Garage door sensors are small but critical components that keep you and your family safe from potential accidents caused by closing garage doors. They work by detecting any obstruction in the path of the garage door, halting its movement immediately to avoid crushing anything or anyone underneath it. However, there may be times when homeowners bypass these sensors for one reason or another. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why bypassing garage door sensors can be incredibly dangerous and what you can do to fix them if they’re malfunctioning. So buckle up and let’s dive into this crucial topic!
What are garage door sensors?
Garage door sensors are safety devices installed in garage door systems to detect any obstruction while the door is closing. They prevent the door from closing if they sense something in its path, such as a child, pet, or object. The sensors have two small electronic “”eyes”” that face each other and transmit an infrared beam across the garage doorway.
When something blocks this beam of light while the garage door is closing, it tells the sensor that there’s an obstacle present. The sensors then send a signal to stop or reverse the direction of the closing doors immediately.
Most modern garage doors come with photo-eye sensors located near the ground on either side of your garage opening. They use features like auto-reverse to ensure no one gets hurt by triggering these sensors when someone or something crosses their path.
So without these vital components functioning correctly, you put yourself and others at risk every time you close your garage doors!
Why are garage door sensors important?
Garage door sensors are essential components of your automatic garage door system. These sensors work together to detect if there is anything in the way of the closing door and prevent it from causing any harm or damage.
The first sensor, known as the transmitting sensor, sends an infrared beam across the opening of your garage. The second, receiving sensor, receives this beam on the other side of your garage and signals to stop closing if there is something blocking its path.
Without these sensors functioning correctly, you risk damaging property or even injuring someone – especially children or pets who may not be visible to a driver backing out of their driveway. In addition to safety concerns, bypassing these sensors can lead to costly repairs down the line if left unchecked.
In short, keeping your garage door’s sensors working properly should be a top priority for anyone owning an automatic garage door opener.
What happens if you bypass the sensors?
Bypassing garage door sensors might seem like a quick and easy solution when they are not functioning properly, but it can be extremely dangerous. The sensors work together to detect any movement or obstruction in the path of the garage door. When an obstacle is detected, the garage door will automatically reverse its course and go back up.
If you bypass these sensors, your garage door may continue to close even if there is an obstruction in its path. This could lead to serious injury or damage to property. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by malfunctioning or disabled sensors.
In addition, bypassing the sensors can also cause your garage door opener system to malfunction or completely break down over time due to excessive strain on the motor and other components.
It’s important to always ensure that your garage door sensor system is working efficiently for your safety as well as others’. If you suspect that something isn’t working correctly with your sensor system, it’s best to have it repaired by a professional rather than attempting a DIY fix that could end up causing more harm than good.
How to fix a garage door sensor
If your garage door sensor is malfunctioning, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Here are some tips on how to fix a garage door sensor:
1) Check for obstructions: Make sure that there isn’t anything blocking the path of the sensors. Even small objects can cause issues with their performance.
2) Clean the sensors: Dust and debris can accumulate on the sensors, causing them to malfunction. Use a soft cloth to gently clean both sides of each sensor.
3) Adjust the alignment: If the sensors aren’t properly aligned, they won’t function correctly. Use a level to ensure that both sensors are at equal heights and facing each other directly.
4) Replace faulty parts: If cleaning and adjusting don’t solve the problem, you may need to replace one or both of your garage door sensors. Consult with a professional before attempting any repairs yourself.
Remember that bypassing garage door sensors can be dangerous and compromise safety features designed to protect you from harm or damage.
Conclusion
Bypassing garage door sensors is not only dangerous but also illegal. These safety features are designed to protect you and your loved ones from potential accidents or injuries caused by closing doors. While it may be tempting to disable the sensors for various reasons such as convenience or repair purposes, it’s important to remember that doing so puts everyone at risk.
If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door sensor, don’t attempt to fix it yourself unless you have proper training and experience. Instead, contact a professional technician who can diagnose and repair any problems safely.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to home safety. Taking simple steps such as regularly testing your garage door sensors can go a long way in ensuring they work properly and keep everyone safe. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to safety – prioritize the wellbeing of yourself and those around you by keeping your garage door sensors in check at all times.