If a power failure occurs while a vehicle is inside the garage, an automatic sectional garage door can normally be disconnected from its operator and moved by hand using the emergency release. The release does not lift the door for you; it disengages the motor carriage so the correctly balanced door can be operated manually.
Do not pull the emergency release under an open or unstable door. If the door is unusually heavy, drops, rises by itself or has a damaged spring or cable, stop and contact a trained technician.
What is a garage door emergency release?
The emergency release mechanically disconnects the garage door operator from the door. SOMMER describes integrated emergency release systems that allow the motor carriage to be engaged and disengaged so the door can be opened during a power failure. The exact mechanism and reconnection sequence depend on the operator model.
How to open the garage door during a power outage
- Make the area safe. Keep people, children and vehicles clear of the door path.
- Confirm the door is fully closed if possible. Releasing an open door can be dangerous if the counterbalance system is damaged.
- Pull the red release cord once. On the mechanism shown in the OZ Door video, this disengages the operator carriage.
- Lift the door slowly by hand. A correctly balanced sectional door should move smoothly without excessive force.
- Secure the door before passing underneath. Never rely on a person holding an unstable door.
Video demonstration
How to reconnect the garage door operator
After power returns, close the door carefully and operate the release mechanism as shown for your model so the carriage can re-engage. Test the door with the remote while remaining clear of the opening. If the motor runs but the door does not move, the carriage may not yet be engaged.
Do not repeatedly cycle the operator if engagement fails. Follow the installation and operating manual for the exact SOMMER model or ask OZ Door to inspect the release, carriage and door balance.
Important safety precautions
- Do not release the operator while the door is open or moving.
- Do not allow children to operate the release cord.
- Do not force a heavy or jammed door; a spring, cable, roller or track may be damaged.
- Keep fingers away from hinges, panel joints, rollers and tracks.
- If the garage has no separate entrance, ask whether an exterior emergency-release solution is required.
- Arrange service if the door makes abnormal noise, moves unevenly or will not remain balanced.
Frequently asked questions
Can every automatic garage door be opened during a power outage?
Most operator systems provide an emergency-release method, but access and operation depend on the model and garage layout. Check the operator manual before an outage occurs.
Why is the garage door too heavy after pulling the release?
A sectional door should be counterbalanced by its spring system. If it becomes unusually heavy, stop immediately because the spring, cable or another mechanical component may be damaged.
Why does the motor run but the door does not move after power returns?
The operator carriage may still be disengaged. Follow the model-specific reconnection procedure; if it does not engage correctly, stop cycling the motor and request service.
