Since 1992, all garage door openers have been required to have a safety sensor that stops garage doors from closing when anything is blocking the doorway. This electronic eye ensures that you do not accidently close your garage door on your vehicle, or worse, a person. However, this safety sensor can cause problems if it is not aligned correctly. Here are a few basic tips to ensuring your safety sensor on your garage door is working correctly.
- How your sensor works. The safety sensor works by having two sensors, one on each side of the garage door, near the bottom. One sensor sends a laser beam across the garage door opening into the second sensor. A disruption in the laser sends a code to the opener to stop the door from closing. If your garage door won’t close, it often can be due to the sensors not aligning,
- Safety test. To see if your safety sensor is doing its job, try putting a large cardboard box under your garage door. Close the door using your garage door opener. The door should stop closing if the sensor is working correctly. If the door crushes the cardboard box, your sensor needs repair or alignment.
- Aligning the sensor. If your sensor is not working, check the alignment of the two sensors. Make sure the emitting sensor and receiving sensor are pointed at each other. After realigning, try the safety test again. If the door still closes on the cardboard box, you may need to have your sensors replaced.
The safety sensors on your garage door are crucial to avoid damage to your vehicles and prevent injuries. If they are not working, call your local garage door service company to have them repaired or replaced.
Posted on behalf of:
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA
770-985-3355
