Business owners and managers are responsible for having an emergency plan in case of power outages, fires, and extreme weather. One crucial thing to consider during an emergency event is the functionality of mechanical doors. Without power, these doors won't work properly, which can cause added stress and, in extreme cases, put employees in danger.

Backup battery devices can help in power outages. If your commercial door does not already have a battery backup device, should you consider getting one? Is a battery backup system really worth it? Learn the uses of battery backup devices, how they relate to fire doors, and their various advantages below. 

When Is a Commercial Door Backup Battery Used?

Backup batteries allow your commercial door to operate during a power outage. This is essential for fire doors and buildings that exclusively use rolling doors as entry and exit points. Backup batteries enable rolling doors to open during a fire, giving anyone inside a reliable exit point.

Backup batteries are also useful during unexpected storms. Even if the weather knocks out power, employees can safely and efficiently exit the building. As a commercial business owner, several days without power may seem like a nightmare. With a backup battery, you can operate your rolling doors and continue operations safely during an outage. 

How Do Backup Batteries Work?

Backup batteries are an easy and beneficial addition to any garage door. These batteries are enclosed within your current garage door opener. Connector cables connect the backup battery to your current door opener. These cables also keep the backup battery charged without needing to use another outlet. 

Backup batteries should last a couple of years before they need replacing. Each battery's service life can vary depending on the usage and battery care. To indicate your battery needs replacement, your commercial door opener will beep, and a red light will flash.

Other light signals include:

• Flashing green: A flashing green light indicates that the battery is charging.
• Solid green: A solid green light represents a fully charged battery.
• Flashing orange: A flashing orange light signals the battery is running low and will need to be charged or replaced.
• Solid orange: A solid orange light means the door is operating on battery power.

When power is lost, the door opener will automatically connect to the backup battery. So, after your backup battery is installed, the only thing you need to do is keep an eye on the door opener lights to know when a battery replacement is needed.

Are Backup Batteries Necessary for All Commercial Doors?

While backup battery devices are recommended for commercial doors, they are not legally required in most cases. However, they are often helpful in locations that lose power frequently. In California, for example, wildfires often result in power outages. There is a California law requiring that residential garage doors include a backup battery device. This 2019 law was passed after reports from the 2017 Northern California fires attributed some deaths to homeowners getting trapped inside their homes when they couldn't manually open their garage doors.  

While backup batteries are not required for commercial businesses, the same principles that make them useful to homeowners make them helpful for businesses. If you live in a location that loses power frequently, you may want the peace of mind a backup battery offers during power outages or emergencies. If you rarely lose power, a backup battery might be less necessary. 

Should Fire Doors Have a Battery Backup Device?

Commercial rolling fire doors keep employees safe and protect property by compartmentalizing building areas to isolate the fire. Rolling fire doors automatically close when the fire alarm is activated. However, power outages can also cause rolling fire doors to automatically close. 

With a backup battery device for commercial fire doors, your fire doors will remain open even in the event of power failure. Backup battery systems that include an integrated release device can also keep your warning devices and detectors running throughout a power outage.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Battery Backup Device?

A battery backup system is a worthwhile addition to a variety of commercial businesses. There are several advantages of battery backup devices, including additional safety precautions, ease of use, and more.

Added Safety

Arguably the most important benefit a backup battery system provides is increased safety. Commercial businesses need to ensure the safety of all employees and guests, and a backup battery is an easy and efficient way to do so. A backup device allows commercial doors to function properly even in the event of a fire, power outage, or storm.

Long Battery Life

Typically, you can expect your commercial door to open more than a dozen times on a single backup battery charge. Once your backup battery kicks in, it should be on standby for 24 hours. Recharging completely drained backup batteries usually takes a little over four hours. However, these numbers can change depending on the backup battery model you use.

Low Maintenance

Backup batteries do not require constant maintenance or checks. The battery will alert you when it needs to be replaced by beeping or flashing lights, depending on your model. Some backup batteries can even go a couple of years without needing maintenance. 

Easy to Use

Using a backup battery is much easier than manually lifting a commercial door during an emergency or power outage. There is no manual labor required, resulting in less stress. Simply use your door opener as you normally would. 

The installation and setup process is a breeze if you request a backup battery installation service from a reputable commercial door provider. 

Peace of Mind

Running or owning a business comes with a lot of stress. Let Cookson ease some of that stress and give you peace of mind that your commercial door will safely and properly function regardless of weather or power issues. With a backup battery, you can rely on your doors when you need them most.

Shop Commercial Door Battery Backup Systems From Cookson

Bring added safety to your business when you install a backup battery device to your commercial doors. With a seamless and easy installation, little maintenance, and long battery life, there are many benefits to incorporating backup batteries. 

From installation to unique projects, Cookson is ready to help with all of your commercial door needs. Our Architectural Resource Center includes access to our drawing generator, codes and listing, downloadable BIM projects, and more. Contact us online today or visit your local Cookson dealer to learn more about how backup battery devices can impact your business.