How to Manually Open an Electric Garage Door
Experiencing a power cut and can’t open your electric garage door?
Don’t panic, you won’t be stuck. Most modern electric garage doors are fitted with an emergency release mechanism that allows you to open the door manually.
Older models or commercial systems often operate differently, so it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s guidance and seek professional advice.
In this article, we’ll explain how to open an electric garage door manually, share important safety tips, and offer maintenance advice to avoid common electrical issues in the future.
Why Would You Need to Open an Electric Garage Door Manually?
There are several situations where your electric garage door may not open automatically and needs to be operated by hand:
- Power outage
If the power supply is interrupted, the motor will not function, preventing the door from opening or closing automatically.
- Motor failure
Over time, the motor or automatic operating system may develop faults, causing the door to stop responding.
- Remote or control failure
Flat batteries, damaged remote controls or a faulty wall switch can prevent the door from opening as intended.
- Sensor problems
Safety sensors that are misaligned, dirty, or obstructed can stop the door from opening or closing as a precaution.
- Mechanical issues
Broken springs, snaped cables, bent tracks or jammed rollers can physically prevent the door from moving.
Understanding these common issues can help you identify when manual operation is necessary and when it’s best to call a professional for repairs.
Safety Tips Before You Begin
Opening an electric door manually should always be done with care and caution.
Each door is different, so you should always consult your manufacturer for professional advice.
Before you start, make sure you follow these essential safety steps:
- Clear the area around and beneath the door
- Switch off the power supply at the mains in case it unexpectedly restores
- Use controlled, steady movements at all times
If the door feels unusually heavy, stop immediately and seek professional help.
How to Manually Open an Electric Garage Door: Step-by-Step
1. Locate the Manual Release
The emergency manual release is usually a red cord or handle which hangs from the trolley or opening mechanism of the electric garage door.
Pulling this release disconnects the door from the motor, allowing it to be operated manually.
Please note that the exact location and appearance of the manual release can vary depending on the door’s model and manufacturer, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Disengage the Cord
Pull the emergency release cord or handle to disconnect the garage door from the motorised system.
Once released the door will not longer be controlled by the electric opener and can be operated by hand.
Different garage door system uses different release mechanisms, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidance where available.
3. Manually Lift the Door
With steady, even pressure begin lifting the garage door slowly. Keep your hands evenly spaced and maintain control throughout the movement.
Most electric garage doors are fitted with counterbalance springs designed to offset the door’s weight, making manual lifting easier.
If the door feels unusually heavy or difficult to lift, stop and seek professional assistance as this may indicate a broken spring or mechanical fault.
4. Secure the Door
After lifting the door, ensure it stays fully open and stable. Do not let it fall or close suddenly, as this can damage the door or cause injury.
Hold the door firmly in place while it is open or use any built-in locking or support mechanism if your model has one.
5. Re-Engage the Motor
When power is restored or the issue is fixed, pull the manual release cord back to reattach the door to the motor.
Once reconnected, you can operate the garage door normally using your opener.
Keep in mind that the exact method for re-engaging the motor can vary depending on your door’s model and manufacturer, so always check their guidance.
Some systems may re-engage automatically, while others require manual alignment.
How Can Maintenance Reduce Electric Garage Door Failures?
Regular servicing and maintenance are essential to keep your electric garage door operating safely and reliably.
Regular checks can also reduce the likelihood of unexpected electrical faults and make manual operation easier if it’s ever needed:
You should:
- Lubricate the moving parts regularly
Apply a suitable lubricant to springs, hinges, roller and other moving components to reduce friction, minimise wear, and ensure smooth operation.
- Check the door balance
An imbalanced door can strain the motor and make manual lifting difficult. If the door does not stay in place when partially open, it may require professional adjustment.
- Inspect the emergency release mechanism
Test the manual release cord to ensure it functions correctly and familiarise yourself with the process of switching to manual operation in case of an emergency.
Carrying out these simple maintenance checks can help extend the lifespan of your electric garage door system and prevent avoidable breakdowns.
Read our guide on electric garage door servicing for more information.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If you are unsure on how manual operation works on your electric garage door you should call a professional.
Contact a specialist if:
- The door is very heavy to lift
- Springs or cables appear damaged
- The door does not stay open
- Electrical faults persist
These issues pose safety risks and require trained repair.
Electric Garage Doors at West Midlands Garage Doors
If you’re electric garage door stops working, there’s no need to worry, you can still gain access safely by operating it manually.
Understanding how your door works and knowing what to do in an emergency can help minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary damage.
It is important to note that electric garage doors differ depending on style and manufacturer, so you should always consult manufacturer instructions.
At West Midlands Garage Doors, we supply and install a wide range of modern and contemporary garage doors designed to suit different properties, spaces and applications.
We also offer professional servicing and repair solutions to help ensure your garage door remains safe, reliable, and operating smoothly all year round.
Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs or expert advice, get in touch with our experienced team.