How Do I Get Into My Garage When There is a Power Failure?
If you purchased a battery backup unit, your opener will function normally even in a power outage.
If not, then:
How can I disconnect the garage door opener so I can manually open or close my garage door?
Pulling the emergency release handle disconnects the garage door from the garage door opener. This action allows you to open and close the door manually. The emergency release handle is located at the end of a red rope that hangs from the garage door opener rail near the top of the garage door.
Note: If you are using a residential jackshaft opener, the emergency release handle will be located at the bottom of the motor unit.
WARNING: To prevent possible SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH from a falling garage door:
- If possible, use emergency release handle to disengage trolley ONLY when garage door is CLOSED. Weak or broken springs or unbalanced door could result in an open door falling rapidly and/or unexpectedly.
- NEVER use the emergency release handle unless garage doorway is clear of persons or obstructions.
- NEVER use the handle to pull door open or closed. If rope knot becomes untied, you could fall.
To disconnect the door from the opener
For an opener with a square rail: Pull down on the emergency release handle so that the trolley release arm snaps into the vertical position. This locks out the trolley so the door can be raised and lowered manually as often as necessary.
For openers with a T-rail: Pull the red rope straight down. If you want to lock out the trolley, you need to pull the rope straight down and then pull it back towards the opener. This will allow you to raise and lower the door manually as often as necessary.
For the residential jackshaft opener: Disengage the door lock, door should be fully closed. Pull down on the emergency release handle until you hear a click and lift the door manually.
To reconnect the door to the opener
For an opener with a square rail: Pull the emergency release handle back toward the opener at an angle so that the trolley release arm is horizontal. The trolley will reconnect with the next operation, either manually or by activating the door.
For openers with a T-rail: Pull the handle straight down. The trolley will reconnect the next time the door is activated.
For the residential jackshaft opener: Pull the emergency release handle straight down a second time until you hear a click. The door will reconnect on the next up or down operation.