Transfer switch

[Fuddy1952]

I think it was already suggested but the least expensive and safest solution is simply add 20 ft (or whatever is needed) wire to the door opener, running it in conduit down the wall with a plug on end. Plug it into an easy to reach outlet. Power out simply unplug it, plug into generator.
That's super simple, safe, foolproof. Maybe the ceiling receptical could be used for a retractable trouble light. Easy peasy.

 

[bigtiller]

It looks like a typical garage door opener except you say the door is 12' x 24' and a garage door should be balanced with springs so it can be hand lifted by pulling on the trolley trip emergency rope?

You don't have an emergency trip rope to release the trolley?

I am a little confused, maybe you could provide a photo of the trolley attachment at the top of the door.

KC

Hope this helps.

 

[MossRoad]

Hope this helps.

View attachment 671287

I'd think that since it has the T-rope release mechanism, that means it's meant to be disengaged in a power outage so you can open the door. The springs should be adjusted so that is possible. Also, if it's so heavy that someone can't lift it manually, it's putting an undue load on the opener, and over time, it may wear out sooner. Granted, it may be a big unit with plenty of power and may never wear out. However, I've not seen a properly adjusted door that couldn't be opened by hand.

We had a few big ones in our airplane hangars. Something like 16' high by 24' wide in a bank of 3 with removable center posts, wood with many glass windows, and they could be opened by hand with a stick to push them up the last 8-9 feet if the opener was down.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Hope this helps.

View attachment 671287

Thanks for the pic, maybe some with garage door installation knowledge can add some information about your pic?

With the little knowledge I have (my door is 8' x 18') and the install looks very similar, but I have only 2 door springs (each very long and thick in rod diameter) and they do not bow like the 4 door springs you have?

I am just guessing here, but I still believe the garage door can/should be balanced with the properly sized door springs in order to manually open the door with ease.

I also think maybe your door springs might be undersized since they really appear to have a good size bow in them?

Most everyone here is concerned with the electrical hazards (and rightly so) but I am also concerned with the "falling garage door hazard" if something fails like a broken cable that winds up on the drum, because it sounds like it would drop like a ton of bricks.

I do think Fuddy has a very simple and safe solution, post #61, to your problem a long with a previous post.

I do hope you find your solution to your problem.

I know this isn't in regard to your solution, but I purchased a Roybi garage door opener a couple of years ago with wi fi, and a 18 volt battery back up/charger, belt driven.

I cannot believe how quiet it runs and just love the soft start/stop feature.

I also purchased and plugged in to this opener (think it has 7 stations) a blue tooth speaker, a multi speed fan, and a 110v hose reel, sorry this has nothing to do with your issue.

Good luck,

KC

 

[bigtiller]

The installer will be coming out this spring to do yearly maintenance. I will tell them at that time to balance the door springs. It seldom gets opened in good weather and maybe a hand-full of times during the winter. Last August 10 was the first time I had the need to open the door without power to it. Could the springs have weakened in the past 6 years?

 

[Fuddy1952]

Did it open manually ok 6 years ago? If so I would get it so it works manually again!
My doors lubricating track rollers makes a big difference in opening effort.

 

[bigtiller]

Did it open manually ok 6 years ago? If so I would get it so it works manually again!
My doors lubricating track rollers makes a big difference in opening effort.

I don't remember if the installers tried it or not back then. This past August 10 was the only time I tried it. The rollers, hinges and springs get oiled annually.

I have never kept track, but after thinking about it, I doubt that door gets opened & closed 50 times a year.

 

[BigBlue1]

All openers here are required to have battery back-up due to ongoing power outages...

The safety outages and earthquake and fire caused left many unable to open their garage doors... 95% did not know they could be opened manually which is another issue.

In response to the overwhelming mandate the sale or repair of non battery back up openers has been banned for a number of years... I have already replaced batteries on some tenant units... which seems to run about 3 year interval.

This seems odd to me. Don't most (all?) houses have standard exterior doors unrelated to the garage? Or are you saying they couldn't get their cars out to effectively leave the area? I get how that would be somewhat of a risk, but not to the point of mandating battery backups and outlawing non-battery models.

I'm glad I live in a state that hasn't quite gotten to the nanny status of CA, though I'm thinking MN isn't too far behind. I think I need to have a plan to relocate to a place with more liberty before we get that far.

Rob

 

[Fuddy1952]

I don't remember if the installers tried it or not back then. This past August 10 was the only time I tried it. The rollers, hinges and springs get oiled annually.

I have never kept track, but after thinking about it, I doubt that door gets opened & closed 50 times a year.

If you lose power a lot before Springtime I would just plug opener into a 25ft extension cord, zip tie down wall. It's just temporary.
Then installer maintenance they should be able to get door working manually.

 

[ultrarunner]

This seems odd to me. Don't most (all?) houses have standard exterior doors unrelated to the garage? Or are you saying they couldn't get their cars out to effectively leave the area? I get how that would be somewhat of a risk, but not to the point of mandating battery backups and outlawing non-battery models.

I'm glad I live in a state that hasn't quite gotten to the nanny status of CA, though I'm thinking MN isn't too far behind. I think I need to have a plan to relocate to a place with more liberty before we get that far.

Rob

Folks couldn't evacuate by car because they could not open garage doors once power shut off... Power is routinely shut off to many thousands as fire prevention measure.

Neighbors daughter bought him a new garage door for father's day... the original circa 1958 was delaminating... a few years back she had bought him a opener... he is 95

Anyway the battery backup mandate meant the opener couldn't be connected to the new door by the contractor.