Here we answer some of the more common questions about our range of products and applications.

Troubleshooting and Common Problems

Choosing the right opener

1.Do you want a swing or sliding gate?
2. How will you open the gate?
Options include: Remotes, keypad, audio intercom, video intercom, GSM (cell phone controlled), inground loop or probe
3. How will you exit the gate?
Options include: Remotes, Exit button, Inground loop or probe

Common Mistakes

  1. Your gate needs to swing or slide freely, you should be able to push it lightly with your hand
  2. Automation will not magically make a poorly installed gate perform better – use an expert!
  3. Your gate will struggle to operate if it is too heavy, think carefully about cladding
  4. Weather such as strong winds will affect your gate

Gate not working?

Call an expert

Other Common Questions

Can Centurion Motors or access control systems be fitted to any gates, doors or screens?
Almost all well-constructed metal or wooden gates, doors and screens can be fitted with Centurion motors and access control systems. Ensure the gates and doors swing or slide freely.

How much will it cost for Residential Automatic Gates
Approx. $5000.00 should buy Gates with Automation operated by remote control. Power cabling and Intercoms, keypads may cost extra.

Can we install Centurion Access Control Systems in our home or premises?
Yes, if cabling can be run from doorway to doorway. It would be easier to install while a building is being constructed.

How much will it cost for a Solo Prox Reader System at our facility?
Solo Prox Reader Systems limits access through certain gates or doors and would cost from approx. $2000.

How many users can the Lattice Prox Reader System operate with?
This system is designed for large industrial/commercial use and can cater for up to 50,000 tag users. When installed on gates and doorways, will limit and monitor movements by computer.

Are Centurion Systems reliable?
Yes, one of the most reliable in the world.

Are Centurion Gate Motors fast?
Yes very fast, and faster than other brands.

Are Centurion Motors quiet?
Yes very quiet and smooth operating.

Are Centurion Systems designed for our conditions?
They are designed for exterior use in hot and cold conditions including seaside locations.

Do I need power at the gate location?
Yes, either 230V or 12V low voltage. The 12V low voltage option can be installed for less cost and can be used for all Centurion systems except for A10 and Centor 230v Traffic Barriers which require 230V.

Can Centurion motors operate by Solar power?
Yes all motors except A10 and Centor 230v Traffic Barriers, which require 230V mains power.

Can the same remote operate my Gate and Garage door motor?
Yes if the Garage Door Motor has a Centurion Receiver PC Card fitted.

How long has Centurion product been available in New Zealand and the Pacific?
Approx 7 years.

Is Centurion Systems covered by warranty?
The Centurion Systems are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which means that faulty parts in the warranty period will be repaired or replaced without charge.

Who will service my motor in the future if something goes wrong?

How does a visitor raise our attention from outside the Gate?
The options for this are:
1. Intercom System which has the added benefit that it has a button on the telephone inside the house which can open/close the Gates also.
2. Wireless Doorbell to chime in house. The gate can be opened with a spare remote from the house.

How does my gardener open the gate in my absence?
By Centurion Keypad which can have a special code for the gardener/cleaners only.

Who can give the best advice on Centurion Systems technical options?
Aero NZ Ltd trained technical staff - 0800 428 326, 021 730 820.

Why use DC motor or battery operated motor on a gate opener?

  2. The speed of a DC motor is easily controlled and thus a gate can be softly ramped up to speed and slowed down as required (see the D5 motor).
  3. The DC motor is more efficient than comparable AC motors thus virtually eliminating shutdown due to over – temperature.

What is the biggest gate that can be operated with the D5-Evo / D5 / D3 / A5?

The limitations for the A5/D5 are the following:

  1. The starting pull force must be less than 25kgF for the D3, 60kgF for the D5 and less that 22gkF for the A5.
  2. The mass of the gate must be less than 300kg for the D3 and less than 500kg for the D5 and A5 motors.

Why does the A5/D5 sometimes seem to lose its endpoint setting? (Refers only to version 1 type D5 or A5 motors)

The most likely cause is loss of mesh between the rack and pinion. Because of the internal limit switch mechanism (DOSS) it is vital to maintain the mesh between the rack and the pinion.

My A5 motor stops intermittently for no apparent reason. Sometimes it stops during opening and sometimes during closing.

The problem may be caused by a loose connection in the controller 12V DC power supply circuit. What happens is that the controller momentarily loses its 12V DC supply (it is often a drop in voltage that occurs so quickly that it is not possible to measure it with a standard volt meter) and the P/C microprocessor on the controller resets. It is very easy to see if this is the problem because the STATUS LED flashes 5 times as the motor stops, and all the monitoring LED’s (STATUS, L1 AND L2) will be switched off.

How many times can I open my D5-Evo / D5 / D3 operated gate with mains power failure?


When setting my gate limits, ‘open’ and ‘close’ work fine, but I can't set my pedestrian opening point? (This applies only to the older version 1 D5 and A5 motors)

Ensure that your DOSS has been set in the correct direction. Is the rack mounted UNDERNEATH the pinion? If so, DOSS direction is reversed, as well as motor wires.



  3. Lastly reduce the sensitivity of the operator. Visit our website – Centurion Systems. Read from page 27 of the manual. You must programme at MENU LEVEL 7 – 3 flashes of the STATUS LED. (this will give you LOW sensitivity)

What is CONDOMINIUM mode?


What is PCM?



What is PIRAC mode?


Can a battery larger than 7A/H be used on Centurion battery operated gate systems?




How can I tell if the origin subsystem is working properly?

In set-up mode:

  1. The “status” led should be on if the origin marker is right of the unit.
  2. The “status” led should be off if the origin marker is left of the unit.

In operational mode:

  1. LED L1 should be off if the origin marker is on the “closed” side of the sensor.
  2. LED L1 should be on if the origin marker is on the “open” side of the sensor.

Origin system troubleshooting.

Problem 1. Unit fails to complete set-up cycle.
Check that the origin subsystem is working (refer Q3 set-up mode). If not:-

  3. Reduce gap (refer Q2).
  4. Check that the steel magnetic shields are fitted D3/A5 only (D5 does not utilise).
  5. Check the harness connections, the middle white plug should be connected to the DOSS.
  6. Check battery voltage (D3/D5 models only).

Problem 2. Unit rams an end stop.

  1. Check all points as per “problem 1” above.
  3. Remove anti theft cage (if fitted) and repeat set-up procedure.l
  4. Check that the origin marker is secure.
  5. Check that the gearbox mounting is secure.

My gate opens, but then won't close.


How do I secure the mounting bracket for steel rack installations?


My gate won't operate.




  1. Installations fitted with steel anti theft cages.
  2. Installations with steel posts on the LHS of the unit.
  3. All A5 installations.

I have set my gate limits successfully, but when I run the gate it slams into the end stops. (This applies only to the older version 1 D5 and A5 motors)

Check your motor direction wires. The first action after setting the limits is to close. If the gate opens, the motor wires must be reversed. Is the rack mounted UNDERNEATH the pinion? If so, DOSS direction and motor wires are reversed.