What is a brushless motor? And why does it matter?

What is a brushless motor?

A brushless motor is a type of electric motor that operates without the physical brushes found in traditional brushed motors. In a conventional motor, brushes make contact with a rotating commutator to transfer electrical energy, and it’s this that generates the motion. The main downside to this is that by definition it involves friction, and all the associated wear-and-tear over time.

The main difference with a brushless motor, on the other hand, is that it uses electronic control to generate movement. Instead of brushes, it relies on a series of electromagnets and sensors to manage the flow of electricity, which makes it more efficient and even more durable in the long term. The lack of physical contacts wearing down means that brushless motors have unsurprisingly garnered a reputation for their longevity and strong performance.

How a brushless motor works

A brushless motor operates using a combination of permanent magnets and electronically controlled coils. The motor consists of two main parts: the rotor (which contains the magnets) and the stator (which holds the coils). As we’ve touched upon above, there are no brushes to physically transfer electricity – instead, brushless motors rely on electronic controllers to direct power to the coils.

The controller rapidly switches the electrical current to different coils in a sequence, creating a rotating magnetic field that drives the rotor. This precise control allows the motor to run with less heat, more efficiency, and greater reliability. And there’s another bonus to the lack of brushes, and associated lack of friction – the motor runs more quietly and requires less maintenance.

The key benefits of a brushless motor

Brushless motors offer several advantages over their brushed counterparts, particularly when used in electric gate automation.

• Higher efficiency – Brushless motors generate less heat and energy loss, making them more efficient than brushed alternatives.
• Longer lifespan – Without brushes to wear down, these motors last significantly longer and require minimal maintenance.
• Quieter operation – The absence of physical brushes means reduced friction and noise, making brushless motors much quieter in daily use.
• Increased reliability – With fewer moving parts, the likelihood of mechanical failure is greatly reduced, ensuring consistent gate operation.
• Lower energy consumption – These motors use power more effectively, helping to reduce electricity usage and costs over time.
• Stronger performance – Brushless motors provide smoother and more precise movement, which is ideal for electric gates that require controlled operation.

3 key reasons why brushless motors are used in electric gates

So, we’ve touched on the full range of brushless motor advantages – the next question is, what makes them so useful for electric gates? Well, electric gates need motors that can handle frequent use, varying weather conditions, and long-term reliability. Brushless motors perform well in these areas, making them the preferred choice for modern gate automation systems.

Energy efficiency is one particularly relevant benefit. Since brushless motors reduce wasted energy through heat and friction, they consume less power while delivering consistent performance. This makes them ideal for gate systems that operate multiple times a day. The increased durability is also a key factor; brushless motors last significantly longer and require far less maintenance.

And finally, of course, there’s the matter of reliability. Many electric gates are installed in residential or commercial settings, which prioritise the issues of security and accessibility. A brushless motor ensures the smoothest operation, minimising the risk of breakdowns or performance issues that could leave a gate stuck open or closed.

Right then – that’s all the essentials covered! If you have any further questions about brushless motors, or how they relate to our automated gate kits and accessories here at Gate Auto, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We have more than three decades of experience to our name, so you can always count on our team to give you answers in as much or as little detail as you need. You can always give us a call on 01282 677 300. We’re here to help!