Garage Door Sensors
Garage door sensors are small devices with a big job: keeping your family, pets, and property safe. Since 1993, safety sensors have been required on all automatic garage doors in North America — but how do they actually work?
The Basics of Garage Door Sensors
Sensors use infrared technology. One sensor sends a light beam, and the other receives it. If anything blocks that beam, the door won’t close.
Why Are They Important?
Prevent Accidents: Stops the door from closing on people, pets, or objects.
Protect Property: Keeps your car from being damaged.
Ensure Safety Compliance: Required by law in residential systems.
Common Sensor Issues
Dirty Lenses: Dust or spider webs block the beam.
Misalignment: Sensors must face each other; bumps or vibrations can knock them out of place.
Wiring Problems: Loose or damaged wires prevent sensors from working.
Weather Interference: Snow, ice, or direct sunlight can disrupt the beam.
How to Maintain Garage Door Sensors
Wipe the lenses with a clean cloth regularly.
Check alignment (the indicator light should be steady, not blinking).
Keep the area around the sensors clear of clutter.
Professional Sensor Repair & Replacement
If your sensors fail even after cleaning and adjusting, don’t bypass them — that’s unsafe. Instead, trust our CDI-certified technicians to repair or replace them quickly.
Contact Lakehead Overhead Door today for expert garage door sensor service and keep your family safe.
