Garage Doors Services in Greater Treasure Valley

The Photo Eyes

adjusting safety photo sensors

The Photo Eyes Safety is a huge concern when it comes to garage doors and openers. These doors are heavy, and when the openers are not functioning properly or when the safety protocols are not in place, they can be dangerous. Ever since 1993 in North America, all of the garage door openers sold need to have an auto reverse systems . These systems were implemented because of the many instances of people being injured and even killed by lowering garage doors.

The photo eye reversal system makes use of two units, which are placed about six inches off the ground to either side of the door. They are situated along the tracks. They are connected to the opener motor. An invisible beam passes from one of the devices to the other between the garage door opening. If there is anything that interrupts or breaks that beam when the garage door is trying to close, the door is going to reverse and go back up.

The garage doors also have a second system for automatic reversal. This is a mechanical system that works very simply. If there is an object or a person or pet that is beneath the door and is hit with the bottom section of the door when it is descending, the door will reverse direction and open back up. You can test this system quite easily to see if it is working properly. You will want to take a 2×4 and place it beneath the garage door. Close the door, and if everything is working right, the door will go up as soon as the it hits the board.

Fixing the Photo Eyes

As mentioned, it should not be too hard for you to fix the problem. You simply have to make sure that the photo eyes are aligned and that the beam is back to the correct position. Determine which of the photo eyes was moved – it is generally going to be obvious – and then put it back in place. You will know when it is in the right place, because the light will stop blinking or the clicking will stop, depending on the opener that you have.

You should also take the time to make sure that the photo eyes are attached securely to the wall on their metal brackets. Clean the lenses, as well. Then, you can test it out. Close the garage door with the opener and if the photo eyes were the problem, then it should close without any issues. It should only take a few minutes for you to fix.

Of course, if it still does not work right, then it means that the problem might be somewhere else. For example, there could be a broken wire that connects the photo eye units and the motor of the opener. If you are unsure of what the problem is and how to fix it properly, you are going to want to make sure that you are using a professional for the job.

Always Take Safety Seriously

No matter what you happen to be doing with your garage door, you want to make sure that you are as safe as possible. Make sure that you and those in your family are always treating the garage door opener with the respect that it deserves. To do otherwise is to invite more risk into your life. Check the reversal systems regularly, and make sure that they are working correctly.

When You Still Need Help

If you still need help, you will want to contact us as soon as possible by calling (208)565-8548. Our team understands garage doors from top to bottom and has the experience to help you make the right decisions when it comes to repairing or replacing your door opener or system.