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.
- Somfy SGS 400: settings reset to factory after outages; no memory backup. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17796726]
- Narrow posts: Life Optimo reported working even on 70 mm posts. [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, #17683892]
- Price check: Life Optimo OP3 kits seen at ~1.8k PLN. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17684612]
- Promo anchor: Somfy kit mentioned at ~1k PLN. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17674599]
- Line voltage: Life OP2 is 24 V; OP3 is 230 V. Avoid VIP remotes (fragile cases). [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, #17684671]
Quick Facts
- Somfy SGS 400: settings reset to factory after outages; no memory backup. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17796726]
- Narrow posts: Life Optimo reported working even on 70 mm posts. [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, #17683892]
- Price check: Life Optimo OP3 kits seen at ~1.8k PLN. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17684612]
- Promo anchor: Somfy kit mentioned at ~1k PLN. [Elektroda, Silveraun, post #17674599]
- Line voltage: Life OP2 is 24 V; OP3 is 230 V. Avoid VIP remotes (fragile cases). [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, #17684671]
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, #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, #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, #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?
- Save gate limits and preferences per the manual.
- Cut mains power for one minute, then restore it.
- 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]
