Garage door safety sensors are federally mandated and are required on all automatic garage door openers manufactured since 1993. These photo eye safety sensors are installed near the floor at the bottom of the door opening on both sides, these invisible beam safety sensors detect anything in the door's closing path, when safety sensors fail, your garage door will not close or it will behave erratically. Connecticut Garage Door Repair offers professional garage door safety sensor repair and replacement in Connecticut.
How Safety Sensors Work
Safety sensors include two devices that are installed on opposite sides of the garage door opening, six inches above the floor. One device emits an invisible beam, and the other device detects it. When the beam is uninterrupted, the garage door opener works normally. When something interrupts the beam, like a person, pet, or object, in the door's closing path, it will immediately stop and reverse the door to prevent injury and damage.
Common Safety Sensor Problems
The most common problems that we see with garage door safety sensors include misaligned safety sensors. This is due to one or both devices being bumped and moved from their normal position. This will cause the beam to not reach the receiving sensor. Another common problem is that the lens is clogged with dust, cobwebs, and other debris. The wiring for the safety sensor may be damaged due to rodents, moisture, and other external factors. The sensor beam may also be disrupted by too much sunlight, especially if it is in direct sunlight in the afternoon. The safety sensor itself may be defective due to age and other factors.
Sensor Troubleshooting and Repair
In troubleshooting sensor problems, our technicians follow a systematic process. We check for alignment and make adjustments to the sensors until we are sure that the lights indicate a solid connection. We also check the lenses of the sensors for cleanliness. We check the brackets of the sensors for looseness or damage. We also check the wiring for continuity from the sensors to the opener unit. If we find that the sensors are faulty, we replace them with compatible ones. We also check the auto reverse mechanism to ensure your door is safe.
Sensor Upgrades and Improvements
If your sensors are old and frequently malfunctioning, upgrading them with newer ones may be an improvement. This is especially true since newer ones are resistant to interference from the sun. If you are upgrading your garage door opener, we include new sensors in our upgrade. Our maintenance service includes sensor testing and alignment. This way, we can catch any problems before it leaves you stranded with an inoperable door.
Get Your Sensors Working Properly
If your garage door is not closing or is reversing without apparent cause, it is likely due to malfunctioning sensors, give us a call today at (203) 437-7156 for sensor repair service. Sensors are an essential part of your garage door, and we make sure that your sensors are working perfectly.
