Radio Frequency Problems Affecting Garage Door Openers

Virginia Beach, Virginia - May 7, 2010

Garage door openers and remotes could be affected by radio frequency testing in the area. Precision Garage Door Service of Virginia Beach services all of Hampton Roads, heavily surrounded by military bases. Precision has received multiple, out of the ordinary calls from customers concerning garage door opener and remote failures. The calls sparked interest since they involved both brand new openers as well as openers installed more than 2 years ago.



Concerned that the sudden increase in these types of service calls were not a coincidence, Owner and President, Scott Kale, contacted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) office. The FAA is currently researching the situation and has contacted the Pentagon and the U.S. Navy. They have stated the likely cause is that surrounding military bases are using the consumer electronics frequency 315 MHz. 



Wireless consumer electronics use various approved radio frequencies and frequency ranges to function. Examples would be cordless telephones, television remotes and garage door openers. 



In 2005, garage door openers and remotes were moved from a 390 MHz frequency to a 315MHz frequency. If you own a garage door opener that was manufactured after 2005 and is on a 315 MHz frequency, you may be experiencing the following intermittent problems:

  • Garage door not opening or closing when using keypads and vehicle remotes
  • Garage door sporadically opening and closing on its own
  • Keypads and/or remotes unresponsive to programming

This issue affects all garage door opener manufacturers. 



Precision Door Service of Virginia Beach recommends if your door is sporadically opening and closing, you should unplug or disengage the garage door opener to keep your home and your garage belongings safe.

  • Openers are typically plugged into an outlet located on the ceiling near the opener. 
  • To disengage the opener, pull the red emergency release cord that is hanging from the opener until you hear a "pop". Once disengaged, you will be able to manually open and close the door.

Mr. Kale advises since most garage doors don't have locks, the garage door be closed prior to disengagement. This will allow the opener pulley and cord to be in the best place to easily re-engage the opener in the evening. Once the opener is re-engaged, the door is no longer able to manually open and/or close. 



You may call Precision Door Service of Virginia Beach with any questions. 



Contact:
vabeach@precisiondoor.net

341 Cleveland Place, Ste 103

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Office: 757-399-7500