External emergency release for the garage door: safe in case of power failure
No side entrance, power out – and the car is behind the gate? With an external emergency release and battery backup, you stay in control. Here's the direct way, no guesswork.
Why this topic is more important than many people think
Electric drives are convenient – until the power goes out or the fuse blows. If you don't have a side door, you'll need an external emergency release . And for ultimate peace of mind, add a battery backup . The result: You can always open your door – manually or with a motor. Below you'll find clear selection guides, installation checklists, and the right products.
Table of contents
Advantages & Benefits
External emergency release opens manually – even without a side door.
Battery backup bridges outages; the gate remains motor-operated.
Kit solutions, quick assembly, clear benefits. That pays off immediately.
Technical background
A cylinder lock engages the drive unit via a pull cable. The drive unit is disengaged – you move the gate manually and in a controlled manner.
A 24V buffer battery provides temporary power to the drive system. Selection is based on capacity (Ah) and installation location (IP protection) – IP20 for indoor use, IP65 is preferable for outdoor use.
Matching backups are available for Marantec & SOMMER. Alternatively: a complete drive system with battery rail if no mains connection is available.
Selection in 60 seconds
- Do you have a side door? No → External emergency release is mandatory.
- How often do you use the gate? Frequently → plan for a larger battery backup.
- Choose mounting location : Indoor (IP20) or weatherproof (IP65).
- Send us photos and measurements – we'll match the set for you.
Bonus: We check photos & measurements and recommend the clean combination – without ping-pong.
Product recommendations & comparison
Brief overview – please check the product page for details and scope of delivery.
| product | type | Mission | Highlights | link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External emergency release 13 mm | Emergency release | Garages without a side door | 3 keys, 1.5 m rope, SZ-compatible | About the product |
| Battery backup 1.3 Ah (IP20) | Battery backup | Indoor mounting, CBX controls | Compact, 24 V DC | About the product |
| Battery backup 4.5 Ah (IP65) | Battery backup | Weatherproof outdoor area | Robust housing, 24 V DC | About the product |
| Battery backup 7.2 Ah (IP20) | Battery backup | Inside, high reserve | 24 V DC, LED status | About the product |
| SUMMER 24V Battery Pack | Battery backup | SUMMER systems | including connection cable | About the product |
Application & Assembly
- Position of cylinder & pull rope (splashproof).
- Plan cable routes for battery backup (indoors vs. IP65 outdoors).
- Save photos & measurements, have small parts ready.
- Use the emergency release; guide the pull cable without tension.
- Connect the battery backup according to the instructions – observe polarity/connector.
- Test unlocking/locking, then test drive OPEN/CLOSE.
After installation: Check end positions, force cut-off, and light barrier/closing edge. Nothing should rub or get caught in the gate's travel.
Explained briefly and concisely in our assembly videos .
Practice, Acknowledgements & News
Garage without a side door, fuse blows regularly. External emergency release + 4.5 Ah IP65 – problem solved, system remains operable.
Thank you for your photos of the measurements and nameplates. This allows us to deliver the correct sets without any further questions – saving you time and us hassle.
Newly sorted: Category “Rails & Emergency Releases” – shorter paths to the right solution.
Maintenance & Care
- Lightly grease the cylinders, check the seals.
- Test battery status twice a year; observe IP protection at the installation location.
- During renovation/service: Always check the function of the emergency release.
Why we are the right ones
We combine emergency release, battery, and sensors into a complete solution. Just send us some photos of the drive, terminals, and installation situation – we'll put together a set that simply works.
FAQ
Do I really need an external emergency release?
Yes, if you don't have a second access point to the garage. Otherwise, you'll lock yourself out during a power outage.
Can I add battery backup later?
Sure. Important: 24V compatibility and the appropriate IP protection at the installation location.
How much capacity makes sense?
Depends on usage and gate weight. 1.3 Ah for infrequent use, 4.5 Ah (IP65) for outdoor use, 7.2 Ah for greater reserve capacity.
Will this work with my existing drive system?
Generally, yes – Marantec and SOMMER offer coordinated backups. Photos of the controller help with matching.
Where do I mount the emergency release cylinder?
Easily accessible from the outside, splash-proof. The pull rope should be guided without tension or chafing.
Will I lose security by using the emergency release?
No – if installed correctly, the gate remains safe. Afterwards, be sure to test the end positions and sensors.
Are there complete drive systems with a battery?
Yes, for example the Marantec Comfort with battery rail. Ideal without a mains connection.
Who can help me with the selection?
We do it. Send us measurements & photos – we'll recommend the right set for you and you only need to order once.
Upgrade today – don't even think about it tomorrow
External emergency release and battery backup make your gate predictable. We'll put together the combination that simply works.
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