply

Turn off the mains power isolator or fused spur supplying the gate.

Even if the power is already off, this prevents the motor attempting to re-engage unexpectedly when power is restored.

Step 2: Access the Manual Release Lock

Slide the protective key flap (left or right) on top of the motor to expose the lock.

Insert the Roger Technology manual release key into the key slot.

BE400 Roger Technology motor with manual release

Step 3: Disengage the Motor

Turn the key 90 degrees to disengage the release mechanism.

Lift the release lever fully upwards. You may feel slight resistance.

BE400 manual release lever in the open position

Step 4: Manually Move the Gate

The gate can now be moved by pushing or pulling the gate leaf.

⚠️ Important:

Do not pull on the ram motor itself.

🧰 Do NOT Use the Ram to Pull the Gate

After releasing the motor:

Do not use the ram as a handle
Always move the gate by the gate frame or leaf
Pulling on the motor arm can cause damage

Step 5: Secure the Gate

Once the gate is in the desired open or closed position:

Re-lock the motors if leaving the gate unattended
Secure the gate to prevent movement in high winds

This helps prevent damage to the gate, hinges, or motor brackets.

Step 6: Re-Engage the Motor

Before re-engaging:

Ensure the gate is correctly aligned
Do not force the ram back into position

Lower the release lever fully and lock it using the manual release key.

BE400 gate motor locked and secured

Step 7: Restore Power

Turn the mains isolator or fused spur back on.

Ensure the gates are manually closed and locked before testing.

Step 8: Test the Gate Operation

Activate the gate using:

Roger remote fob (E80 or SYNUS)
Keypad
Ground loop

The Roger Technology EDGE1 control panel will perform a slow open and close cycle to re-establish normal operation.

Your electric gates should now be fully operational.

Preventing Issues During Future Power Cuts

Gatemen can supply and install:

Battery backup kits for Roger Technology systems
Solar-assisted gate power solutions
Routine servicing to ensure manual release mechanisms operate smoothly

Battery backup allows your gates to open and close normally during power cuts without manual intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can manually releasing a Roger BE400 damage the motor?

No, if carried out correctly. Forcing the motor or misaligning the gate can cause damage.

Why won’t my gate move after manual release?

The gate may be damaged, off-track, or obstructed. Do not force it — contact a gate engineer.

Do electric gates open automatically during a power cut?

Only if a battery backup system is installed.

Need Support or Emergency Assistance?

Are your gates stuck or not re-engaging correctly? Gatemen provide fast electric gate call-outs and emergency repairs.

We stock and support Roger Technology gate automation systems.

We can help with:

Manual release of electric swing gates
Above-ground ram motor faults
Electric gates not opening during a power cut
Emergency access issues

Contact Gatemen

If your Roger BE400 gate will not release or fails to operate correctly after a power cut, professional assistance is recommended to avoid damage or injury.

Tel: 01452 447002

Email: info@gatemen.co.uk

Website: www.gatemen.co.uk

Electric Gate Servicing Areas Covered by Gatemen

If you are located outside these areas, please contact Gatemen — we regularly travel further afield for specialist Roger Technology installations and repairs.

Gloucestershire