Commercial garage door openers are specifically designs to open and close large doors in Industrial settings. These motorized devices, also known as operators, manage different types of commercial garage doors, from sectional models to overhead steel installations. However, they resemble residential openers but also possess unique features for commercial use. Their work involves handling heavy-duty and frequent operations. Let’s explore the different types of commercial garage door openers and how to select one that meets your requirements.
Three Common Types of Commercial Overhead Door Operators
Trolley Openers
This commercial operator is the most common one in the market. Additionally, their design is similar to that of residential openers. They generally use a trolley system on horizontal tracks.
Commercial trolley openers are a perfect choice for buildings or warehouses with sectional overhead doors. If you want to go for them, you have many options to choose from, including heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty capacities, based on your door’s weight and size.
Hoist Openers
Another commercial opener type is the hoist-style door operators. These are designed for mounting on the wall beside the door. Hoist operators are designed differently, featuring a floor-level hoist chain that facilitates easy operation. You can also operate the door manually using the hoist openers during emergencies and power cuts. These operators don’t have an emergency disconnection lever or cord to trigger manual use.
Hoist openers come for medium-duty and lighter commercial doors. These operators work well with vertical lift sectional doors, high-lift, and light rolling doors and grilles.
Jackshaft Openers
Jackshaft openers are similar to a hoist. They are used for vertical mounting, not for overhead mounting. Generally, these operators are used in the side room beside the door. This operator is a popular choice among many commercial and industrial environments. The reason may be that it requires a lot of vertical space and clearance to make sure the movement of the product and equipment remains easy. Jackshaft door operators are a good choice for sectional and rolling doors.
Commercial Overhead Door Opener Drive Systems
A common feature of commercial garage door openers is that they rely on drive systems to move the doors along their tracks. Understanding the various types of drive systems can help you select the most suitable one for your facility. There are two main types of commercial drive systems:
Chain Drive Systems
Chain drive openers utilize a metal chain connected to a trolley. When the motor is energized, it moves the trolley on a rail, which subsequently raises or lowers the door. Chain drive systems tend to be robust systems and are appropriate for heavy-duty commercial applications, given their strength and durability.
Jackshaft Systems
Jackshaft operators are unique because they are mounted on the wall next to the door as opposed to the ceiling. Jackshaft operators are also directly connected to the door’s torsion bar (horizontal shaft) and turn it to either open or close the door. Jackshaft systems are the most common type of operator for rolling steel doors and high-lift doors, and can be helpful in situations where there is limited headroom.
Important Factors to Consider When Selecting Commercial Openers
There are several important factors to take into consideration when selecting a garage door opener in order to guarantee performance and reliability for years to come.
Physical Space and Layout
Evaluate the physical space where the opener will mount. Verify the ceiling height and wall space theoretically, and decide whether you will use a swing or folding door. For intricate layouts, a visit to a qualified garage door technician can assist in determining the best configuration.
Horsepower Requirements
The horsepower rating of the motor impacts the ability to lift the door as well as shear resistance with repeated use. Lift Master commercial openers are rated by duty cycle:
- Light – up to 25 cycles per day, to be used sparingly with lightweight doors.
- Medium – up to 50 cycles/day, to handle intermittent traffic.
- Industrial – up to 300 cycles/day, appropriately designed for heavy doors and frequent use.
Safety and Security Features
Many openers offer safety features such as automatic close timers and manual opening options should your need arise. Selecting a model equipped with adequate security options is necessary to protect your building and personnel.
Door Speed
Faster operation is essential for those in a high-traffic situation, such as those moving in and out of a warehouse or loading dock. So, if you pick a high-speed opener, you can reduce wait times and promote the workflow.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Garage Door Opener
The following steps should help provide positive guidance for your decision:
Identify the type of door and measurements
These opener will need to match the measurements, weight and type (sectional, rolling steel or sliding doors) of your door.
Determine how frequently you will use the door
The cycle rating of the opener should be matched to the number of times you expect to use the door each day.
Choose the drive system
Use trolley feeding (chain) drive systems for sectional doors and jackshafts for rolling or high-lift doors.
Noise considerations
The chain drives will be noisier than a jackshaft, so pay attention to the noise level of the door opener in relation to its anticipated use and the surrounding area.
Select AC or DC motors
AC motors are constant power sources. However, DC motors are quieter, use less power and often work with innovative technologies of today.
Find a Commercial Door Opener
Finding the right commercial garage door opener is essential to ensure smooth operations and efficiency in your facility. Right? So, the above guide will help you find the right product that matches your needs. Now, after going through this guide, you will have knowledge of the different types of openers, drive systems, and horsepower requirements, allowing you to make a great choice. Also, you can find reliable partners for commercial garage door opener installation. Make a wise choice and ask for an estimate before making any decision.
