Chamberlain GA400D User manual

RESIDENTIAL GATE OPERATOR
Models GA400D and GA420D
For Residential Use Only
The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
845 Larch Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-1196
www.chamberlain.com
Owner’s Manual
■
Please read this manual and the enclosed safety materials carefully!
■
Periodic checks of the operator are required to ensure safe operation.
■
The model number label is located inside the control box of your operator.
■
■ Serial #
■
■ Installation Date

Introduction 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When you see these Safety Symbols and Signal Words on
the following pages, they will alert you to the possibility of
serious injury or death if you do not comply with the
warnings that accompany them. The hazard may come
from something mechanical or from electric shock. Read
the warnings carefully.
When you see this Signal Word on the following pages, it
will alert you to the possibility of damage to your gate and/
or the gate operator if you do not comply with the
cautionary statements that accompany it. Read them
carefully.
Electrical
INTRODUCTION
Safety Symbol and Signal Word Review
This gate operator has been designed and tested to offer safe service provided it is installed, operated, maintained and
tested in strict accordance with the instructions and warnings contained in this manual.
Mechanical
ATTENTION
AVERTISSEMENT AVERTISSEMENT
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNINGWARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
PRECAUCIÓN ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIAADVERTENCIA
ATTENTION
AVERTISSEMENT AVERTISSEMENT
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNINGWARNING
WARNING
PRECAUCIÓN ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIAADVERTENCIA
ATTENTION
AVERTISSEMENT AVERTISSEMENT
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNING
CAUTIONCAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
PRECAUCIÓN ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIAADVERTENCIA
2-7 INTRODUCTION
2 Safety Symbol and Signal Word Review
3 Operator Specifications
4-5 Safety Installation Information
6Carton Inventory
6Hardware Inventory
7Additional Items for Purchase
7Tools Needed
8-12 PREPARATION AND OVERVIEW
8Single Gate Overview
9 Dual Gate Overview
10 Check Your Gate
11 Gate Travel
12 Mounting Options
13-22 INSTALLATION
13-20 Attach Operator to Gate
21-22 Mount the Control Box
23-31 WIRING
23-24 Connect Gate Operator (Gate 1) to Control Box
25-28 Connect Gate Operator (Gate 2) to Control Box
(Model GA420D Only)
29-31 Connect Indoor Transformer to Low Voltage Wire
and Battery
32-35 PROGRAMMING
32-33 Program Limits
34 Force/Timer To Close/Party Mode Controls
35 To Add or Reprogram a Remote Control
35 To Add a Wireless Keyless Entry
35 To Erase All Codes
36-44 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
36 Important Safety Information
36 Using Your Gate Operator
37 Manual Release
37 Maintenance
38 Wiring Diagram
39 Diagnostic Chart
40-42 Troubleshooting
43-44 Repair Parts
45 ACCESSORIES
46 WARRANTY
46 REPAIR PARTS AND SERVICE
BACK TEMPLATE FOR POST BRACKET MOUNTING

Operator Specifications
Main Supply (Motor) 12Vdc Battery run. Operational between 11.5Vdc and 14.5Vdc.
Accessory Power 12V nominal Class II battery voltage source is limited to:
• Solar or AC Cable up to 50' - 500 mA
• AC Cable 50' up to 250' - 250mA
• AC Cable 250' up to 1000' - 100mA
NOTE: Increased accessory power drawn from the operator will shorten the
battery life.
Power Consumption 30 Watts max (during battery charging)
Battery Charger Supply 14.5Vac nominal, 30 VA max.
Maximum Gate Length 18 ft. at 350 lbs.
Maximum Gate Weight 850 lbs. at 6 ft.
Travel Time 20 seconds (typical)
Temperature -20ºC to +50ºC, -4ºF to 122ºF Contact Technical Support for applications
below -20ºC
Protection Fuse Battery 1 ATC 20A
Protection Fuse Battery 2 ATC 20A
3 Introduction

