When functioning properly an automatic garage door is a convenient component of a home that helps to protect homeowners and their possessions. A malfunctioning garage door opener, on the other hand, can be a significant safety hazard. Modern garage door openers should have two automatic reverse features installed. They should reverse when resistance is applied and when the photo-electric eyes are crossed.
Automatic garage door motors should have a sensor installed that reverses the garage door when a small amount of force is detected. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) began requiring garage door openers to have this sensor installed in 1982. Garage door openers manufactured prior to this time may not have this feature and should be upgraded. This sensor prevents the weight of the garage door from trapping and/or injuring people, pets, and possessions.
Testing this feature is simple and should be part of every homeowner’s home maintenance program. If you do not feel comfortable doing this test yourself, you should consider hiring a licensed garage door contractor to perform these tests.
There are a few ways testing the garage door can be performed. The first option is to close the garage door using the button provided, this is usually located near the garage occupant door or by using a remote. As the door is closing, position yourself about a foot away from the door and use your hands to apply a small amount of pressure at the base of the door. This should be done when the door is at least a few feet from fully closing. A properly functioning garage door opener should reverse almost instantly with a small amount of force.
If you do not feel comfortable performing this type of test there is a second option. You can place a 2×4 or wood block on the garage floor under the door and close the door onto the 2×4. The garage door should reverse when it hits the board. This option does have its downsides, however. If the automatic reverse sensor is inoperable you may damage your door as it closes on the 2×4. For this reason we prefer the hand test when inspecting the auto reverse function.
The second safety feature that automatic garage doors should have installed is a photo-electric, or infrared, sensor. These sensors should be installed on both sides of the garage and at an equal height. The sensors reverse the garage door when any object blocks the path between the sensors. Installation of photo sensors in new homes has been required by generally accepted safety standards since 1993. To protect small children, the sensors should be mounted at a maximum 6-inches above the garage floor.
To test these sensors simply close the garage door. As the door is closing, stick your foot in the path between the sensors and the door should reverse. It is best to do this when the door is still at least a few feet from the ground so you have time to remove your foot in the event that the sensors are inoperable. Photo-sensors have small LED lights installed on their side that will either be green or red. A green light indicates that the sensors are functional. Red lights indicate that the sensors are not aligned or otherwise inoperable.
The installation of automatic garage door openers is common modern building practice and when functioning correctly provide convenience and safety for homeowners and their pets. Unfortunately, when the reverse functions are inoperable they present a dangerous condition. We recommend that these safety features be tested by a homeowner monthly to ensure proper function. If you find that either of these sensors is not working properly, you should consult a garage door technician to make the necessary repairs.
Please see the following video for more information regarding proper homeowner testing of automatic garage door reverse safety features: