2024-01-15 5 min read
Your garage door is one of the largest moving objects in your home, and it's crucial that its safety features work correctly. The safety reversal system is designed to prevent injuries and property damage by detecting obstructions and automatically reversing the door's direction.
Modern garage doors are equipped with two main safety features:
1. Photo-Eye Sensors: These sensors are mounted on either side of the garage door, about 6 inches from the ground. They project an invisible beam across the doorway. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, the door immediately reverses.
2. Mechanical Auto-Reverse: This feature causes the door to reverse if it contacts an object while closing. The sensitivity can be adjusted on most openers.
Follow these steps to test your photo-eye sensors:
1. Open your garage door completely 2. Place a cardboard box or similar object in the path of the door 3. Press the close button on your remote or wall control 4. The door should reverse before touching the object
If the door doesn't reverse, clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth and check for proper alignment.
To test the mechanical auto-reverse feature:
1. Place a 2x4 piece of wood flat on the ground in the center of the door path 2. Close the door using your remote 3. When the door contacts the wood, it should immediately reverse
If it doesn't reverse, contact a professional to adjust the sensitivity settings.
If your safety features aren't working after basic troubleshooting, it's time to call Garage Door Converse. Our technicians can:
- Properly align and calibrate sensors - Adjust force settings safely - Replace faulty sensors or opener units - Ensure your door meets current safety standards
Remember: A malfunctioning safety system isn't just inconvenient—it's dangerous. Regular testing and prompt repairs are essential for protecting your family.