Introduction 4
1. READ and FOLLOW all instructions.
2. The gate operator is intended for use with Class I
vehicular swing gates.
Class I denotes a vehicular gate operator (or system)
intended for use in a home of one to four single family
dwellings, or a garage or parking area associated
therewith.
Install the gate operator only when the operator is
appropriate for the construction and the usage class of
the gate.
3. Gate operating system designers, installers and users
must take into account the possible hazards associated
with each individual application. Improperly designed,
installed or maintained systems can create risks for the
user as well as the bystander. Gate system design and
installation must reduce public exposure to potential
hazards. All exposed pinch points must be eliminated
or guarded.
4. A gate operator can create high levels of force during
normal operation. Therefore, safety features must be
incorporated into every installation. Specific safety
features include safety sensors.
5. The gate must be properly installed and work freely in
both directions prior to the installation of the gate
operator.
6. The gate must be installed in a location so that enough
clearance is provided between the gate and adjacent
structures when opening and closing to reduce the risk
of entrapment. Swinging gates shall not open into
public access areas.
7. The operator is intended for use only on gates used for
vehicles. Pedestrians must be supplied with a separate
access opening. The pedestrian access opening shall
be designed to promote pedestrian usage. The
pedestrian access shall be located such that persons
will not come in contact with the moving vehicular gate.
8. Pedestrians should never cross the pathway of a
moving gate. The gate operator is not acceptable for
use on any pedestrian gate. Pedestrians must be
supplied with a separate pedestrian access.
9. For an installation utilizing non-contact sensors (safety
sensors), see product manual on the placement of
non-contact sensors (safety sensors) for each type of
application.
a. Care shall be exercised to reduce the risk of
nuisance tripping, such as when a vehicle trips the
safety sensor while the gate is still moving.
b. One or more non-contact sensors (safety sensors)
shall be located where the risk of entrapment or
obstruction exists, such as the perimeter reachable
by a moving gate or barrier.
10. For a gate operator utilizing a contact sensor such as
an edge sensor:
a. A hard wired contact sensor shall be located and its
wiring arranged so the communication between the
sensor and the gate operator is not subject to
mechanical damage.
b. One or more contact sensors shall be located on the
inside and outside leading edge of a swing gate.
Additionally, if the bottom edge of a swing gate is
greater than 6" (152 mm) above the ground at any
point in its arc of travel, one or more contact sensors
shall be located on the bottom edge.
11. Never mount any device that operates the gate
operator where the user can reach over, under, around
or through the gate to operate the controls. Controls
are to be placed at least 6' (1.8 m) from any part of the
moving gate:
• A hard wired control device shall be located and its
wiring arranged so that communication between the
control device and the gate operator is not subject to
mechanical damage.
Safety Installation Information

5 Introduction
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH from a moving gate:
• Install warning signs on the front and back of the gate in
PLAIN VIEW.
• Permanently secure each warning sign in a suitable manner
using fastening holes.
ATTENTION
AVERTISSEMENT AVERTISSEMENT
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNINGWARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
PRECAUCIÓN ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIAADVERTENCIA
12. Controls intended to be used to reset an operator after
2 sequential activations of the entrapment protection
device or devices must be located in the line of sight
of the gate, or easily accessible controls shall have a
security feature to prevent unauthorized use. Never
allow anyone to hang on or ride the gate during the
entire travel of the gate.
13. Each gate operator is provided with two safety warning
placards. The placards are to be installed on the front
and back of the gate where they are plainly visible.
The placards may be mounted using cable ties
through the four holes provided on each placard.
All warning signs and placards must be installed where
visible in the area of the gate.
14. To AVOID damaging gas, power, or other underground
utility lines, contact underground utility locating
companies BEFORE digging.
15. SAVE INSTRUCTIONS.
Moving Gate Can Cause
Injury or Death
KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any
time without prior warning.
Do not let children operate the gate or
play in the gate area.
This entrance is for vehicles only.
Pedestrians must use separate entrance

Carton Inventory
This operator comes with the hardware to install on a gate that pulls-to-open . If your application requires the gate to be
pushed open , accessory kit 919GA is required.
Introduction 6
Hardware Inventory
NOTE: Hardware quantities shown below are for GA400D. Quantities are doubled for GA420D.
Moving Gate Can Cause
Injury or Death
KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any
time without prior warning.
Do not let children operate the gate or
play in the gate area.
This entrance is for vehicles only
Pedestrians must use separate entrance
Extension Bracket
Model GA400D (1)
Model GA420D (2)
Control Box (1) with:
1 Battery (GA400D)
2 Batteries (GA420D)
Gate Operator
Model GA400D (1)
Model GA420D (2) Watertight Connector
Model GA420D ONLY
Extension Cable
Model GA420D ONLY
Arm End Cap
Model GA400D (1)
Model GA420D (2)
Gate Bracket
Model GA400D (1)
Model GA420D (2)
Post Bracket
Model GA400D (1)
Model GA420D (2)
Plug-In Transformer (1)
Cable Ties (4)
Warning Signs (2)
Installation DVD
SECURITY✚®
3-Button Remote Control (1)
Wire Nuts (6)
Model GA420D ONLY
Flange Nut 5/16"-18 (1) Flange Nut 3/8"-16 (1)
Ribbed Neck Bolt
3/8"-16x1-1/2" (1)
Ribbed Neck Bolt
5/16"-18x1-1/2" (1)
Carriage Bolt 3/8"-16x6" (2)
Lock Nut With
Nylon Insert (1)
Hex Head Shoulder
Bolt (1)
Release Pin (1)
Flat Washer 3/8" (2)
Lock Washer 3/8" (2)
Hex Nut 3/8"-16 (2)
Hairpin Clip (1)

