SECURITY FOR ELECTRIC GARAGE DOORS by Frank Fourchalk

Code Grabber devices can grant intruder access to your garage. An automatic garage door opener is a terrific convenience and gives a certain sense of security as well. But modern technology has turned another convenience into a potential security risk.

When you last pushed the button on your remote control, who would have thought that you made it possible for an intruder to grab your frequency code with a device referred to in the industry as a Code Grabber.

This electronic device stores the code and creates a golden opportunity for a thief to enter your home once you have left. To stop this problem from happening, make sure that you purchase a garage door opener with rolling security codes instead of a fixed code. Rolling code systems automatically change the code each time you operate your garage door.

The code is selected from billions of combinations making it impossible for Code Grabbers to capture your security code in their memory.

For existing garage openers, you may be able to purchase an add-on device called a Code Encryptor. This device also hops to billions of different codes stored in its memory and interfaces with most electric garage door openers.

If you have an older garage door opener (without rolling security codes) one way to assure that a thief won't enter while you're on vacation is to unplug the unit.

Less sophisticated thieves can also trigger overhead garage doors if the openers have been left on the factory settings.

Make sure when you purchase your electric garage door unit that you change the settings on both the garage door opener and remote. To do this you must open your remote control; there will be a series of switches inside. Change a couple of the settings making sure that you also change these same settings on the receiver to ensure that the garage door will open and close.

This procedure should always be done when purchasing a new home as well, as you never know who might have a remote to your electric garage door opener.

For years, garage remotes have been large and cumbersome. Because of this they are quite often left in the vehicle, usually on the visor in full view, creating an open invitation for a thief to take advantage of an opportunity.

Don't let this happen to you, purchase remotes that are smaller than a book of matches and small enough to place on a key chain. This way, you will be assured of having the remote with you at all times. You wouldn't leave your house keys on the seat of your car, so why leave your garage door remote on your visor?

Another security feature is a remote receiver, perhaps installed in a bedroom, that indicates by a flashing light if the garage door is open. Everyone has driven down their street at night and seen an open door that someone has forgotten to close.

Lighting is imperative when it comes to security. Make sure that you purchase a garage door opener with lights. These lights come on automatically when the door opens or closes and create a safe and secure environment when entering your garage at night.

Make sure that your garage door opener has a protective beam. This beam (when driven or walked through) prevents the door from coming down and crushing objects beneath it. When you are sure that you have this beam in your unit, make sure that the open time is not longer than five seconds. This will prevent the sneak thief from entering your building. Many apartment garage door openers have their "open" delay times set too delayed when entering or leaving the building.

And remember, whenever you leave your home always make sure that your overhead garage door has closed completely, otherwise you might just find a few items missing when you return home!