If unruly strangers, pets, or animals keep breaking into your electric gate, there are better, safer, and more effective ways to secure the gate than electrifying it. Obviously, a low voltage shock would be incredibly effective as a deterrent, but doing that could open you up to legal problems, especially in the case of an attractive nuisance.
First, understand that you will have to do something.
In a rational world, people would pay strict attention to signs, respect other people’s property and privacy, and behave cordially. But the world we live in is far from perfect. If your electric gate is not firm enough, it will be broken into, and for as long as you fail to secure it, someone will always find a reason to break it.
It is not fair, but except you want to keep replacing the motor, or suffering other inconveniences, it is up to you to take proactive measures to secure your gate.
That said, here are 7 things to do if your electric gate keeps being broken into:
1. Make Sure The Gate is Installed Properly
If your electric gate keeps getting broken into, it is very likely because there is a fault in the installation process. A gate opener that is not properly installed could be easily broken open.
Here are some common installation issues your electric gate might have:
- The arm might not be set correctly
- The gate might not be firmly secure to the posts or the wall
- The hinges might be weak or misaligned
If you cannot detect the issue, call a professional gate opener maintenance service to have a look. Or check the product manual for instructions on how to install your gate opener.
If faulty installation is not the culprit, try getting a latching device.
2. Get a Latching Device
A latching device latches the gate when it closes and prevents force from being directly applied on the motor. They are common for swing gates, and will ensure your gate remains firmly shut until it is intentionally opened.
✔ It will keep your electric gate securely closed.
✔ It stops the gate from moving due to wind or pressure.
✔ Keeps the gate in place without relying on the opener’s motor.
✔ Latches automatically upon closing for convenience.
✔ Compatible with swing and sliding gate systems.
With a latching device, the gate cannot be pushed open by wind, animals, or any unauthorized persons.
You can contact your manufacturer to see if one can be made available for your gate.
3. Get Pulse Lock
A pulse lock engages once your gate reaches the closed position, and keeps it firmly closed until it receives the electrical signal to open. It does not respond to physical force, which makes it perfect for securing your gate against forced entry.
Benefits of a Pulse Lock
✔️ Prevents unauthorized entry
✔️ Adds extra security to automatic gates
✔️ Works with various access control systems
✔️ Reduces strain on the gate motor by keeping the gate locked when not in use
There are many kinds of pulse locks. For a double swing gate, you can go for a Magnetic Lock (maglock) or an Electric Strike Lock
4. Add a Pedestrian Gate
Consider that strangers might keep breaking your electric gate because there is no other way into your home. If many people have to go through the electric gate on a daily or even weekly basis, someone will eventually break it if it is not very firm.
Installing a pedestrian gate will make it easy for delivery people, maintenance workers, and even the “door-to-door knockers” to get into your home without having to go through the electric gate.
5. Consider Physically Enforcing the Gate
If your gate keeps getting hit by vehicles, or constantly being forced into, upgrade to a reinforced steel or aluminum gate that can withstand impact.
If you live in a big home, or residential area, a modern driveway gate made of high-quality aluminum and a good design is one way to get rid of this problem.
Consider these hot-dip galvanized steel driveway gates. They are coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, and are built to handle anything Mother Nature throws their way
Moreover, you can explore the Sydney, Brooklyn, and Opera designs to see which best fits the aesthetics of your home or city.
If parts of the gate (hinges, arms, or motors) are constantly being damaged by people, consider installing a secondary fence or a security mesh to block access.
6. Upgrade Surveillance and Monitoring
Place high-resolution cameras with night vision near the gate, which will help you identify and (legally) discourage the perpetrators from breaking into your electric gate.
- Ensure they have motion detection and enough cloud storage.
- You can also set up motion sensors and alarms. If someone tampers with the gate, alarms will trigger, deterring further damage.
- For surveillance purposes, you can upgrade your automatic gate opener. Modern models like the Zumi swing gate openers are compatible with home security systems.
7. Consider Changing the Gate (In the Long Run)
If your electric gate can easily be broken into, there is likely a flaw in its design, or maybe the gate opener quality is just terrible. Here are a few indicators that your electric gate is bad quality:
- The locking mechanism is unreliable, and opens on its own.
- The bolts are easily snapped or the motor design is faulty
- The gate moves too slowly or struggles to open
- The motor is worn out and makes loud grinding noises.
If your gate opener is not good enough, the other strategies on this list will help you secure the gate, but have it at the back of your mind that you will eventually have to go for a good quality, solid gate opener in the long run.
Zumi Gate Openers Offer Superior Security Features
If your current gate opener has security flaws, weak performance, or outdated technology, upgrading to a Zumi Gate Opener will resolve these problems.
Here’s why:
✔ Built-in pulse lock compatibility to ensure your gate stays securely closed.
✔ Zumi uses rolling code technology, making it impossible for hackers to clone your remote.
✔ The control box is weatherproof and lockable to prevent tampering or wire-cutting.
✔ The Zumia gate opener automatically locks the gate after closing for extra security.
✔ Battery backup is included to keep your gate operational even during power outages.
If your current gate opener is slow, unreliable, or insecure, a Zumi Gate Opener provides better security, faster performance, and smart technology to make your gate safer and more convenient to use.
With a Zumi Gate Opener, your home is secure!
Would you like help choosing the best Zumi model for your gate? Click here!
