Learn about motors and battery backup devices for rolling doors. 

 

 

Motors with battery backup devices ensure that rolling doors work, even in a power outage. While doors can be operated manually, demanding industries require a more robust, automatic system. 

Battery backups aren't always standard with operators, but they are common. It's recommended to learn about different types of motors and backup batteries. Use this guide to break down the pros and cons. 

Manual Operation vs. Motor Operation

Rolling doors, grilles, and counter shutters can be manually opened with chain hoists, with push-up operation, by using a chain or crank, or with a jackshaft operator. These are practical options for smaller doors that won’t be used often and if the building doesn’t have electricity.  

Motor operators are for larger-sized doors that will be used frequently. They ensure consistent and secure operation and come with standard safety features and energy efficiency benefits.

What are the different types of rolling door motors?

Typically, you’ll find tubular and gear-head motors to pair with your rolling door. Motors will be powered with AC, DC, or AC/DC auto-switching operation and a variety of horsepower options. Cookson has motor operators that fit diverse applications, multiple door sizes and weights, and space requirements.

If you have limited overhead clearance and don’t want your motor out in the open, tube (or, tubular) motors are a great choice. Tube motors have a low profile design that allows them to be hidden within the shaft assembly. Operation is straightforward. A signal from a wall switch or remote rotates the tube to operate the door. Here are a few Cookson tube motor options to choose from:

EverGard Tube Motor

A standout feature of this motor is that it’s TENV, or totally enclosed and not ventilated with a fan or cooling liquid. It also comes with a full suite of performance, safety, and maintenance features.

Product Details: Input Voltage: 120VAC| Activation Input: 24VDC | Phase: 1| Duty: 10 cycles/day| Standard Features: TENV design, AC/DC input auto-switching, auto-recharge battery, UL325 listing Tube Motor Operator

Tube Motor Operator

The tube motor has the same functionality as Cookson Super-Duty Gear Head (SGH) Operators. So, you get all of the convenience of a motor-operated door, all in a sleek, compact package.

Product Details: Power Supply: 120 V 60Hz| Activation Input: 24VDC | Duty: 5-10 cycles/hr| Standard Features: Available in 3” and 4” type motors, auxiliary hand crank, cycle counter, UL325 listing.

Backup Batteries

If you want your door to work during a power outage, you’ll need a backup battery. Backup batteries deliver power to your motor when electricity cuts out.

When is a commercial door backup battery used?

Backup batteries allow your commercial door to operate during a power outage. Particularly, doors and buildings that exclusively use rolling doors as entry and exit points. Backup batteries also make it possible for rolling doors to open during a fire, giving occupants a reliable entry or exit point.

Backup batteries are handy during unexpected storms. As a commercial business owner, several days without power can be a nightmare. With a backup battery, you can continue operations without worrying if your doors will work or not. 

How do backup batteries work?

Commercial door backup batteries are enclosed within your current garage door opener. Connector cables attach the backup battery to your door opener, keeping the backup battery charged without needing to use another outlet. 

Backup batteries should last a couple of years before they need to be replaced. Each battery's service life can vary depending on usage and care. How do you know if your backup battery needs to be replaced? Your commercial door opener will beep and a red light will flash. 

Other light signals include:

• Flashing green: the battery is charging.
• Solid green:  fully charged battery.
• Flashing orange:  battery is running low and will need to be charged or replaced.
• Solid orange: door is operating on battery power.

When power is lost, the door opener automatically connects to the backup battery. So, after your backup battery is installed, just 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 aren't 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, they are just as useful for homeowners as they are for businesses. If you're in an area that experiences frequent loss of power, a backup battery brings peace of mind. 

Should fire doors have a battery backup device?

Commercial rolling fire doors keep employees protected and safeguard property by compartmentalizing building areas to mitigate the spread of smoke and fire throughout a building. 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, from emergency operation to accessibility and daily protection.

Added Protection

Arguably the most important benefit a backup battery system offers is enhanced protection. A backup battery is an easy and efficient addition to boost your door's reliability. Your doors will remain in operation, no matter what. 

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 vary 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.  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. 

Pairing a high-quality motor operator with a battery backup device will make sure your entrance and exit points are always accessible. Boost the speed and reliability of your day-to-day operations, and enhance daily security.

Need help finding a motor or battery backup device? Connect with your local dealer to get started.