Skill: Mounting accessories in general
Skill level: 1
Fixings & Mounting
Learning Objective
Learn how to securely mount accessories such as intercoms, safety photobeams, and push buttons to walls or piers at the correct position and height, ensuring functionality and long-term durability.
1. Overview
Mounting accessories is a key part of any gate installation. Accessories includes intercoms, photobeams, safety edges, keypads, intercoms, handsets etc... Getting the fixing right ensures both performance and longevity. Accessories must be level, stable, properly aligned and well sealed— especially photobeams, which are safety-critical.
2. Tools & Materials Required
Drill (corded or cordless)
Masonry and HSS drill bits (appropriate size)
Impact driver
Rawl plugs / wall plugs
Stainless steel or weather-resistant screws
Spirit level
Tape measure
Pencil/marker
Silicone sealant (for weatherproofing)
Mounting templates (if supplied)
PPE: Safety glasses, gloves, ear protection
3. Preparatory work
Check the surface material – e.g., brick, block, render, metal post, or timber.
Check the location - including height from the ground. Intercoms are usually 1500mm, photobemas 450mm to the beam height.
Confirm with customer - even if there is no option, customers like to be involved.
Inspect the area for hidden cables or pipes before drilling.
Mark up clearly using a pencil/marker and confirm level and symmetry.
4. Procedure
4.a In brick
Use rawl plugs. Red plugs require 5.5 or 6mm hole, brown plugs are usually a 7mm drill. The holes size and screw size info will be written on the plug or its packaging.
Use a SDS impact bit and drill. Start slowly to help prevent drift.
When drilling indoors it's a good idea to have a running vacuum cleaner hose cleaning the dust directly below the drill bit.
Drill deep enough for the screw to go right through the plug, but don't break through to the other side of the thing you're drilling.
Tap the plug in to surface level or even just below. If it's tough you can use the screw to embed the plug slightly.
Use an impact driver to tighten up, do not over do it.
4.b In wood
Softwood usually takes screws directly
Hardwood like oak or iroko requires a pilot hole to prevent the screw breaking. The pilot hole should bethe same depth as the length of the screw. The pilot hole diameter should be the same diameter as the shaft of the screw. This is smaller than the thread diameter! EG a 10mm coach screw will need about a 6mm pilot hole.
With larger screws, 6mm plus, it is a good idea to apply a little grease to the tip of the screw before inserting. This helps it go in, helps it come out if ever required, helps preserve the timber around the hole.
Use an impact driver and do not over tighten
4.c in plasterboard
Tap the wall and confirm a hollow sound to confirm plasterboard is present
Ensure you're not actually on a stud, in which case use a standard screw
Position and mark as above
Use 2-3 plasterboard fixings and carefully screw them in by hand
For added security you can actually use a bit of gorilla glue to hold the fixing in really well
Again by hand put the screw into the fixing.
Installation & Finishing Notes
Test Stability & Function
Check the physical stability of the accessory.
If applicable, test preliminary functions (e.g. beam alignment, button action).Clean & Organise
Clean the work area thoroughly.
Ensure tidy cable routing, especially if cables remain visible.Seal Against Moisture
Apply a bead of clear silicone around three sides of the accessory (top and sides).
Do not seal the bottom edge — this can trap water inside.Select Appropriate Fixings
Use zinc-plated or stainless-steel screws for outdoor use.
Standard steel screws will rust quickly and compromise the installation.Avoid Twisting or Bending
On uneven surfaces, do not overtighten every screw.
Leaving slight tolerance prevents twisting, which can otherwise create gaps and let water in.
5. Best Practices
Always use fixings suited to the surface.
Use plent of fixing, don't skip any.
Photobeams should be mounted at ~450mm height unless otherwise specified.
Intercoms and push buttons should be at a height suitable for pedestrians or drivers (covered in a separate lesson).
Use sealant or grommets around cable entry to prevent water ingress.
If unsure of structure strength (e.g., loose blocks), consider additional support or alternative fixing method, maybe mount on a large back plate.
7. Safety
SSOW for hand tools
SSOW for power tools
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mounting too low or high (affects usability and safety).
Misaligned beams — causes faults and unnecessary callouts.
Loose fixings — accessories can come loose or fall over time.
Skipping sealing — leads to moisture ingress and premature failure.
Using a drill on a plasterboard fixing.
