During normal operation, the garage door opener allows you to conveniently access and secure the room with the touch of a button. However, when your home loses power, and you need to leave, the opener won't work as intended. Thankfully, these devices have emergency bypass features that allow you to open and close it when necessary. Here is more information about this and how to reconnect the opener when power returns.

How Do You Open the Door Manually?

Before attempting to open the door, unplug the garage door opener for safety. Then, pull on the emergency release cable. Usually, this is a rope with a red handle that you can find hanging from the center rail of the door track. Pulling this cable disengages the trolley–which connects the door to the center track–and allows you to open the door. You can keep the door in manual mode as long as necessary.

If you need to open the room from the outside, you'll need the key that came with the garage door opener to unlock the emergency release kit at the top of the structure. Turn the key in the lock to release a tumbler that will reveal the emergency release cable. Pull that cord to release the trolley inside the garage, and then unlock the handle with the same key. Turn the handle to a vertical position and lift the door.

How Can You Reconnect the Garage Door Opener?

When your power returns, you can reengage the opener. Most models have an automatic trolley that makes this process easier. First, close the garage door and plug the opener back into an electrical outlet. Use the remote to reengage the opener. Press the close button, and watch the chain move the trolley back into place and automatically connect to the arm. Open and close the door with the remote several times to make sure it works properly.

If this doesn't work, you may not have an automatic trolley. In this case, pull on the emergency cable when the door is closed. Once the switch reengages–you'll hear a clicking sound–lift the door open about 2 feet to guide the arm back onto the trolley. After it clicks into place, test the door with the remote.

If a power outage is causing problems with your garage door opener, contact Elizabethtown Overhead Inc. in Hardin County, KY. For more than 25 years, these professionals have been providing local businesses and homeowners with high-quality garage door service, including installations, repairs, and maintenance. Learn more about their services and the brands they carry online, and call (270) 763-9121 to schedule service.