Security Question: Can Electric Gates Be Forced Open?

This is a very important question that we want to deal with in this article.

One of the main benefits of an electric gate system is the additional security it provides to your property. Even so, many customers ask if it’s possible to force open electric gates. This is a very important question that we want to deal with in this article.

The quick answer is that yes, it is possible to force open electric gates; however, it’s very difficult to do if the gates won’t move. This is both good and bad. There are generally three scenarios customers with this question are concerned about:

• Can an intruder gain access to the property?

• Can you move the gates if you’re locked out (or in)?

• What happens if there’s a power cut?

These are the main issues we’ll deal with in this article. And don’t worry, we have options to make it easy for you and more challenging for intruders! Let’s get started.

Can an Intruder Force My Electric Gate Open?

The answer depends on the type of electric gate system that’s installed. For instance, sliding gates are more difficult to force open than swing gates. However, swing gates aren’t always easy to open.

It’s rare that an intruder will even try to force your electric gate open. If they’re planning to rob your home, an intruder will usually try to find the fastest, easiest way to quietly gain access to your property. After all, no criminal wants to attract attention while they’re in the process of committing a robbery.

In addition, forcing open electric swing gates requires a vehicle to open them. And this is definitely not a stealthy way to open a gate. It would definitely draw attention. Of course, if an intruder is desperate to gain entry, they will use any possible means to do so. But in most cases, the electric gate is too difficult for most intruders to open. This is one of the features that make an electric gate so secure. They act as a strong deterrent to criminals.

Now, let’s deal with the technical issues involved. It is possible for electric gates to be forced open. However, it takes great force to manually open the gates, such as using a vehicle. This may be done if the intruder places enough force on the edges furthest from the hinge (the place where the gate starts to open).

This method uses the principle of leverage and can be used by an intruder to force the gate open. It works by putting more force on the motors, motor arms, and hinges, which causes them to break more easily. It’s not very likely a criminal would use this method to open the gate, but it is possible. And there’s something you can do about this issue.

Use Magnetic or electronic Locks

One way to stop a criminal from using force as we just described is to use magnetic (also called mag locks) or electronic locks. Mag locks work by increasing the amount of force needed to open the gates. They can withstand forces up to 500kgs. These are usually recommended for swing gates that are over 2m wide. If you opt for an electronic fail secure lock like the CISA, these can hold up to 2000kgs and stay locked in the event of a power fail or outage.

Can I Force Open My Own Electric Gates?

The answer is no unless you don’t mind causing extensive (and expensive) damage to both the motors and the hardware of the gate. Most owners who need to force their gates open are usually in this position due to a power cut, or another problem is keeping the gates from opening.

If your gates won’t open due to a power cut, do not try to open them with brute force.

The reason is that all electric gates are equipped with a manual release system. This is a strong system that’s part of the gate motor and is designed to disengage the motor from the gate. The manual release is easy to operate. All you need to do is use a key that’s inserted into a lock in the motor housing. Turn the key gently, and then you can open the gate manually.

Using this manual method ensures that your electric gate will not suffer expensive damage to any of its parts, including the motors, motor arms, and mounting points. Ensure your key is kept in a safe place inside your home, however. It can be expensive to replace a lost key.

What to Do in a Power Cut Situation

It can happen that one day you’ll experience a power cut and will need to open the electric gate. So, you may want to consider purchasing a backup power supply for your electric gate. That way, if your mains power supply fails, you’ll still be able to operate your gates normally at least a couple of times before the power is turned on again. That can make a huge difference when you need to get out or in during an emergency.

What to Do If You Have a Magnetic or Electric Lock

Does your gate have a mag or CISA/electronic lock? Mag locks are fail safe, meaning if there is no power to it then the mechanism isn’t locked. If you have a CISA or electronic lock, these are fail secure and remain locked in the event of a power outage.

Summing It Up

While it is possible to force open electric gates, it’s not easy. An intruder intent on opening your electric gates will need to use brute force and need the assistance of a vehicle. And if you’re in a power outage, you can manually open your electric gate as described above.

Electric gates are one of the most secure gates you can have on a property, whether you have residential or commercial premises.