All Models:
SAFETY SENSORS
The Safety Sensors, model 916GA, are intended for
installation with the operators covered in this manual.
To order call: 1-866-826-4943 or visit
www.chamberlain-diy.com.
HARDWARE
• 5/16" mounting hardware for gate bracket.
• The following hardware is needed to mount the control box
depending on the mounting surface:
Wood: Four #8 1-1/4" zinc plated wood screws.
Metal: Four #10-32x6" zinc plated machine screws with
nut and lock washers.
Concrete, Brick, etc.: Four 1/4" x 1-3/4" masonry screws.
LOW VOLTAGE WIRE
The low voltage wire is needed to connect the transformer
to the control box. The specific length required depends on
the distance from the indoor outlet to the control box.
Measure carefully, it is not recommended to splice low
voltage wire.
UL approved Class 1 or Class 3 direct burial/underground,
sunlight/UV resistant 16 gauge 2-conductor/stranded low
voltage lighting wire.
The following products are available at most home center
hardware stores and meet these specifications:
• Chamberlain Models 917GA or 918GA
AUTOMATIC GATE LOCK AND HARD STOPS (OPTIONAL)
In windy areas to ensure the gate stops at the same place
each time we recommended the purchase of an automatic
gate lock for the closed position and hard stop(s) for the
open position.
GA420D Only:
JUNCTION BOX
The Junction Box is needed to connect the second arm to
the extension cable (GA420D Installation Only).
• UL Listed outdoor/all-weather junction box with a
minimum of two 3/4" NPT threaded port and appropriate
all-weather cover.
• Conduit fitting to connect 3/4" PVC Schedule 40 conduit
to junction box.
CONDUIT
The conduit is needed to hold the interconnecting cable
between the Junction and Control Box (GA420D
Installation Only).
• 3/4" diameter UL Listed outdoor electrical conduit
7 Introduction
Tools Needed
During assembly, installation and adjustment of the operator, instructions will call for tools as illustrated below.
Additional Items For Purchase
The following items are REQUIRED to complete the installation.
Screwdriver
Adjustable End Wrench Tape Measure
2
1
Pencil
Carpenter's Level
Clamps
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Deep Well Sockets
and Wrench
1/2", 5/8", 7/16", 9/16"
and 1/4"
Hammer
Drill
Drill Bits
1/2", 3/16", 5/16"
and 5/32"
Wire Cutters (Optional)Wire Strippers (Optional)
Welder (Optional)

Moving Gate Can Cause
Injury or Death
KEEPCLEAR! Gatemay move at any
timewithout prior warning.
Donot let children operate the gate or
playin the gate area.
Thisentrance is for vehicles only
Pedestriansmust use separate entrance
Preparation and Overview 8
MovingGate Can Cause
Injuryor Death
KEEPCLEAR! Gate maymoveatany
timewithout prior warning.
Donotlet children operate the gate or
playinthegate area.
Thisentrance isfor vehicles only
Pedestriansmust use separate entrance
NOTE: One or more non-contact
sensors are located where the risk
of entrapment or obstruction exists
at either the opening or closing
direction. Exercise care to reduce
the risk of nuisance tripping, such
as, when a vehicle trips the sensor
while the gate is still moving.
PVC conduit (not provided) to
protect the power cable and
low voltage wire from lawn
mowers and string trimmers
PVC conduit (not provided) to
protect the power cable and
low voltage wire from lawn
mowers and string trimmers
PREPARATION AND OVERVIEW
Single Gate Overview
Left-Hand Gate
Right-Hand Gate
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH; one or more
non-contact sensors shall be located where the risk of
entrapment or obstruction exists.
Outside Property
Inside Property
Antenna
Antenna
Control Box
with Batteries
Control Box
with Batteries
Hinge
Hinge
Direction of Gate 1
Travel
Post Bracket
Post Bracket
Warning Sign
Warning Sign
Gate Operator (Gate 1)
Gate Operator (Gate 1)
Operator Cable
Operator Cable
Gate Bracket
Gate Bracket
Outside Property
Inside Property
Direction of
Gate 1 Travel

