Project Facts
Lightning-Damaged Gate Opener Upgraded to LiftMaster LA400 – Ellijay, GA
Originally Installed: 2020
Storm-Damage Upgrade: 2026
North Georgia Fence Company recently completed an extensive gate opener repair in Ellijay, GA after severe lightning damage destroyed an automatic dual-swing gate system we originally installed for the homeowner in 2020.
This wasn't simply a matter of replacing one failed component. Inspection showed extensive damage throughout the gate automation equipment, making replacement of the system the practical solution.
Instead of recreating the original BFT installation, we used the opportunity to upgrade the driveway gate with a LiftMaster LA400 dual-gate operator system, smartphone connectivity and a Cartell wireless vehicle exit sensor.
The result preserved the character of the homeowner's distinctive antique gate while giving the property a more modern automatic gate system with capabilities that weren't part of the original 2020 installation.
The Original Automatic Gate Installation
Our history with this gate began in 2020, when the homeowner hired North Georgia Fence Company to automate an existing antique dual-swing driveway gate.
The gate presented an unusual challenge. Its older, delicate construction wasn't designed to accept modern gate operators, and simply attaching actuators to the existing gate structure would not provide the substantial mounting points the equipment required.
We fabricated and welded a stout section of 2-inch angle iron across each gate leaf, creating reinforced mounting points for the gate motors. The reinforcement had to provide the necessary strength without detracting from the intricate character and appearance of the antique gate.
The original installation also required approximately 150 feet of trenching and underground wiring to bring electrical power to the gate entrance. Additional trenching was performed for a Diablo vehicle exit sensor installed along the driveway.
The completed BFT Phobos dual-gate system operated successfully for several years.
Then lightning changed everything.
Customer Problem: Automatic Gate Stopped Working After Lightning
The homeowner contacted North Georgia Fence Company after a severe lightning event left the automatic driveway gate inoperable.
Because this was a system we had originally installed and had worked with for years, we were already familiar with the gate, its reinforcement, underground electrical installation and operator configuration.
The immediate question was whether the BFT system could be economically repaired or whether the extent of the damage justified replacing the automation equipment.
Site Inspection for Gate Opener Repair in Ellijay, GA
We performed a detailed inspection of the gate automation system and found extensive lightning-related damage.
The damage was far beyond a single failed circuit board or accessory.
The affected equipment included the gate operators, control electronics, photo-eye safety devices, vehicle exit sensor and battery-backup components.
It was among the most extensive lightning damage we had encountered on an automatic gate system.
The antique gate itself, including the reinforcement we fabricated during the original installation, remained an important part of the property. That allowed us to focus on replacing and upgrading the automation equipment rather than replacing the gate.
Diagnosis: Replacement Made More Sense Than Piecemeal Repair
With damage throughout the automation and safety equipment, replacing individual components would not have been an attractive approach.
We recommended replacing the damaged BFT equipment and upgrading the property to a LiftMaster LA400 dual-swing gate operator system.
This allowed us not only to restore automatic gate operation but also to add capabilities that were unavailable on the original installation.
Rather than returning the homeowner to essentially the same system they had before the storm, the replacement could move the property forwa
Repair Process: Upgrading from BFT to LiftMaster LA400
We removed the storm-damaged gate automation components while preserving the antique gate and the structural modifications made during the original installation.
The new LiftMaster LA400 system was then installed and configured for dual-gate operation.
One of the significant upgrades was adding internet connectivity, allowing compatible smartphone control of the gate.
The homeowner can use a smartphone to monitor and operate the gate remotely and can provide authorized family members or guests with appropriate smartphone access.
That makes the replacement more than a restoration of what was lost—it gives the homeowner a more convenient way to manage driveway access.
Cartell Wireless Exit Sensor Upgrade
We also replaced the previous hardwired vehicle exit-sensor arrangement with a Cartell wireless vehicle detection system.
The Cartell sensor is installed near the driveway and detects an approaching vehicle so the automatic gate can begin its exit-opening cycle before the vehicle reaches the entrance.
The increased detection range allows the sensor to be positioned farther from the gate. That gives the dual gates additional time to open before an exiting vehicle arrives.
Wireless communication also reduces dependence on a long underground signal wire between the driveway sensor and gate controller—an especially useful consideration on properties where trenching and long wire runs would otherwise be required.
Wireless Keypad Access
We also installed a LiftMaster KPW5 wireless keypad on a dedicated pedestal beside the driveway.
The keypad gives authorized visitors a convenient way to enter the property without requiring a handheld gate remote.
Combined with the automatic exit sensor, the completed system provides two different functions:
Entering the property: keypad or authorized gate control.
Leaving the property: automatic vehicle detection opens the gate without requiring the driver to stop and enter a code.
Final Result
The homeowner's distinctive antique driveway gate is operating again, but now with substantially updated automation.
The finished system combines the character of the original gate with a LiftMaster LA400 dual-gate operator, smartphone connectivity, modern safety equipment and Cartell wireless vehicle detection.
Just as importantly, we were able to retain the structural gate reinforcement created during the original 2020 installation. The carefully added steel supports continue doing exactly what they were intended to do: provide solid operator mounting points without overwhelming the appearance of the antique gate.
A destructive lightning event ultimately became an opportunity to modernize the property's driveway gate access system.
Why This Project Matters
Automatic gate damage isn't always limited to a failed control board or operator. Lightning and electrical events can affect multiple interconnected components, which is why the entire system should be evaluated before deciding whether to repair individual parts or replace the automation equipment.
This Ellijay project also demonstrates why the gate itself, operator mounting, safety devices, vehicle detection, electrical supply and access-control features should be considered as one complete system rather than unrelated components.
Our Commitment Doesn't End at Installation
This project is a good example of what we mean when we say our commitment doesn't end when the original installation is complete.
North Georgia Fence Company first automated this antique gate in 2020. Years later, when severe lightning damage disabled the system, the homeowner knew who to call because we already understood the gate, the installation and the challenges involved in automating it.
We returned to diagnose the damage, explain the available options and upgrade the property with modern LiftMaster equipment.
For us, a successful automatic gate installation isn't only about how the system operates on the day we leave. It's also about being available when that customer needs service, repairs or upgrades years later.
Need Automatic Gate Repair in Ellijay or North Georgia?
If your automatic driveway gate has stopped working after a storm, lightning event, equipment failure or years of service, North Georgia Fence Company can evaluate the complete system and help determine the appropriate repair or replacement approach.
We install and service automatic driveway gate operators, safety devices, vehicle exit sensors and access-control equipment throughout Ellijay and the surrounding North Georgia mountains.
Contact North Georgia Fence Company to schedule automatic driveway gate service or discuss upgrading an existing gate system.
Ready to find out more?
Automatic Driveway Gate Installations for North Georgia mountain properties:
Take a look at our Recent Project Spotlight page to get a feel for who we are and what we do at North Georgia Fence Company.
Explore More Fence and Gate Resources
Driveway Gate Design Ideas →
Fence Installation(2026 Guide) →
Planning a New Gate?
Automatic Driveway Gate Installation →
Need Repairs?
Automatic Gate Repair Services →
Wondering About Pricing?
Fence Installation Cost Guide →