As great as garage door openers are they can cause serious injury or even death if they aren’t working properly. This is the reason that garage door openers have features built in for safety. It’s a good idea to do a routine check of these features at least once a year to make sure they are working the way they should be. If you find that any of the safety features are not functioning the way they should, you should immediately unplug the garage door opener and call a garage door repair company. DO NOT use the garage door until you are able to have it fixed.
Testing the Balance and the Obstruction Safety Sensor
You should test the balance. When the door is disconnected from the drive system it should open and close without any problems. To test it you should try stopping the door several different ways and letting go. If the door stays in that position, then it’s working the way it should. If the door closes or opens it means the balance is off. Next you can check the obstruction sensor. Do this by checking the electronic eye. This electronic eye is mounted about six inches above the ground on both sides of the garage door. This test can be done with the door open and then pressing the button. As the door begins to close place something to break the beam between the sensors. What should happen is the garage door will automatically reverse. The next step in this test is to put the same item in the beam line and then press the button to close the door. With the item in the way, the door should do nothing. It may start but should immediately stop. If the door does come down, even with the beam broken you need to unplug the garage door opener and call for service.
Testing the Garage Door Automatic Safety Reversal System
Testing the automatic reversal system – this should activate whenever the door has too much resistance placed on it in either direction. Test it to see if the door reverses when it comes into contact with something. Place an item like a brick, rock or a piece of wood on the ground underneath the door. The item should not break the beam of light that works with the obstacle sensor. After the door has been closed, the system is working correctly if the door reverses direction quickly when it comes into contact with the object. Another way to see if the reverse system is functioning properly is to try stopping the door as it comes down. Stand outside the door and put your hands against the door while leaning into it. If things are working properly, the door should reverse its direction. Do the test again, but this time try to stop it as the door opens. Rather than reversing, the door should come to a complete stop. Do not attempt this test while standing under the door.
Garage Door Opener Services in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson Nevada
When these features are working correctly they can save lives. Because children and pets are small in size, they are at greater risk of being injured. The best way to keep you and your family members safe is to ensure your garage door opener is working properly. Call VF&I Garage Doors today to have your garage door checked.
