Q: What is a battery backup garage door opener?

A: A battery backup opener enables garage doors to open and close when the power is out.

 

Q: What is the life expectancy of a Chamberlain battery backup system?

A: With normal usage, a battery will last approximately 1-2 years. To obtain maximum battery life and prevent damage, disconnect the battery when the garage door opener is unplugged for an extended period of time, such as at a summer or winter home.

 

Q: Why is the battery backup feature only available on openers with DC motors?

A: Batteries provide DC electricity. In order to best utilize a battery backup, it is only available on operators with DC motors.

 

Q: Will a generic 12 volt battery work in my Chamberlain battery backup opener?

A: Chamberlain recommends only using OEM batteries provided by Chamberlain.

 

Q: How will I know when the battery needs to be replaced?

A: The garage door opener will beep, and the battery status LED will turn red to indicate the battery needs to be replaced.

 

Q: What is SB-969?

A: SB 969 is a law passed in California that requires all garage door openers in residential applications sold or installed in California on or after July 1st 2019 to be equipped with battery backup.

 

Q: Why was SB-969 introduced?

A: SB 969 was introduced in response to the 2017 California wildfires that left people trapped in their garages with no power to the garage door openers. Some individuals were unable to lift their garage doors manually and, unfortunately, some lost their lives.

 

Q: When replacing my existing garage door opener, will I be required to purchase a battery backup garage door opener?

A: Yes. Beginning on July 1st 2019, all garage door openers sold in the state of California are required to have battery backup.

 

Q: Are there any other restrictions that would require me to purchase a battery backup garage door opener?

A: If you are replacing your garage door, and your existing door opener does not have battery backup, you must replace your existing opener with a battery backup opener.

 

Q: Can I get product support if I purchase a non-battery backup garage door opener from another state and install it in California after July 1st, 2019?

A: No. Chamberlain will not offer any product support for garage door openers installed in California which were manufactured after July 1st of 2019 which do not include a battery.

 

Q: When a non-motorized door is replaced, does the new law require an opener to be installed? Or, can it be replaced with a new door that is non-motorized? Can a homeowner choose not to install an opener?

A: The law does not require that a manually operated door must be replaced with a mechanically operated door.

 

Q: Can I still get parts for my existing non-battery backup garage door opener?

A: Yes, California residents can still replace components of your existing non-battery backup opener.

 

Q: Will my existing non-battery backup opener warranty still be honored in the state of California?

A: Yes, as long as the opener is only being repaired and not replaced.

 

Q: If I live in California and have more than one door in my garage, does each door need to have a battery backup opener?

A: Yes, for California residents, if you are installing an opener for each door, each door will require a battery backup opener.

 

CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 969

 

On September 21, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 969 into law. This legislation requires newly sold or installed garage door openers in residential applications in California to have battery backup beginning July 1, 2019.

 

SB-969 What You Need to Know

• This law applies to new garage door and garage door opener installations in California residences. Homeowners will need to install a battery backup opener when a new door is installed or when they replace their existing opener. Existing openers currently in use will not need to be replaced with battery backup openers unless the door is being replaced. All Chamberlain battery backup openers sold for installation in California after July 1, 2019, include an integrated battery to ensure the full solution is compliant with the law.

 

• On or after July 1, 2019, no person, corporation, or entity shall manufacture for sale in California, sell, offer for sale at retail or wholesale, or install in California a residential automatic garage door opener that does not have a battery backup function that is designed to operate when activated because of an electrical outage. Failure to follow this will result in a civil penalty of $1,000 per opener installed and operational.

 

Chamberlain offers a full range of batter back-up garage door openers* with industry leading features such as:

• Built-in Wi-Fi for full compatibility with the free myQ smart home app
• Corner to Corner LED lighting
• Space saving wall mount design
• Quiet and Ultra Quiet belt drive
• Durable chain drive

 

CHAMBERLAIN COMPLIANCE

As of July 1, 2019, all battery backup openers sold by Chamberlain for installation in California include an integrated battery to ensure the full solution is installed in the garage.

All garage door openers that are compliant with SB-969 will be featured in Chamberlain communications with this icon:

 

 

*The State of California has not endorsed these or any other garage door openers.