Did Lightning Damage My Garage Door Operator?

By Tony Hall

We’ve been experiencing quite a few storms in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle lately. And boy, are we thankful for the moisture! However, with storms comes lightning. Did you know that lighting can damage your garage door operator? The operator gets damaged as a result of power surges as lightning travels through the electrical parts of the operator. Depending on the damage, you'll need to decide whether to repair or replace your garage door operator.

How Do I Know If My Garage Door Operator Is Damaged?

There are five signs you can check for to determine whether a damaged garage door operator was caused by lightning.

1. The operator functions, but erratically.
   
   
2. The light at the back of the of the circuit board constantly flashes.
   
   
3. The keypad and the remote do not work.
   
   
4. It seems that there is no power on the operator even if the power is on.
   
   
5. The LED lights on the safety sensors do not come on.
   
   

Can I Prevent Damage To My Garage Door Operator?

Garage door operators as well as other electronic parts are vulnerable to storm damage because lightning passes through various components, like wires and jacks. Electromagnetic pulses generated by indirect lightning can short out appliances that are running, too.

It is possible to prevent damage to your garage door operator. Install a surge protector for the garage door operator. Surge protectors plugged right into an outlet limit voltage supply to electronic items. They block or short out runaway voltages that go beyond a safe threshold. Even if you are already using power strips, they may not have in-built surge protection. It is advisable to check if this has been indicated by the manufacturer and get surge protectors if necessary.

Should I Have My Garage Door Operator Repaired Or Replaced?

The best answer to this question is to speak with a professional garage door installer in your area. They will base their decision on the extent of damage. If you have had your operator for at least 10 years, you should probably replace it. If the damage is not too bad and your operator is not old, you may just need new logic boards or a new remote. A garage door installer will also check on your rail to determine whether it is compatible with the new operator. If it is, you can reuse it and only purchase the head motor.

Where Can I Find A Garage Door Operator Installer In Amarillo, Texas?

Willow Creek Overhead Door in Amarillo, Texas, will quickly answer your distress call. Owner Tony Hall will assess the damage and advise you on whether your operator can be repaired or it will need to be replaced. Contact Willow Creek Overhead Door today for a free estimate.

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