Every new garage door opener installed in a California home must have a battery backup. The rule comes from Senate Bill 969, a state law that took effect on July 1, 2019. Here is what the law actually says, who it applies to, and what it means if you have an older opener or are replacing your garage door.
This article explains the law in plain language. It is not legal advice.
SB 969 was introduced after the 2017 wildfires, when power outages left some people unable to open their garage doors, and some could not lift heavy doors by hand. A battery backup keeps the opener working when the power goes out, which also matters during storms and planned power shutoffs.
From July 1, 2019, no person or company may manufacture for sale in California, sell, offer for sale, or install a residential automatic garage door opener that does not have a battery backup that works during an electrical outage.
The law also covers replacement doors. From the same date, a replacement residential garage door may not be installed in a way that connects it to an existing opener that does not meet this requirement, regardless of how old that opener is.
The requirement applies to manufacturers, sellers and installers. The penalty for a violation is a civil penalty of $1,000 for each non-compliant opener that is installed, manufactured, sold or offered for sale.
The battery sits in or next to the opener and charges from normal power. When the power goes out, the opener switches to the battery automatically. It is meant for a limited number of open and close cycles, enough to get your car out and close the garage again. Backup batteries wear out over time and should be replaced every few years. Many openers warn you when the battery is low.
Want a new opener with battery backup? See opener installation.
Not sure what is wrong? Call Olive Garage Doors at (888) 403-6161. We are open 24/7 and serve the Bay Area and Santa Cruz County.