Most standard garage door openers rely on electrical power to operate, so they won’t work during a power outage.
However, there are a few ways you can still open or close your garage door:
- Manual Release: Most garage door openers come with a manual release mechanism, usually a red cord or handle hanging from the track. Pulling this release cord disengages the door from the opener, allowing you to manually open and close the door.
- Battery Backup: Some modern garage door openers come with a battery backup feature. This allows the opener to function for a limited time during a power outage. If you have this feature, make sure the battery is charged and in good condition.
- Portable Power Supply: You can use a portable generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power your garage door opener during an outage. This requires some setup and safety considerations, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Alternative Access Points: Ensure you have another way to enter your garage or home, such as a side door or a key to a front door, in case the garage door opener is non-functional during an outage.
Here are steps for using the manual release:
- Ensure the Garage Door is Closed: If possible, it’s easier to engage and disengage the manual release when the door is in the closed position.
- Locate the Manual Release Cord: Look for a red cord or handle hanging from the centre rail of the garage door opener track.
- Pull the Cord: Firmly pull the cord down to disengage the door from the opener.
- Manually Lift the Door: Lift the door carefully by hand. It should move smoothly if the springs are in good condition.
- Re-engage the Opener: Once power is restored, you can re-engage the garage door opener by pulling the manual release cord again and running the opener to reconnect the door.
Always consult your garage door opener’s manual for specific instructions related to your model.
Can I use my garage door opener during a power outage?
The short answer is no. Generally speaking, your garage door opener will not work during a power outage.
If you have any more questions we would love to answer them. Contact us today to see how we can help.