Gate motor batteries last 2–5 years under normal conditions. Load shedding has cut that to 12–18 months for many Bloemfontein residents. Here is why and what to do.
How load shedding damages gate motor batteries
Gate motor backup batteries are sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries. They are not designed for deep discharge. When the power goes off during load shedding, the battery discharges fully each time. Multiple deep discharges per day permanently reduces the battery's capacity. A battery that was rated for 500 cycles at shallow discharge may survive only 50–100 deep discharges before it can no longer hold a meaningful charge.
Signs your battery needs replacement
The gate closes slowly or stops mid-travel. The gate won't open at all after a load-shedding period. The motor's battery warning light is on. The battery is hot to touch after charging. If your gate behaved normally a year ago and is now unreliable after power outages, the battery is the first thing to check.
The right way to replace
SLA batteries come in different amp-hour ratings. A larger capacity battery takes longer to discharge fully and survives more cycles at the same depth of discharge. If you're in an area with heavy load shedding, specifying a larger battery than the manufacturer default extends service life. A 7Ah battery replaced with a 12Ah battery takes roughly 70% longer to discharge to the same level.
When the gate motor itself is the problem
After replacing two or three batteries in quick succession with no improvement, the fault may be in the motor's charging circuit rather than the battery. A weak charger cannot restore the battery between load-shedding cycles, which accelerates degradation. Our technicians test charger output voltage on every battery callout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my gate motor battery in Bloemfontein?
Under current load-shedding conditions, most SLA batteries need replacement every 12–24 months. Higher capacity batteries and less frequent load shedding extend this.
Can I upgrade to a lithium battery for my gate motor?
Lithium batteries handle deep discharge far better than SLA and last significantly longer under load-shedding conditions. They cost more upfront but the total cost over time is often lower. We supply lithium alternatives for most common gate motor systems.
Need a hand with this?
Our gate motors team covers all of Bloemfontein, 24/7.
Gate Motors in Bloemfontein