Garage door sensors: What’s their purpose? Do garage door sensors have a safety function?

Most garage door owners are unaware that their doors even have them, but garage door sensors are crucial components that often go unnoticed until they’re damaged.

In the early 1990s, garage door safety took a leap forward. To prevent injuries from crushed objects, the federal government mandated garage doors to be equipped with sensors. These sensors act like a safety net, stopping the door from closing if they detect something in the way. You’ve likely experienced this yourself – perhaps when you forgot to move your garbage can. When the sensor is blocked, the garage door light will typically blink and the closing motion will cease.

Faulty Garage Door Sensors

If you press your garage door buttons or remotes but the door refuses to close, it could be a sign of broken garage door sensors. This problem can also manifest in other ways: the door might start to close but automatically reverse direction halfway down, or it might get stuck in the open or closed position.

Don’t ignore a blinking LED light on your garage door sensor!

A blinking light often indicates misaligned sensors. These sensors use exterior LEDs and rely on a clear line of sight between them. Start by gently cleaning the lenses with a soft cloth. Loose screws can also cause misalignment. Tighten any loose screws holding the sensors in place. If necessary, carefully bend the bracket to ensure the LEDs are aligned.

If the issue persists, it might be a problem with the wiring connected to the sensors. Unless you’re familiar with your garage door system, it’s best to leave this to a professional. Attempting electrical repairs yourself can damage the sensors and pose safety risks.

By following these steps, you can often resolve a blinking LED light on your garage door sensor and ensure it functions properly.