As a homeowner with a garage door, I’ve always been curious about how the garage door sensors actually work. Recently, I decided to dig deeper into the mechanics of these sensors to gain a better understanding.

Let me share what I’ve learned from Atlanta Garage Door so far:

Garage door sensors are essential safety devices that prevent the door from closing if there’s an object, person, or pet in its path. They consist of two main types: safety sensors (or photoelectric sensors) and mechanical sensors.

The safety sensors, which are typically located near the floor on both sides of the garage door, work by emitting an invisible infrared beam. One sensor unit emits the beam, while the other receives it. When the door is in the closing cycle, and the beam between the sensors is uninterrupted, it indicates that the pathway is clear for the door to close safely. However, if something breaks the beam, such as an object or a person, the sensors detect the interruption and send a signal to the garage door opener to stop or reverse the door’s movement.

On the other hand, mechanical sensors, also known as pressure or contact sensors, are typically positioned on the bottom of the garage door. These sensors are designed to detect physical contact or resistance when the door encounters an object. When pressure is exerted on the mechanical sensor, it triggers a mechanism that signals the garage door opener to stop or reverse the door’s motion. This prevents the door from closing forcefully on any obstruction.

Understanding the alignment of the sensors is crucial for their proper operation. To ensure accurate detection, the sensors must face each other directly and maintain perfect alignment. Misalignment can result in false detections or the door failing to respond appropriately. That’s why it’s important to regularly check and adjust the sensors if necessary to maintain their proper alignment.

Garage door sensors are powered by low-voltage electrical circuits and are usually connected to the same power source as the garage door opener. It’s important to ensure a reliable power supply to the sensors by checking the power connections periodically. Making sure they are secure and free from any damage or corrosion will help maintain their continuous operation.

To ensure the sensors are functioning correctly, it’s crucial to perform regular testing and maintenance. Most garage door openers have a test mode or a safety feature specifically designed for this purpose. By activating the test mode or safety feature, I can close the door using the remote or wall button and observe the sensor response. To simulate an obstruction, I can introduce an object, such as a broomstick or a cardboard box, into the path of the closing door, blocking the sensors’ beam. The sensors should detect the obstruction and cause the door to stop or reverse its movement, ensuring the safety of anyone or anything in its path.

In conclusion, based from Atlanta Garage Door, garage door sensors are crucial safety devices that prevent accidents and damage by detecting objects or obstructions in the door’s path. Whether it’s the safety sensors using infrared beams or the mechanical sensors relying on physical contact or resistance, they work together with the garage door opener to ensure the safe and proper operation of the garage door. Regular testing, maintenance, and ensuring proper alignment are key to keeping these sensors functioning reliably and effectively.

Presto Garage Door of Atlanta

535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States

470-281-3823