Safety Reversal Testing: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
2024-01-15 6 min read
Your garage door is one of the heaviest moving objects in your home, weighing anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds or more. With that kind of weight, ensuring your door's safety systems are working properly isn't just important.it's essential for protecting your family. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about testing your garage door's safety reversal system.
Understanding Safety Reversal Systems
Modern garage doors are required by federal law (since 1993) to include two types of safety reversal systems: mechanical auto-reverse and photoelectric sensors. The mechanical system reverses the door if it contacts an obstruction, while the photoelectric sensors create an invisible beam that stops the door if anything breaks the beam path.
The Force Reversal Test
The force reversal test checks whether your garage door will reverse when it encounters resistance. Here's how to perform it safely:
1. Gather your materials: You'll need a 2x4 piece of lumber or a roll of paper towels. 2. Place the object: Lay the 2x4 flat on the ground in the center of the door's path. 3. Close the door: Using your wall button or remote, close the garage door. 4. Observe the response: When the door touches the object, it should immediately reverse direction.
If your door doesn't reverse, or if it reverses but then tries to close again, your force settings need adjustment. This is a job for a professional technician, as improper adjustment can create safety hazards.
The Photoelectric Sensor Test
Your garage door's photoelectric sensors (also called safety eyes) are typically mounted 4-6 inches above the floor on either side of the door. Here's how to test them:
1. Visual inspection: Check that both sensors have steady lights (usually green for the receiving sensor). 2. Obstruction test: While the door is closing, wave an object like a broom through the sensor beam. 3. Expected result: The door should immediately stop and reverse.
If your sensors aren't working properly, first check for obstructions, dirt on the lenses, or misalignment. Clean the lenses with a soft cloth and ensure both sensors are pointing directly at each other.
How Often Should You Test?
We recommend testing your safety reversal systems at least once a month. Additionally, test them after any power outages, after performing maintenance on your door, and if you notice any unusual behavior during normal operation.
Warning Signs of Safety System Problems
Watch for these indicators that your safety systems may need professional attention: - Door doesn't reverse when touching an object, Sensors are flickering or have no lights, Door reverses without any apparent obstruction, Grinding or unusual noises during operation, Door moves unevenly or jerks during operation
When to Call a Professional
While basic testing is something every homeowner should do, adjustments and repairs to safety systems should be handled by trained professionals. At Garage Door Vashon, our technicians are certified to work on all major garage door brands and can ensure your safety systems are properly calibrated.
Regular safety testing takes just a few minutes but could prevent serious injuries. Make it part of your monthly home maintenance routine, and don't hesitate to call us at (206) 210-2952 if you have any concerns about your garage door's safety systems.