A garage door opener is typically a motorized unit that manually opens and closes garage gates controlled either by electronic signals on the garage wall or by a handheld push button attached to the garage gate. Garage entry gates are typically manual devices, but garage door openers have become a convenient alternative to conventional manual entry/exit devices. Garage entry gates can be operated by remote control, push buttons, touch pads, or combination knobs.
There are two types of garage door openers: electric and gas. Electric garage door openers rely on a counterweight balance to keep the motor from being overloaded; gas-powered garage door openers use an internal combustion engine to create kinetic energy to lift the gate. Most gas garage door openers include a trolley to carry the power cord between the gate and the power socket. Some electric garage door openers are designed so that they can be mounted directly to the garage’s ceiling while others must be installed on a special rack.
The most important components of any garage door opener system are the trolley along with the chain. The trolley is the most critical component, as it controls the amount of travel through the garage gate. An improperly sized trolley along with a poorly chosen chain can make the gate close too fast, leaving the motor with inadequate torque to lift the gate. Garage entry gates are usually rated in horsepower (horses), and the number of horsepower needed to lift the gate depends on the size and weight of the gate. Typical garage entry gates range between twenty-five to thirty-five horsepower (horses).
The size and type of the motor used in a garage door opener also affect the overall efficiency of the system. Garage entry gates are usually powered either by electricity or gasoline, and each of these systems require a different amount of horsepower to operate properly. In addition to the horsepower required to lift the gate, the motor must also have the correct amount of horsepower to run the gear shift mechanism. Gears and rollers play an important role in the operation of the trolley and the chain; the larger the gear size and the longer the chain, the more effective the operation of the garage gate.
Today’s garage door openers can perform a number of different functions to enhance safety. Some newer models come with automatic sensors that sense when a car has entered the garage and will turn on the lights. There are other automatic safety features that automatically position the garage doors in a safe, closed position when the car comes in. The last, but certainly not least important safety feature is the garage door openers safety key, which allow the driver to arm the system with a touch or a snap of the finger. Each of these different types of safety features and additional features will help ensure the safety of your family and friends.
Some of the most common garage door openers are either electric, battery operated, manual, and cordless. Most electric garage door openers are controlled by a switch on the wall or a button located somewhere near the opener. The batteries usually last up to five years; after that point, they need to be replaced, unless the user decides to extend their service contract. Remote controlled garage door openers are controlled by either a handheld transmitter or a wired remote. Both transmitters and remotes can be expensive, so it’s best to choose one that fits into your budget.