Measure two different loads
A gate uses electricity while moving and may also draw power while waiting. The controller, intercom, access receiver, network equipment and battery charger can contribute to that waiting load. Motor output ratings alone do not give the electricity drawn by the complete entrance.
Ask for measured input power or manufacturer consumption figures for the specified equipment. For two motors, use the combined demand. Record the total powered movement time for opening and closing, rather than treating an opening as a complete cycle.
A worked example with explicit units
This is an illustration, not a typical installation or a current tariff quote. Assume the complete system draws 100 W while moving and 5 W while idle. It makes ten complete cycles per day, each with 20 seconds of total powered movement.
Annual movement time = 20 × 10 × 365 ÷ 3,600 = 20.28 hours. Movement electricity = 0.100 kW × 20.28 hours = 2.03 kWh.
A 365-day year contains 8,760 hours. Idle time = 8,760 − 20.28 = 8,739.72 hours. Idle electricity = 0.005 kW × 8,739.72 hours = 43.70 kWh. Total electricity = 45.73 kWh. At an example tariff of £0.30 per kWh, that is £13.72 per year.
Adapt the calculation to your gate
Use annual kWh = (moving watts × moving hours + idle watts × idle hours) ÷ 1,000. Multiply the result by your unit tariff in pounds per kWh. Use 8,784 hours for a leap year.
The example treats moving power as the whole system demand during movement, so it subtracts movement time from idle time. If your motor figure is an additional load above a separately measured continuous baseline, calculate that baseline over the whole year instead. Do not count the same load twice.
If a cycle takes 40 seconds instead of 20, change the movement time before calculating both parts. Heaters, lighting and accessories that switch separately need their own power-and-time calculations.
Electricity is only part of ownership cost
SIM plans, cloud subscriptions, servicing, replacement batteries and repairs are separate costs. Ask which apply to the proposed equipment and whether VAT is included. An existing household electricity standing charge is not usually an additional gate cost; a separate metered supply could introduce one.
Keep electricity estimates separate from maintenance budgets when using our installed gate cost guide. For a retrofit, compare the work described in our automation quotation guide.