How can I open my garage door if there is a power outage?

Do you know what to do in case there is no electricity and that you need to use your garage door equipped with an electrical door opener, especially if you need to go to an important appointment?

Fortunately, the manufacturers at LiftMaster and Chamberlain have carefully thought about this situation and there is no need to panic. When there is a power outage, it is fast and easy for you to open your garage door and to go about your regular activities. Here is how to proceed as well as several tips to deal with this inconvenience.

1) Get a flashlight and head out to the garage

Make sure that you have a flashlight on hand in the event of a power outage during the night. Head towards the garage door opener.

2) Pull on your door opener’s red emergency cord

Most of electrical garage door openers are equipped with a red emergency cord. After you pull on the cord, you will have disabled the trolley operator which pulls the door. Slide it back about an inch or so.

3) Locate the lifting handle to open the door and lift it up without forcing

Use the lifting handle very often installed in the bottom panel, or sometimes in the second section. IF YOUR GARAGE DOOR is well‑balanced with the spring system, you will have no difficulty lifting it with one hand, whether you have a garage door (9 x 7 ft.) or a double garage door (16 x 7 ft.). If this is not the case and you have to force a lot to lift the door, you may then have “put your finger” on a much more serious problem. Slowly close the door and call your local GARAGA garage door specialist, because it is a clear sign that a spring has broken or that it is not functional anymore and that is has reached the end of its calculated useful life, which happens after a period of 5 to 7 years.

4) Close the garage door and reconnect the trolley

Once your car is out of the garage, close the door and reconnect the trolley to the T‑shaped stem.

To ensure that everything has been done properly, you will hear a “click” sound and will notice that the door is well engaged with the engine trolley while trying to lift it.

5) If you have a sid‑lock on your door

If your garage door was initially equipped with a side‑lock, you can use it to lock the door instead of reengaging the garage door trolley. When the power comes back on, be sure to disable it BEFORE reconnecting the door opener trolley.

6) What to do once the power is restored

Once the door opener trolley is reengaged, make sure everything works well. Use your remote control to do the test.

Is there a more practical solution?

YES, of course. LiftMaster and Chamberlain offer door openers equipped with a battery back‑up system. It is very useful If you live in an area where power outages are more frequent. This emergency battery allows you to use your door opener up to 20 times without electricity.

Who can help me better equip myself to counter these situations?

Do not hesitate to contact your local GARAGA Dealer right away. He knows everything about garage door systems. If you already own a LiftMaster or Chamberlain garage door opener, he will be able to let you know if you can add a battery back‑up system on the electrical door opener that you currently have.

As needed, he can send you a quotation by email. Even better, you can meet with him at his showroom. If you also need to change your garage door, do not hesitate to use the GARAGA Design Centre to select the door style that will best suit your needs. Also, check out the GARAGA photo album which will give you plenty of ideas for refurbishing your garage.