STEP 2: Test the functionality of the Photo Eyes


Block the photo-eye with an object over six inches tall and press the garage door opener's close button. The door should not close. If it does, you need to call a garage door professional.

From a luxury item to a household necessity, automated garage door openers have evolve

d over the years. As adoption has increased, so have safety standards. Since 1993, all automatic openers manufactured for the U.S. must include a safety reversing feature such as infrared sensors or “photo-eyes.” Photo-eyes are a secondary safety measure that ensures the door never makes contact with anything under it when performing properly.

The photo eye sensors are installed near the floor on either side of the garage door opening. Once the invisible laser beam between the two sensors is broken by an obstruction, the door reverses automatically. For example, if a young child, the elderly or a small pet crosses under the closing door, it will automatically reverse BEFORE making contact. Ensure your garage is safe and check out how to test your garage for the latest safety features.