Garage door safety sensors are an important component of modern garage door systems, designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Installed in the 1990s as a mandatory feature after federal regulations, these sensors play a big role in protecting your vehicle, pets, and most importantly, your family members from getting trapped under a closing garage door. AAA Action Garage Doors would like to highlight the purpose of garage door safety sensors, how they work, and the signs that point to the fact they may not be working correctly.
Purpose of Garage Door Safety Sensors
The primary purpose of garage door safety sensors is to prevent the garage door from closing if an object, person, or pet passes beneath it while it is in motion. Positioned approximately six inches above the ground, one sensor on each side of the door, they form an invisible beam across the door’s path. If this beam is interrupted, the sensors signal the garage door opener to reverse the closing action, thereby preventing potential injuries or damage. These sensors are particularly important in households with children and pets, where the risk of someone running under a moving door is higher. They provide peace of mind, knowing that the garage door will stop and reverse if there’s any obstruction.
How Garage Door Safety Sensors Work
Garage door safety sensors use infrared technology to create a beam of light between two points. These sensors are always in pairs:
• Emitter: This component sends a continuous infrared beam.
• Receiver: This part receives the infrared beam. If the beam is broken by any obstruction, the receiver sends a signal to the garage door opener to stop and reverse the door.
Signs that Garage Door Safety Sensors are Not Working
Recognizing the signs of malfunctioning garage door safety sensors is key to maintaining the safety and functionality of your garage door system. Here are some typical signs of sensor problems:
• Garage Door Reverses for No Apparent Reason: If your garage door starts to close and then reverses suddenly without any obstruction in its path, it might be a sign that the sensors are misaligned or malfunctioning.
• Flashing Lights: Many garage door sensors have lights that indicate their status. A blinking light on the receiver sensor often point to alignment issues or obstructions blocking the infrared beam.
• The Door Won’t Close: Sometimes, if the sensors are not working correctly, the door will not close at all. The opener might interpret this as an obstruction in the way, even if there isn’t one.
• Inconsistent Operation: If your garage door closes sometimes but not others, or if it starts behaving erratically, the safety sensors might be dirty, misaligned, or faulty.
Troubleshooting Garage Door Safety Sensors
Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix issues with your garage door safety sensors:
• Check for Obstructions: Ensure that there are not any objects, dirt, or debris blocking the sensors’ path. Even small objects or accumulations of leaves or dust can interrupt the sensor beam.
• Clean the Sensors: Use a clean cloth and a mild cleaner to gently wipe the sensor lenses. Dirt or spider webs can obscure the infrared beam.
• Realign the Sensors: Sometimes, sensors can get knocked out of alignment. Carefully adjust them so they point directly at each other. Many models have lights that turn on when they are properly aligned.
• Check Wiring: Inspect the wires connecting the sensors to the garage door system for any signs of damage or loose connections.
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Garage door safety sensors are an important safety feature that helps prevent accidents and injuries. If your garage door sensors are not working properly or you have other garage door problems, contact AAA Action Garage Doors today.
