How Garage Door Sensors Work?

Garage door sensors have evolved from an optional luxury to a mandatory safety feature. Following the safety committee’s final publication on automated garage door openers in 1992, these devices have become essential. But why are they necessary, and how do garage door sensors function?
Garage door sensors protect home and property owners in Calgary, where family safety and home security are paramount. They prevent the garage door from closing if an obstruction is detected in the doorway. The sensors will trigger the garage door to reverse and reopen if anything disrupts the clear path. This is why it is vital to have both your garage door opener and safety sensors installed by a professional garage door repair company like Calgary Garage Door Fix.
Adhering to manufacturer-specific requirements for sensor placement is critical for optimal performance and safety. These guidelines generally dictate that garage door sensors be installed at a maximum height of 15cm from the ground on each side of the garage door. Most garage door opener brands recommend these practices to ensure the best placement for garage door sensors.

How do Residential Garage Door Sensors Work?

Each garage door sensor plays a crucial role in the safety of your home. Typically, one sensor acts as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. The transmitter sends an invisible beam of light across to the receiver sensor. Only when the receiver confirms the strength and quality of the beam does it allow the garage door opener to close the door.

Why One Sensor Is Green And One Yellow?

Chamberlain and Liftmaster, the leading garage door opener brands in North America, standardize their sensors across all models. In Calgary, you’ll find that one sensor displays a yellow or orange LED light to signify it’s the transmitter, sending the signal. Conversely, the green LED on the other sensor indicates it’s the receiver. Suppose the green light flashes instead of showing a steady glow. In that case, this suggests an alignment issue, preventing the garage door from closing unless manually overridden. If aligning the sensors yourself proves challenging, it’s advisable to search for ‘garage door repair near me’ to connect with Calgary’s top-rated garage door repair experts like Calgary Garage Door Fix.

Can A Garage Door Crush You If The Sensors Fail?

No, your garage door will not crush you due to sensors failure. The system is built in a way that will prevent your garage door from closing and crushing you if the garage door sensors aren’t working. By default, if your opener doesn’t have the “OK” from the sensors, your garage door will not go down unless you manually override your safety sensors. In addition, there is another safety feature that will auto-reverse your garage door if the opener feels resistance on the way down.

Can a Garage Door Hit You While Closing?

No, a garage door will not crush you due to sensor failure. The system is designed to prevent the garage door from closing if the sensors are not functioning correctly. If the opener does not receive the “OK” from the sensors, the door will not close automatically. There is also an additional safety feature: the auto-reverse mechanism activates if the opener encounters resistance while closing, ensuring the door reopens instead of continuing to close.

Can Garage Door Fall Down?

Yes, a garage door can fall in certain scenarios. Although a typical garage door weighs several hundred pounds, it usually feels light when lifted manually, thanks to the springs that balance it and reduce its weight. However, if one or more of these springs break, the door becomes too heavy for the opener to lift. In rare instances, even with a broken spring, the opener may still manage to lift the door, posing a significant risk. An unbalanced door due to a broken spring could crash down on you or your vehicle if you pull the emergency release cord while the door is open. Additionally, the locking mechanism on the garage door opener rail might fail under the excessive weight, causing the door to plummet and potentially cause damage or injury. Therefore, it is crucial to handle your garage door cautiously and ensure it is regularly inspected by a professional garage door service like Calgary Garage Door Fix to prevent such hazards.