16 Feb Reconnecting Overhead Door After a Power Outage

Unfortunately, you can’t open an overhead door during a power outage, except by lifting them manually. And, if you’re used to using an automatic door opener, it can be a little tricky to get them open. When there’s a power outage, the garage door arm’s release cord opens up the trolley to disengage the door from the opener. But you can reconnect it after a power outage. Feeling confused about where to start? We got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step guide to handle it on your own!

Steps to Reconnecting Overhead Doors

1. Make sure you disconnect the garage door opener from the overhead door itself. Unplug the opener from the power source. This is an important step in order to avoid accidents before reconnecting your door.
2. Pull the emergency disconnect cord that hangs from the opener. It is the only way to disconnect the opener and open the door. This is extremely helpful, especially if you ever get trapped inside the garage.
3. Close the overhead door manually since the opener won’t properly reconnect if it’s not fully shut.
4. Once the power has been restored, press the button you use for closing the door. Some commercial garage doors come with two buttons: one for opening and another for closing. Then, allow the opener to reconnect on its own. You’ll see that the opener’s chain will move the corresponding trolley to its intended position until it links with the garage door’s arm.
5. Suppose the trolley to your commercial garage door opener is not automatic. In that case, you will need to manually attach the trolley to the arm of the garage door after pulling the emergency release.

And there you go! Your door and opener should be connected and working just as efficiently as before.

Other Helpful Tips

If a power outage ever happens and you’re trapped inside the building, you don’t want to be left struggling to see in the dark. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a flashlight on hand at all times. Of course, you can also use your phone’s light to locate the opener. Luckily, the emergency release cord is red, making it easier to find. Once you locate it you can proceed to follow the steps mentioned above. You may also want to consider getting a surge protector (for the outlet where the garage door is plugged in) to prevent further complications.

Related Content: 6 Issues That Need an Overhead Door Repair Service

Bottom Line

Is the problem persisting? It’s best to call a professional commercial door installation and repair company for the assistance you need. As long as there’s a power outage, you’re still dealing with electrical components. A repair expert from our team at Frontier Pacific can fix the issue without causing damage to your overhead doors. Call us at 510-935-0086 or email admin@frontierpacificde.com for more information.