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[Solved] Somfy Automatic Gate Opener Reviews and Alternatives for Terraced House - Price Around 1k

Silveraun 21267 12
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  • #1 17674599
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    Good morning
    I will soon be moving to a new terraced house. My budget is tight, so I'm looking for savings.
    However, I consider automatic gate opening to be necessary, at least an average one to start with.
    And I just got a promotion at Leroy for Somfy - now the question for you is whether it's worth anything? Price: 1k, or maybe I can find something better at a similar price?
    Light double-leaf gate (flat bar grating)
    Two cars, so it will be opened several times a day.
    Metal post, 10 cm wide.
    I don't remember the length of the wing, I'll add it when I measure it.
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  • #2 17674620
    Jawi_P
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3193
    Help: 259
    Rate: 693
    I don't know which is better, but I have had bad experiences with Somfy. Although only from friends and family. Over the course of 2 years, I repaired gate controllers 3 times. After the warranty period, my cousin wanted to use the service, but he couldn't find one, so he came to me even though he wasn't close to one. It's hard for me to say whether this is a general trend or a rather ineffective one. This has also happened more than once on Somfy's electrode.
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  • #3 17674632
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    One of the developer's installers from whom I bought the house spoke very unfavorably about the controllers - that's why I became interested in the topic.
    Or what would you recommend at a relatively good price?
  • #4 17674781
    Jawi_P
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3193
    Help: 259
    Rate: 693
    Silveraun wrote:
    Or what would you recommend at a relatively good price?

    It does not deal with gates and automation, I dealt with this company as part of an electronics service, and it was rather by accident. colleagues who are specialists in this industry will certainly give you some advice.
  • #5 17678000
    Adrian_C
    Level 17  
    Posts: 490
    Help: 17
    Rate: 97
    The cheapest and best is probably faac 414 or the related genius g-bat 300
  • #6 17679219
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    I already know what the problem is with the Somfy set - namely the control. After a power outage, it doesn't remember the settings and returns to the factory settings - which is a disaster :)

    I would still like to know what set will function efficiently at a relatively low price of the product.
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  • Helpful post
    #7 17680470
    andrzej lukaszewicz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 7005
    Help: 622
    Rate: 2099
    I wouldn't wear a sofa, for a lighter shoe, take Life optimo 2. good and durable drives.
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  • #8 17682558
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    I have already given up on Somfa - I took it blindly because there was a good promotion, and in the supermarket you can buy first and then look for opinions ;)
    So now I'm looking for the cheapest price assuming good quality, or at least no major defects.
    And you have to remember about the limitation of a thin metal pole (10 cm).
  • Helpful post
    #9 17683892
    andrzej lukaszewicz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 7005
    Help: 622
    Rate: 2099
    And that's why I gave you the proven Life drive for narrow posts, I have even successfully installed it on commercial 70mm posts.
  • #10 17684612
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    It's true - they look really promising at a pretty good price - I found a set for 1.8k without looking too carefully.

    1.8k is the cost of the op3 version - there are no problems with the newer one? Because it varies :)
  • #11 17684671
    andrzej lukaszewicz
    Level 42  
    Posts: 7005
    Help: 622
    Rate: 2099
    Op 3 are stronger and larger 230 V actuators
    Look for OP2 for 24V. I just don't recommend VIP remote controls, they are delicate and the casing falls apart.
  • #12 17793578
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    Lack of controller memory - after a power outage, it returns to the factory settings - the set is returned, it is not worth buying
  • #13 17796726
    Silveraun
    Level 6  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 9
    Due to the fact that the ending of the topic could be misleading as to which product it is about... for clarity:

    These are sets sold, among others, at Leroy
    Drive for DOUBLE-LEAF gate SGS 400 SOMFY

    No memory backup for gate settings. (no power - return to factory settings). Information from the electrician who performed the installation in my house. he said he would not install the kit for this very reason. He knows it from his own experience. That's all I can say, after this opinion and the confirmed rumors from many people who heard that there is a common problem with drivers (they don't know what), I gave up on the product.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the user's inquiry about the Somfy automatic gate opener, particularly in the context of a new terraced house and a budget of around 1k. Several users shared their experiences, highlighting concerns about the reliability of Somfy products, particularly issues with the controller losing settings after power outages. Alternatives such as FAAC 414 and Life Optimo 2 were recommended for their durability and performance. Users noted that the Somfy SGS 400 lacks memory backup for settings, leading to dissatisfaction and recommendations to avoid it. The Life drive was suggested as a suitable option for narrow posts, with a focus on finding a reliable and cost-effective solution.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For budget swing gates, prioritize reliable controllers. 3 repairs in 2 years reported; "I repaired gate controllers 3 times." This FAQ helps terraced-house owners avoid kits with controller pitfalls and find practical alternatives. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #17674620]

Why it matters: Power cuts and poor service can turn a cheap gate kit into a daily headache.

Quick Facts

Is the Somfy SGS 400 worth buying on a ~1k budget for a terraced house?

Users flagged a controller flaw: settings are lost after power cuts. An electrician refused to install it. The buyer returned the set. If reliability matters more than price, pick another kit. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17796726]

What happens to Somfy SGS 400 settings after a power cut?

For the SGS 400, settings revert to factory defaults when power returns. The controller lacks non‑volatile memory. This makes everyday use frustrating where outages occur. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17796726]

Which budget swing‑gate kits were recommended in this thread?

One reply named FAAC 414 and the related Genius G‑BAT 300 as the cheapest solid choices. Start your shortlist with those and verify gate geometry. [Elektroda, Adrian_C, post #17678000]

Which opener fits a narrow 10 cm metal post?

Life Optimo was reported to fit narrow posts. An installer wrote, “I have even successfully installed it on commercial 70mm posts.” Check bracket geometry during planning. [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, post #17683892]

Should I choose Life Optimo OP2 or OP3?

OP3 uses 230 V and is stronger and larger; OP2 runs on 24 V. The installer noted, “Op 3 are stronger and larger 230 V actuators.” They also cautioned against VIP remotes due to fragile casings. [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, post #17684671]

What price did users see for Life Optimo kits?

A user reported Life Optimo OP3 kits at about 1.8k PLN. Use that as a benchmark when comparing offers. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17684612]

How reliable has Somfy been in user reports here?

One user saw repeated failures across friends and family. They wrote, “3 repairs in 2 years.” Treat that as a cautionary signal for controller reliability. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #17674620]

Is Somfy post‑warranty service easy to access?

A user’s cousin could not find service and sought private help despite distance. Factor service availability into your purchase decision. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #17674620]

Will Life Optimo OP2 handle several daily openings on a light gate?

An installer recommended Life Optimo 2 for a lighter gate and called them “good and durable drives.” That aligns with frequent light‑duty use. [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, post #17680470]

Which Somfy model was criticized, and where is it sold?

The double‑leaf Somfy SGS 400 was discussed. The poster noted it’s sold at Leroy and similar retailers. The key complaint was settings loss after blackouts. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17796726]

How do I check if my controller keeps settings after a blackout?

  1. Save gate limits and preferences per the manual.
  2. Cut mains power for one minute, then restore it.
  3. Verify if limits, remotes, and modes persist; if not, plan a controller change. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17796726]

Should I avoid controllers that reset to factory defaults after outages?

Yes. A user returned such a kit and called it not worth buying. Outages make reprogramming a chore. Choose controllers that retain settings. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17793578]
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