Safety sensors are crucial elements of most automatic garage doors. The detectors detect obstructions in the path of a closing garage door and stop the door from closing when the path isn’t clear, reducing the probability of harm to pets and people, and preventing accidental harm to items like bikes and cars. A garage door which refuses to close even when the path is clear, or a doorway which stops and starts randomly, may indicate a malfunction with the safety sensor.

Accidental Obstructions

Two kinds of accidental obstructions can cause the safety sensor to protect against a garage door from closing. The first is a hurdle in the path of the doorway and consequently in the route of the sensor. Trashcans, bicycles, strollers and toys are common, but even smaller things like branches or leaves may trip the sensor. The second type of obstruction might be on the sensor itself. Dust, insects or dirt on the sensor lens will activate the sensor and stop normal operation. Removing such struggles generally restores the doorway to proper functioning.

Positioning Errors

Improper positioning of safety sensors can cause poor functioning. The two positioning variables are sensor alignment and sensor positioning height. Safety sensors comprise two mounted sections, one on either side of the garage door opening; the detectors utilize two picture eye lenses which carry an infrared beam between them. If the sensors aren’t correctly aligned, the picture eye lens will translate it as in disrupted beam, indicating an obstruction. Use a laser level, or a string hung between the two sensors, to be certain they haven’t accidentally been knocked out of alignment. Sensors have to be placed between 4 and 6 inches off the floor to satisfy safety standards; if they’re too low, ground-level struggles might cause interference.

Electrical Issues

The safety sensors might have wire connection problems at the sensor port or at the opener’s motor mind. Make sure that the wires are correctly connected and never loose at both link sites. Most sensors utilize LED lights over the sensor ports to indicate proper electrical functioning; some sensors display solid green or red lights on each sensor, but some have flashing or strong lights to indicate improper wiring. Check your manufacturer directions to determine how the lights must show. If the wiring seems correct, but the detectors are still not functioning, there can be an electric problem in your circuit board.

Photo-Eye Sensor Damage

Sometimes the photo-eye lens of the sensor port becomes damaged. Lenses may be damaged by impact such as an accidental bump in the car or garbage can. Lenses are also particularly prone to moisture; when you have experienced high levels of heavy rain or a recent flood, it’s likely that your sensor was damaged by moisture and has to be replaced.