9 Preparation and Overview
Dual Gate Overview
Outside Property
Inside Property
Moving Gate Can Cause
Injury or Death
KEEPCLEAR! Gate may move at any
timewithout prior warning.
Donot let children operate the gate or
playin the gate area.
Thisentrance is for vehicles only
Pedestriansmust use separate entrance
Direction of
Gate 1 Travel Direction of
Gate 2 Travel
Gate Operator (Gate 1)
Operator Cable
Control Box
with Batteries
Antenna
Warning Sign
PVC conduit (not provided) to
protect the power cable and
low voltage wire from lawn
mowers and string trimmers.
Gate Bracket
Post Bracket
Hinge
Gate Operator (Gate 2)
Junction Box
Extension Cable
PVC conduit (not provided)
to protect the power cable
and low voltage wire from
lawn mowers and
string trimmers.

Check Your Gate
Gate MUST swing freely and be supported entirely by its hinges.
Remove ANY/ALL wheels from the bottom of gate. Gate MUST NOT hit or drag across ground.
Gate MUST be level.
Gate and gate post MUST
be plumb.
Preparation and Overview 10

Gate Travel
Determine how your gate is to be opened.
11 Preparation and Overview
Pull-to-Open
Push-to-Open
Inside Property
Inside Property
Outside Property
Outside Property
Direction of
Gate Travel
Direction of
Gate Travel
Gate opens into the property. Bracket for Pull-To-Open
installation is provided.
Gate opens away from the property and will require the Push-to-Open
kit 919GA. Refer to the Push-To-Open kit for instructions.

Typical Tubular Metal Gate Typical Tubular Metal Gate
Typical Wood Gate Typical Wood Gate
Typical Farm/Ranch Gate Typical Farm/Ranch Gate
Typical Chain Link Gate Typical Chain Link Gate
Preparation and Overview 12
Recommended:
Mounting Options
Mounting locations vary depending on type and style of your gate.
NOTES:
• The top of operator must be mounted at least 10" up from ground. Environmental conditions should be considered at
this time. In windy areas to ensure the gate stops at the same place each time we recommended the purchase of an
automatic gate lock for the closed position and hard stop(s) for the open position.
• Not recommended for plastic or vinyl gates. Refer to gate manufacturer for recommendation and options.
= Gate post bracket mounting locations
= Gate bracket mount locations
Left-Hand Hinge Mounted Right-Hand Hinge Mounted

INSTALLATION
Attach Operator to Gate
13 Installation
Identify Hinge Type
The illustrations below show common gate hinges. There are many styles of hinges available.
Gate Post
Gate Post
Gate Post J-Bolt Hinge Point
J-Bolt Hinge Point
Butt Hinge Point
Barrel Hinge Point
J-Bolt Hinge
Barrel Hinge
Butt Hinge
Top View
Butt Hinge Point
Gate Post
Gate Post
1

Installation 14
Measuring and Marking for the Gate Bracket
Before proceeding, begin with the gate in the fully closed position. There are two methods described to determine
proper location of the post brackets:
• Paper template (to be cut out) located on the back page of this manual.
• Tape measure.
Either method will work depending on preference.
NOTE: Be sure gate is in closed position before proceeding.
Template Method
Tape Measure Method
Gate Hinge Point Gate Hinge Point
Use a screwdriver or dowel rod to
temporarily mark measurement. Use a screwdriver or dowel rod to
temporarily mark measurement.
Gate Post Gate Post
Left Side Bracket Mounting
Left Side Bracket Mounting
Place the template (provided on the back page) under the gate hinge point. Use a screwdriver or dowel rod to
temporarily mark the location in front of the gate post.
Place the measuring tape under the gate hinge point and measure 5-3/4". Use a screwdriver or dowel rod to
temporarily mark the location of the first measurement.
Right Side Bracket Mounting
Right Side Bracket Mounting
TOP VIEW
TOP VIEW
X
Gate Hinge Point
Gate Post
X
Gate Hinge Point
Gate Post
X
X
X
X
5-3/4"
First Marking
First Marking
5-3/4"
Gate Post
Gate Hinge Point
Gate Post
Gate Hinge Point
Measure 5-3/4" from the previous mark.
Use the screwdriver or dowel rod to mark the location of the second measurement.
Gate Post
Gate Post
Gate Hinge Point
Gate Hinge Point
5-3/4"
Gate Post
Gate Post
Gate Post
Gate Post 5-3/4"
2

