When it comes to the smooth and secure operation of your garage door, safety is paramount. One of the key components ensuring your garage door operates safely is the often-overlooked Safety Eye Beams, also referred to as Safety Sensors or Eye Beams. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essential features and functions of these crucial devices, shedding light on why they play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and damage.
What are Safety Eye Beams?
Safety Eye Beams, commonly known as Safety Sensors, are an integral part of modern garage door systems. These sensors are designed to enhance safety by preventing the garage door from closing when an obstruction or object is detected in its path. Comprising two units—one on each side of the garage door—these sensors emit an invisible infrared beam that spans the width of the doorway.
The Obstruction Detection Mechanism
The primary function of Safety Eye Beams is to detect any obstacles that might impede the closing of the garage door. If the infrared beam is interrupted by an object, a signal is sent to the garage door opener. This signal prompts the door to halt its downward motion and reverse back up to its open position. This intelligent mechanism prevents accidents, damage to property, and potential harm to people or pets who might be in the way.
Common Issues and Indications
Garage Door Guy frequently receives calls from concerned homeowners experiencing problems with their Safety Eye Beams. One of the most common issues is when the Safety Eye Beams are not functioning correctly. This malfunction is indicated by a blinking light on the sensor units. When an obstruction is detected, the light on the sensor will begin to blink, and the garage door will not close. If the door was already in the process of closing, it will immediately stop and reverse its direction. A live demonstration of this scenario can be found in our accompanying video.
Quick Troubleshooting: Check Your Safety Eye Beams
If you find yourself in a situation where your garage door is refusing to close, your first step should be to inspect the Safety Eye Beams. These sensors are usually located on both sides of the garage door frame. Each unit emits a distinct color—typically red and green. To ensure they’re functioning properly, both sensors should be lit up with their respective colors. If you notice one of the sensors isn’t illuminated, it could be a sign of a malfunction in your Safety Eye Beams.
When to Seek Professional Help For Safety Eye Beams
Should you discover that one of your Safety Eye Beams is not emitting light as it should, it’s recommended to reach out to a professional garage door technician. Ignoring or attempting to fix the issue yourself might compromise the safety and functionality of your garage door system. Garage Door Guy is just a phone call away and can promptly address any concerns you have regarding your Safety Eye Beams.
