Garage door sensors are vital to the functionality of your garage door system, ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones by preventing accidents. While these compact yet essential devices work by stopping or reversing the garage door when they detect an object or person in its path, they can occasionally fall out of alignment. This misalignment can lead to functional problems, causing inconvenience and potential danger.
Having the knowledge of how to align these sensors properly can restore both the efficiency and safety of your garage door system.
What Are Garage Door Sensors?
Garage door sensors are a critical component of your garage door system, designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of garage door operation. These sensors are typically installed near the bottom of your garage door tracks and consist of two units: a transmitter that sends an infrared beam and a receiver that detects this beam.
When the garage door is in operation, the transmitter sends an invisible infrared beam across the doorway to the receiver. If something obstructs this beam—whether it's a car, a pet, or a person—the receiver signals the garage door opener to stop closing and reverse its direction. This prevents accidents and ensures the safety of everyone and everything in the path of the door.
They often have an indicator light that helps in diagnosing sensor issues. For example, a steady light usually means everything is functioning normally, while a blinking light may indicate a problem. One common issue is garage door alignment; if the sensors are even slightly misaligned, they may not function correctly, causing the door not to close.
What Are the Signs They Are Misaligned?
Before you adjust your garage door sensors, it's essential to identify whether they are misaligned. You know there is a problem if:
The garage door won’t close using the remote control.
The door begins to close but then reverses.
The garage door opener light blinks without the door shutting.
A clicking sound emanates from the opener when attempting to close the door.
If you notice these signs, don't worry. It is not difficult to realign the garage door sensors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Align Garage Door Sensors
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Safety is our utmost priority. Before you begin any maintenance, disconnect your garage door opener from its power source. This is usually done by switching off the breaker box to allow the alignment process to proceed safely, eliminating any risk of electric shock or accidental door movement.
Step 2: Examine the Sensors
Inspect the small devices positioned on either side of the garage door track, close to the floor. Clear any obstructions or dust from the lenses using a soft cloth. The clarity of the infrared beam depends on clean sensors, which support smooth operation.
Step 3: Verify Sensor Alignment
To verify sensor alignment, use a level to make sure that both garage door sensors are positioned at the same height and are parallel to each other. Accurate alignment is essential, as the sensors need an uninterrupted line of sight to function properly. If they are slightly off, adjust their height until both sensors are precisely on the same plane.
Step 4: Adjust the Sensor Brackets
If misalignment is detected, slightly loosen the wing nuts on each sensor bracket, allowing for vertical movement. Adjust each sensor until they are perfectly aligned with each other. Use your level for precision. Once properly aligned, retighten the wing nuts to secure the sensors in place.
Step 5: Test the Sensors
After aligning the sensors, restore power by turning the breaker box back on. Test the garage door using the remote control. The door should now close smoothly without interruption. If the door operates correctly, your alignment process is successful. If issues persist, professional intervention may be required.
Don't Let Misaligned Sensors Interrupt Your Day: Reach Out to Us Now
Knowing how to realign your garage door sensors enhances operational efficiency and safety. However, should you encounter ongoing problems, it may show a more complex issue that needs expert attention.
At Chris’ Garage Doors, we provide top-notch garage door services and prioritize customer support. Our team is ready to address any garage door concerns, providing phone consultations for no charge, expert advice, and thorough inspections. Trust us to restore your garage door's functionality, providing the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve.
Contact Chris' Garage Doors today and experience a seamless, efficient service tailored to your needs.Â
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