15 Installation
Position the Extension Bracket to Post Bracket
Hold post bracket in desired position. Align extension bracket to a position as CLOSE AS POSSIBLE
above the marker.
Assemble post bracket by placing the extension bracket on top of post bracket. Insert bolt through brackets
and fasten with flange nut. DO NOT TIGHTEN AT THIS TIME.
3
Left-Hand Gate Right-Hand Gate
3/8 Ribbed Neck Bolt
Extension Bracket Extension Bracket
Post Bracket
Post Bracket
Flange Nut Flange Nut
3/8 Ribbed Neck Bolt

“Slowly extend the piston 1/4"
(.64 cm) from collar and draw
a mark.”
THIS SIDE
TO GATE
Screws
Remove Motor Assembly
Remove screws (4) and remove motor assembly. Set motor aside and place in clean, dry location.
NOTE: Turn operator over to remove screws.
Installation 16
4
5Determine Maximum Piston Travel
To ensure proper operation, it is essential to keep the
piston from extending and retracting completely.
“Manually extend piston out
as far as possible, push back
1/4" (.64 cm) and then mark.”
“Always stay within these two marks
to prevent the piston from bottoming
out which could damage the
transmission.”
12
3
Piston
Motor

17 Installation
Position Gate Bracket
Hold the gate operator against the gate. The gate operator (arm) must be level. Clamp bracket to gate. Some
installations require a reinforcement be installed on the gate.
Attach Brackets to Gate Operator
Attach post bracket to gate operator using hex head shoulder bolt and lock nut with nylon insert. Attach gate
bracket to operator using release pin and hairpin clip.
6
7
Post Bracket
Hex Head Shoulder Bolt
Lock Nut with
Nylon Insert
Release Pin
Gate Bracket
Hairpin Clip
Piston Range
“After adjustments have been made,
make sure the piston is still within
marked range.”

Check Piston Travel
Visually check the clearance. Holding the gate firmly, slowly walk the gate to the fully open position. Check for pinch
points at the post mount area.
Allow a minimum of 1/4" between the post bracket and operator. Adjust gate bracket if the piston marks are not
visible in both the open and close direction. Tighten both bolts after final adjustments are made. Bolts should be
fully seated into the brackets.
NOTE: If gate does not open and close completely, adjust the position of the gate bracket.
Minimum of 1/4"
Installation 18
8
Gate Travel Path
Gate Travel Path

19 Installation
Secure the post bracket to gate post using hardware. The gate operator (arm) must be level.
Secure Gate Bracket to Gate
Remove the operator from the brackets. Mark and drill holes in gate or reinforcement (if necessary) according to
gate bracket mounting hardware. Secure the gate bracket to gate using hardware (not provided).
NOTE: The gate bracket can be secured to the gate using a welder (optional).
Lock Washers
Flat Washers
Hex Nuts
Carriage Bolts
9
10
Lock Down Bolt 1/4"-20
Welder Optional
Hex Nut
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
Gate
Bracket
5/16"-18 U-Bolt
NOTE: For mounting on flat
surfaces, use 5/16"-18 Hex Bolts (4)
through slots instead of U-Bolts.
Secure Post Bracket to Gate Post
Mark holes for the post bracket. Remove the clamp and operator. Drill clearance holes for 3/8"-16 bolt in gate post.
NOTE: The post bracket can be secured to the gate post using a welder (optional).

Moving Gate Can Cause
Injury or Death
KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any
time without prior warning.
Do not let children operate the gate or
play in the gate area.
This entrance is for vehicles only
Pedestrians must use separate entrance
THIS SIDE
TO GATE
Attach Operator to Gate and Bracket
Make sure “THIS SIDE TO GATE” label faces the gate
when reattaching operator to gate. Tighten all bracket
connections.
Gate Post
Gate
Inside Property
Fence
Installation 20
Warning Sign Placement
Warning placards MUST be installed on both
sides of the gate and in plain view. Fasten to
gate with cable ties.
To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH from a moving gate:
• Install warning signs on the front and back of the gate
in PLAIN VIEW.
• Permanently secure each warning sign in a suitable manner
using fastening holes.
ATTENTION
AVERTISSEMENT AVERTISSEMENT
AVERTISSEMENT
WARNINGWARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
PRECAUCIÓN ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIAADVERTENCIA
For Model GA420D Only
Repeat Steps 1-12 for second operator.
11
12
13
14
Arm
Motor
Screws
Arm Cover
Reattach Motor Assembly
Slide motor assembly onto arm and secure
with screws (4). NOTE: Turn operator over
to re-install screws. Attach arm cover.
If installing a second gate operator repeat
steps 1-12.
NOTE: The arm brackets must be reversed
or mirrored on the second operator.
“THIS SIDE TO GATE”
label MUST face the gate.
NOTE: Motor housing screws must
be fully tightened with screw heads
recessed below housing surface.
GATE TRAVEL
PATH