How Do Garage Door Safety Sensors Work — and How to Fix Them
The two photo-eyes near the floor are required by federal law. Here's how to align and maintain them.
Since 1993, all residential Garage Door Repair openers sold in the U.S. must include photo-eye safety sensors. They sit ~6 inches above the floor on each side of the door and project an invisible beam.
If the beam breaks while the door is closing, the door must reverse. This is what prevents pets and children from being crushed.
Common sensor issues in Youngsville, NC:
- Misalignment from a bumped sensor — re-aim until both LEDs are solid
- Sun glare in late afternoon — install small sensor sun shields
- Spider webs breaking the beam — wipe lenses monthly
- Damaged wires from string trimmers — easy splice repair
- Moisture corrosion in NC humidity — replace sensor pair (~$45 part)
Never bypass safety sensors. It's illegal and dangerous.