It seems to work like magic. If there’s anything in the way when you shut your garage door, it automatically reverses itself. This works to protect not only your door, but lawn, bikes, or cars left underneath, not to mention pets or kids that inadvertently walk underneath the door when it’s closing.
How Safety Sensors Work
The reason is the photoelectric eyes. Located on either side of your garage door opening, these electronic eyes send signals back and forth to each other. If anything blocks that signal, the door automatically stops and reverses itself. This is done to protect life and property.
It seems like this technology has always been a part of garage doors, at least ever since garage door opener installation became ubiquitous. But the truth is photo eyes only became legal safety requirements in 1993. So if you have a door older than 1993, it might not even have them.
Faulty Eyes
While these safety sensors are essential for safety, they can occasionally malfunction. This can happen if the eyes get smudged or dirty. If an eye falls off, or if they aren’t at exact polar opposites. These eyes can also be set off if sunshine hits it at the wrong angle. It may be worth providing shading to prevent the blockage.
Don’t Have Photo Eyes? Time to Update
If you don’t have safety sensors on your garage door, it’s time to catch up to the 21st Century. These are critical safety features, especially if you have kids or pets.
Considering installing a new garage door opener that includes photo eyes. It’s worth the update as a safety feature. Plus you’re probably due for a new opener anyway. The convenience of a garage door opener is easy to take for granted.