Having a power outage when you’re inside or outside your garage can be quite a stressful moment! On one hand, your car is trapped and you won’t be able to take it out. On the other hand, you might not know what to do next.
But if you have a modern garage door, half of your worries will be gone with a simple solution – an emergency release cord. It’s a red-colored handle that’ll let you manually open the door when the power’s out.
But to use it properly, you’ll need to know how it works, how you can safely pull it without damaging the mechanism, and what to do after the power comes back on. And so, today we’ll talk about everything you need to know about an emergency release cord in this blog!
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How the Emergency Release Cord Can Help You
If you have an automatic garage door opener and it suddenly stops working during a power outage, things can get out of hand quite quickly. You won’t be able to use the remote or keypad to open your garage door. And this means –
- Your garage door won’t move, and you’ll not be able to get your car out.
- You might be stuck inside your home if your garage is your main exit.
- You’ll not be able to use your car when you’re late for work, school, or have an emergency situation.
In these cases, an emergency release cord can give you manual control by disconnecting the garage door from your automatic opener system. You’ll see the emergency release cord as a red rope hanging from the opener.
It’s attached to a small lever, and when you pull it, it’ll disconnect the door from the motor. This will let you open and close your garage door by hand when the power’s out.
What You Need to Do Before Pulling the Cord
When you know how to use the emergency release cord properly, you can prevent damage to your door system and also get your car out quickly. But before you grab that red handle, you need to ensure it’s absolutely safe to do so.
- You need to make sure the door is completely closed. If you pull the cord while the door is open, it could cause it to crash down all of a sudden
- You’ll have to unplug the opener. It’s best to disconnect power (if possible) to avoid sudden restarts when power returns.
- Keep your hands and feet clear as the door can move suddenly, especially if springs are under tension.
- Have a flashlight handy, which can make it easier (and safer) to see what you’re doing in the dark.
- Check your surroundings. Make sure your pets, kids, or objects aren’t near the door before you start, as safety always comes first!
After you’re done with these checks, you can use the cord safely!
How to Use the Emergency Release Cord (Step-by-Step)
Using the emergency release cord is simple and easy! If you need guidance, here are some steps you can follow to operate your garage door manually using the cord!
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Step 1: Find the Red Cord
You’ll find it hanging from the trolley (the part that connects your door to the opener).
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Step 2: Pull the Handle Down Slowly and Firmly
By doing this, you’ll disconnect the door from the opener carriage. To ensure that you’ve done it properly, you need to look for a click sound!
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Step 3: Lift the Door Manually
You’ll need to grip the door at the handle or the bottom edge and lift it slowly. It should move freely if your springs are working properly.
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Step 4: Secure the Door Properly
After it’s opened, you need to make sure that the door stays in place. If it feels heavy or slips, you should not force it, or else the springs might get damaged.
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Step 5: Close the Door Manually When Done
You’ll need to lower the door slowly and gently back into its place to avoid slamming it shut. And with that, you’ll be done using your emergency release cord successfully!
If you face any problem during the process, like your door remains stuck halfway, the springs make loud noises, etc., you need to call for emergency garage door repair immediately.
They’ll have the right tools to repair your garage door and ensure everything’s working as it should.
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How to Reconnect Your Garage Door Opener After Power Returns?
After the power comes back, you’ll need to reconnect your garage door properly! You can do this by following these tips!
- Ensure the door is closed: This prevents misalignment or strain on the motor.
- Pull the release cord toward the door: This re-engages the trolley with the opener carriage.
- Use your remote or wall button: When you press it once, the opener should automatically reconnect and move the door.
- Listen for the click: That means your garage door is locked back into the automatic opener system.
If at any point, your garage door doesn’t work as it should or reconnect properly, you need to call for professional garage door repair right away!
Quick Tips for Using the Emergency Release Cord
You can follow these easy tips to ensure your garage door’s emergency release cord works without any problem!
- Always pull the cord straight down, not at an angle, to avoid damaging the mechanism or breaking the release lever.
- Don’t jerk or hang from the cord, as it’s not made to hold your weight.
- Show your family how to use it in case you’re not home.
- Keep the cord visible and untangled so it’s easy to reach.
- Don’t use it if the door looks broken or out of place.
- Test it once or twice a year to ensure it works properly when you actually need it.
Questions You Might Have About How to Use Your Emergency Release Cord
➢ Can I use the emergency release cord during a storm or bad weather?
Yes, but you need to be careful and make sure the ground is dry and you have a stable footing.
➢ How far does the emergency release cord usually hang down?
It usually hangs within easy reach, about 3 to 4 feet from the opener trolley.
➢ Will pulling the emergency release cord reset my garage door opener?
No, it only disconnects the door so you can move it manually.
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Takeaway
You can use the emergency release cord by pulling the handle down slowly so that it disconnects the door from the opener carriage. And then you can use the door manually. After the power comes back, you’ll have to reconnect your garage door to the opener.
By knowing how to use it properly and performing safety checks, you can avoid accidents and damage to the door. Also, if you face any problem with the cord, you can rely on reputable garage door services for help.
Read More!
- Stress-Free Solutions for Overhead Door Repairs
- Garage Door Design & Tech: What’s Trending Now
- How to Fix a Single Garage Door Panel Without Full Door Replacement
- Garage Door Springs: Understanding Their Function and Maintenance
A-Dependable Overhead Door Co. – For Complete Garage Door Care!
At A-Dependable Overhead Door Co., we offer reliable garage door repair in Modesto! We’re a BBB-accredited company with years of experience in handling garage doors! Plus, we offer affordable prices, discounts, and emergency garage door repair in Modesto!
You can always rely on us for high-quality work and excellent customer service. Our licensed technicians are friendly and knowledgeable.
So, you won’t face any problem in working with us! Give us a call now at (916) 616-9844 for a professional garage door repair in Modesto!