If you're a homeowner, chances are you have one or more electric garage door openers. Although often taken for granted, garage door openers are a real convenience. However, a power outage can turn them into a headache. Facing a hectic day with a garage door that won’t open, especially when your car is trapped inside, is far from pleasant. Don't worry if you're unsure how to handle a power outage affecting your opener – many people find themselves in the same situation.
Carriage House Garage Doors (Barn Doors)
This article not only walks you through the process of resetting a garage door after a power outage but also offers valuable insights to help you proactively prepare for such situations. Rest assured; we're here to outline the necessary steps when the power to your electric garage opener is unexpectedly cut off.
Instructions: How to Operate Your Garage Door Manually During a Power Outage (without Electricity)
Follow these steps to initiate manual operation of your garage door:
1. Locate the handle-equipped rope attached to the garage door track. You will recognize it by its short length and the red "T" shape of the handle.
2. Grasp the T-handle and pull it to disengage the garage door from the drive belt or chain. This allows for manual operation as it disconnects from the opening mechanism.
3. Check for a manual lock on the door's interior and unlock it if engaged.
4. The inside of the door should feature a handhold. Grab it and lift the door slowly. If the door doesn't fully open, place your hand on the bottom edge and push it up the remaining distance.
5. Ensure the garage door remains open; sometimes, doors may lose a bit of spring tension over time. It's advisable to manually operate your door a few times a year to stay familiar with the process and act as an early warning system for any potential issues.
Restoring The Connection Between Your Garage Door to the Opener:
To re-establish the connection between your garage door and opener, follow these user-friendly steps:
1. Position the carriage unit, responsible for lifting and lowering the door, close to the motor situated at the garage's center.
2. Pull the rope and push the garage door fully until it securely clicks into the open position. Another method for reconnecting your door is by activating the operator. Simply close the door almost entirely and then use the wall switch to run the operator. If it was closed, it would likely lift and open the door; if it was open, it would likely pick up the door and close it.
→ Suggested Lecture: "Control and Monitor Your Garage Door from Anywhere!" ←
What to Do If My Garage Door Opener Doesn't Have a Manual Lock?
On a side note, having an emergency generator or backup battery power supply in your garage door opener, could offer a solution to avoid, or at least delay, this intricate "disconnectomy."
If you have any further inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at 908-521-4739 or email at resi@overheaddoorco.com
→ Suggested Lecture: "Annual Preventive Maintenance for Your Garage Door" ←
