Garage door sensors help ensure that your garage door operates safely. These sensors prevent your garage door from closing on your vehicles, people, pets, or anything else. It has been mandated by law for all garage doors to have safety sensors. Here are some things you need to know about your garage door safety sensors and things that can go wrong with it:
How do garage door safety sensors work?
Garage door safety sensors have something called a photo-eye, which are infrared sensors placed on both sides of the garage door, a few inches off the ground. The two sensors detect when something is in the way of the garage door and reverse its direction.
It is needless to mention that garage door sensors are a critical safety component and should be in perfect working condition at all times. If you notice something is wrong with your garage door safety sensor, you should have it repaired/ replaced right away.
Common reasons behind malfunctioning garage door sensors
Garage door safety sensors prevent accidents from happening, so you should never ignore any problems. Here are some things that can prevent your garage door sensors from functioning properly:
Disrupted power supply
If the garage door sensor is not receiving any power, it won’t work. The light on both the sensors should be on. If it is not, you should check the power supply. Inspect the circuit breaker and ensure that it hasn’t tripped. A loose wire can also disrupt the power supply to the garage door sensor.
Damaged Wires
If your garage door sensor has served you for a while, it may have worn out after prolonged use. So, you must check whether the wires that connect the sensors have become worn or damaged because of pests, weather, and prolonged use. As soon as you notice any signs of damage, you should have it repaired or replaced immediately.
Sun damage
The ultraviolet rays can cause damage to the garage door sensors and prevent them from working properly. As discussed earlier, these sensors use infrared light to create an invisible line or beam, which can detect objects. If the sun shines on the sensor, the sun’s infrared light can interfere and prevent the sensor from working correctly.
The best way to keep this problem from occurring is to change the position of the sensor in a way that it doesn’t receive direct sunlight. You can also install a sun shield in a way that prevents sunlight from falling directly on the sensor but does not interfere with the sensor’s infrared beam. If the damage has already occurred, it is best to have the sensor replaced.
Dirty lenses
Sometimes, all you need to do is to clean the lenses to get the garage door working. Over time, dirt and grime may build over the lenses and block their view of the garage door. Once you clean them properly, your garage door will start working again. It is recommended that you clean the lenses regularly to avoid an accumulation of dirt.
Garage door sensors play a critical role in the safe operation of garage doors. If these sensors are not working correctly, you risk possible injury to your family or pets, and damage to your vehicles and other valuables. If your garage door sensor is malfunctioning, do not ignore the problem. Call a technician right away. Make sure the garage door sensor is replaced before an accident occurs.
t East Coast Overhead Doors, we can get you back on track in no time! Our team of expert technicians is highly trained and experienced in all things garage door openers, including replacing faulty sensors. Don’t wait to ensure your garage door operates safely – contact East Coast Overhead Doors today!