BFT ELI BT A40 Underground Swing Gate Motor

The BFT ELI BT A40 uses a relative encoder as its standard limit switch — a sensor that tracks motor shaft rotation relative to a starting reference point and calculates gate position from the number of rotations completed. This differs from an absolute encoder (used on the BFT E5 BT A18, which always knows its exact position regardless of power interruption), magnetic limit switches (used on the ELI 250 N BT, which detect a fixed physical point), and work-time limits (used on ATHOS AC motors, which rely on timed motor run). The relative encoder offers precise position control suitable for the ELI BT A40’s continuous operation rating — tracking cumulative cycles without position drift. An optional magnetic limit switch can be added as a secondary precision stop for additional accuracy.

Continuous operation on the ELI BT A40 means there is no limit on cycles per hour — the motor can open and close the gate repeatedly without mandatory rest intervals. This exceeds even the intensive-use rating (found on the BENINCA DU.350N and BFT ELI 250 N BT, both of which have high but specified cycle limits). For an Abu Dhabi commercial entrance, parking facility, or high-traffic residential compound where the gate may operate dozens of times per hour during peak periods, the ELI BT A40’s continuous rating eliminates any concern about overheating or duty cycle overrun. This is the highest frequency-of-use rating available in the underground swing gate motor range at POWERgate Abu Dhabi.

At 500 kg maximum gate leaf weight, the BFT ELI BT A40 has the highest weight capacity of any underground swing gate motor in our range — 100 kg more than the BFT ELI AC A40 (400 kg) and ELI 250 N BT (400 kg). This capacity is suited to solid steel plate gates, thick ornamental steel designs, heavy cast iron gates, and gates with stone or timber cladding that are common in premium Abu Dhabi villa and commercial property entrances. For standard wrought-iron residential gates in Abu Dhabi (typically 150–300 kg per leaf), the 500 kg rating represents substantial over-engineering that translates to longer motor life and lower mechanical stress during daily operation.

The BFT ELI BT A40 is compatible with three THALIA control units. The THALIA BT A80 is the Bluetooth-enabled variant — it supports wireless configuration and diagnostics via a smartphone without physical access to the board terminals, and is the most advanced option for premium installations. The THALIA is the standard 24V control board for the ELI underground range, offering full motor management, relative encoder integration, slowdown control, and photocell inputs. The THALIA P is a variant with enhanced pedestrian access and programming features suited to sites requiring individual user access profiles. For standard Abu Dhabi villa use, the THALIA is sufficient. For commercial sites requiring remote servicing or Bluetooth commissioning, the THALIA BT A80 is preferred. POWERgate Abu Dhabi can advise on the correct variant for your site.

The BFT ELI BT A40 carries a 24-month manufacturer warranty from purchase covering material and workmanship defects. As a 24V underground motor rated for continuous operation at 350 Nm, warranty is most at risk from: incorrect relative encoder calibration after installation causing position drift and repeated mechanical stop impact; foundation drainage failure allowing water accumulation beyond the IP67 rating’s 1-metre immersion tolerance; and mismatched control unit selection — connecting the ELI BT A40 to a non-THALIA board voids compatibility and warranty. For gate panels exceeding 2.5m in length, the electric lock must be installed to avoid lever stress on the motor pivot, which if omitted is also a warranty-voiding condition. Contact POWERgate Abu Dhabi on WhatsApp (+971 50 884 4933) or at sales@powergatead.com for warranty claims.