In regards How to repair garage door motor, the word 'Local is lekker' certainly fits the bill. It doesn't matter what motor you buy, eventually it will require a repair, and when that point comes you intend to have obtained a motor with good backup support, and long-term sales of parts and spares. Cheap Chinese imports are constantly available on the market, their lower prices might be attractive, but when no spares can be found for a straightforward problem, it indicates investing in a whole new machine. The truth is that garage door motors have parts made in China, but there are many well-established firms that assemble their motors in South Africa, and/or have offices generally in most major cities. So research your options, or call us to learn more about the nice, the bad, and the ugly.

Battery Backup:

Let's face it, we've all been left stranded for some reason or form by our friends at Eskom, and the truth is that load shedding will be here to remain, on and off, for the foreseeable future. So what can you do to make certain you don't get trapped in or out of your garage? The very first option, and absolutely essential with any automated door installation, is to have an emergency release mechanism installed. A crisis release mechanism is mounted in to the curtain of the door, with a key hole facing outwards. A material cable is then run using this mechanism to the motors emergency release leaver. When the power fades, you'll need to insert your key in to the mechanism, give it a twist, and a pull, and this will in turn pull the steel cable and release the door from the motor. Although emergency release mechanisms are highly effective, they still need you to leave the comfort of your vehicle or home in order to unlock the door, and then you definitely will need to physically lift the door by hand. This is problematic if the door is very heavy, and if it doesn't want in which to stay the open position, you'll need another person to hold the door open when you move your car.

The next option is to own some kind of battery backup system powering your garage door motor. This enables you to stay comfortable and safe in your vehicle or home, but still able to access your garage during power outages. Just like gate motors, your garage door motor will have to automatically switch between 220v and 24v, and have the capability to charge your batteries while 220v is on. Unfortunately not absolutely all motors are designed to work off 24v, and all older model motors will fall into this category. Motors just like the Digi 2, Gemini, Brano, Alladin, or the Pro Alpha 2000 are all 220v motors, and are therefore not compatible with 24v battery backup. Advanced UPS systems with the utilization of inverters can be utilized for these motors, but the trouble of those systems are far too high to warrant going this direction. So if you have a battery, charger, auto switch, and inverter setup currently running other devices within your house, then the only other option is to get a fresh model 24v garage door motor.

Modern 24v motors actually have an increased power rating than older 220v motors, there is also built-in battery protectors, auto switch functionality, auto close option, extensive sensitivity settings, and auto charging. And undoubtedly a one year warranty, and most have two new remotes. Contact us today to learn more about How to improve garage door connection, and to learn about our free door service when purchasing a fresh 24v battery backup motor.

Which motor do I use which is why door?

The different forms of garage doors work in other ways, and so the way they open and close is essential to take into account when deciding which motor you obtain, and how it is set up.

Roll Up Doors:

Require either a vertically mounted motor such as the Digi 2, or even a shaft mounted motor such as the ET Blue Roll Up Motor. As stated above, the Digi 2 cannot accommodate conventional battery backup, but it's a solid and reliable motor, and can also be used to operate two roll-up doors simultaneously. Utilizing a strong wormdrive mechanism much such as a cork screw, this tried and tested motor has was able to outlast your competitors, and I have even come across a few which can be pushing on 20 years in operation.

The shaft mounted motors can only just operate one door at time, and aren't suitable for large double size roll-up doors, or very old stiff doors. However when combined with new doors or those in good working condition, shaft mounted motors just like the ET Blue Roll Up can provide a long time of battery assisted, silent, and smooth operation. An extra bonus is that motor comes with two great quality remotes.

Sectional Garage Doors:

Sectional garage doors vary greatly from door to door. However, regardless of size of the door, or materials used, every door should open smoothly, and without too much effort. Steps should be studied to test the door, and fix any issues before a motor is installed. This will make fully sure your motor isn't put under too much strain, and will prolong it's life greatly. A number of motors can be found for sectional garage doors, but they all work in the identical way, unlike with roll-up doors. Selecting the best combination of power, compatibility, features, price, and backup support, is our specialty.

Tip Up Doors:

Tip up doors operate in a fashion that's a little awkward for motor installation. The motor shaft must be hung at an angle, sloping towards the ground. This permits for the natural action of the door while opening and closing, and ensures an easy operation. A number of the older tip up doors operate with counter-weight mechanisms, as opposed to the more modern spring setup. These counter-weight doors can not be automated, as the door must be pulled/pushed at different angles through its operation. It's however, possible to upgrade the door to a spring mechanism, and then automate the door as usual.

Extra Height / Caravan Height Doors:

Different length motor shafts can be found for doors which can be more than usual. When you yourself have an additional height door and need some advise on automation, why don't you give us a phone and we'll come inspect, measure, and provide you with a free quote for your motor.