Understanding Garage Door Sensors and Safety Features
November 28, 2024 5 min read
Since 1993, federal law has required all garage door openers sold in the United States to include auto-reverse safety features. Understanding these systems helps ensure your family's safety. If your garage door opener is older, it may be time for an upgrade.
Photo Eye Sensors
These sensors are mounted 4-6 inches above the floor on either side of the garage door opening. They create an invisible beam that, when broken, causes the door to stop and reverse.
Common Issues:
- Misalignment (most common)
- Dirty lenses
- Direct sunlight interference
- Wiring problems
Mechanical Auto-Reverse
In addition to photo eyes, garage doors must reverse when they encounter resistance during closing. This protects against objects (or people) that the sensors might miss. A professional garage door repair technician can adjust the force settings on your opener.
Testing Your Safety Features
Test these features monthly:
- Photo eye test: Close the door and wave a broomstick through the beam. The door should reverse immediately.
- Mechanical reverse test: Place a 2x4 flat on the floor in the door's path. When the door contacts it, it should reverse.
When to Call a Professional
Homeowners in Gig Harbor, Bainbridge Island, and throughout our service area should contact us if:
- Safety features fail testing
- Sensors are damaged or repeatedly misalign
- The door doesn't reverse when encountering resistance
- You need to upgrade an older opener without modern safety features
Our emergency service is available 24/7 for safety-critical issues. Regular maintenance helps prevent sensor problems. Learn more about why professional service matters. Call 360-506-6430 to schedule an inspection.