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Electrical

Cable type and size required for automated driveway gates

Andrew 15/10/2025 - 8.00 AM

We're starting work on installing the driveway to the new house. It will be approximately 120m long, and we will be laying all the services at the same time. We want to have automatic gates at the bottom of the drive, and my question is what size cable and how many cores should it have to operate a 240V system. We would then be able to put that in the trench as well.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

3 Answers

RH Solar Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Haverfordwest

Hi Andrew, It all depends on the power rating of the electric gate motors. I personally would run a 6mm 3-core armoured cable and install a weatherproof distribution board near the gates. You can then also install lighting from the same board if you want to at a later date. Remember you may need to run data cables at the same time depending on the gate system you are installing. Thanks Rob

Answered12 October 2025

Anonymous user

6mm could be to small and you risk to much volt drop over that distance of around 12 percent max allowed is 5% under the regulations.

Answered13 October 2025

Anonymous user

You should go through the proper design and calculations to determine protective device (mcb or rcbo), conductor cross section, derating and correction factors (as cable will probably run u derground) and voltage drop. A certified electrician will be able to work it all out and give you numbers. Best not to guess ... Ib < In < It < Iz Ib=design current In=protective device It=correction and derating Iz=cable size

Answered15 October 2025