GARAGE DOORS EXPERT

GARAGE DOOR SENSORS: The Eyes of the System

Out of all the components of your garage door opener unit, perhaps the most important one when it comes to providing superb emergency shut down is the pair of sensors. These small, unobtrusive stationary alarms serve as the "eyes" and can seemingly sense when a garage door cycle failure occurs. By trajecting a laser emitted light, they communicate and work together to stop a falling garage door in mid-track, then report back to the muscle of the opener and command the unit to reverse the cycle. Result? The garage door is hoisted back to a locked upright position, allowing you to have safe access to your garage while saving you and your automobile or other possessions from being seriously injured or damaged.

Garage Door Laser Light Show

The photoelectric sensors use an infrared beam to create an invisible tripwire. While one sensor is the designated emitter, the other is the receiver, and both must work together to relay a series of color-coded invisible beams of light. The other lights on a sensor are visible, and that LED will generally blink green or red to your eye. This is just to inform you of their working status. The colors used also depend on what make and model of sensor you have. Of course, it will be noted in your garage door opener system's programming and general operating guide should you need to troubleshoot any issue. Keep in mind that only a seasoned professional has the skills and expertise to make sure your garage door is operating safely. If you would like to know more about how our team can assist you with any of your residential or commercial garage door repairs and installations, give Ronen a call at 1-888-989-8758

What are the Signs of a Bad Garage Door Sensor?

Is your garage door not closing all the way, or does it stop and kick back up? Maybe you've recently lost power during a storm or even after a good clean-out and garage sweep, and now the open door won't close?

Frustrating, expensive repair costs now fill your mind. Well, one sure sign you need to follow is STOP. It could be one of many simple fixes.

• Path. Something is simply in the way of the sensor.
• Power. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the power cord or resetting your fuse at the electrical panel.
• Lenses. Like eyeglasses, if they get dirty, dusty, or even cracked, the "vision" gets altered. Give them a good inspection after you've cleaned your garage or even had them open while doing any maintenance around them-lawn, mowing, sweeping, even on a dusty, breezy day.
• Alignment. Are your sensors level and facing each other? If they get nudged, just wriggle them back to their correct placement.
• Moisture. Make sure the lenses are dry and free of condensation.
• Wear and Tear. Sometimes it's just an aging dilemma and it might be best to just replace them.
• Bad wiring and improper initial installation. In this case, specifically, you need a professional as electrical work will be required for safety code reasons.
• Dead or no battery. Yes, sensors also require a small disc 3-volt battery to work. Your manual will show you where and what model number you'll need. A battery should last around 3 years and cover at least 10,000 cycles, and as an additional tip, you may have to reprogram your system after a battery replacement.

Eye Protection

Despite their inconspicuous size, the fact that they are mounted just a few inches above ground makes them targets for all kinds of dings, dents, hits, and other abuse. However, there are products available to protect the eyes that protect you. With the average replacement and installation of new sensors costing around $60.00 to $80.00 plus additional service fees that can potentially double the price, why not consider including some sensor guards, shields, or lens protectors? 

Damaging rays from the sun, salt and sand scratches from snowfalls, and cracks from frost or ice debris can significantly alter the lifespan as well. To safeguard your sensors, give us a call at  1-888-989-8758 or follow the link for more suggestions, tips, and repair or replacements from New England's top garage door experts. https://www.massgaragedoorsexpert.com/