When a thunderstorm rolls in, most homeowners think about unplugging their electronics or avoiding the windows—but what about your garage door opener? Many don’t realize that this critical piece of equipment is highly vulnerable to power surges. A single electrical spike can leave your garage door inoperable, trapping your car inside or leaving your home unsecured.
Here’s what you need to know about how power surges can damage your garage door opener—and how to protect your investment.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage. While your home’s standard voltage is around 120 volts, a surge can temporarily send that number soaring well above safe levels. Common causes include:
- Lightning strikes (even if they don’t hit your home directly)
- Downed power lines
- Utility grid issues
- High-powered appliances cycling on and off
How Surges Affect Garage Door Openers
Garage door openers contain sensitive electronic circuits and microprocessors. When a power surge hits, it can:
- Fry the circuit board
- Corrupt functionality of key safety sensors or remotes
- Cause complete opener failure
In many cases, the damage isn’t immediately obvious. Your opener might work intermittently or behave erratically before failing completely.
Signs Your Opener Was Damaged by a Power Surge
- The wall control panel or remotes stop responding
- Lights on the opener flash or go out
- The motor hums but doesn’t move
- The opener resets or acts erratically
- A burning smell or visible damage on the unit
How to Protect Your Garage Door Opener
- Install a Surge Protector
Use a dedicated surge protector rated for garage door openers. Some models plug directly into the outlet and absorb excess voltage before it reaches your opener. - Use a Whole-House Surge Protector
Installed at your electrical panel, this adds another layer of protection for all electronics in your home—including your opener. - Unplug During Major Storms
If you’re expecting a severe storm and don’t need the opener, unplug it temporarily to eliminate risk. - Routine Maintenance & Inspection
After a storm, test your opener. If you notice issues, have it checked before further damage occurs.
What to Do If Your Opener Stops Working
If your opener is unresponsive after a storm:
- Check the outlet – It may be a tripped breaker or blown GFCI.
- Inspect the opener for visible damage – Look for burnt areas or melted components.
- Call Door Pro America – We can assess whether the unit is repairable or needs replacement.
Conclusion
Storms are unpredictable—but protecting your garage door opener from power surges isn’t. A small investment in surge protection can save you from major inconvenience and costly repairs. If your opener was affected by a recent storm, don’t wait—schedule an appointment to keep your home secure and your garage running smoothly.
