Safety Reversal Testing: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
2024-01-15 8 min read
Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, and its safety reversal system is your family's first line of defense against accidents. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about testing and maintaining this critical safety feature.
What is the Safety Reversal System?
The safety reversal system is a federally mandated feature on all garage doors manufactured after 1993. It consists of two main components: the mechanical auto-reverse function and the photo-eye sensors. Together, these systems prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects.
Why Regular Testing Matters
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, garage doors cause an average of 30,000 injuries each year. Many of these injuries could be prevented with properly functioning safety systems. Regular testing.at least once a month.ensures your family stays protected.
Testing the Mechanical Auto-Reverse
The mechanical auto-reverse feature causes the door to reverse direction when it encounters an obstruction during closing. Here's how to test it:
1. Place a 2x4 piece of wood flat on the ground in the center of the door's path 2. Activate the door to close using your remote or wall button 3. When the door contacts the wood, it should immediately reverse direction 4. If the door doesn't reverse, your springs may need adjustment or the opener requires service
Important: Never attempt to adjust springs yourself.they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional like Oroville Garage Doors for spring adjustments.
Testing the Photo-Eye Sensors
The photo-eye sensors create an invisible beam across the door opening. When broken, they prevent the door from closing. Test them like this:
1. Start with the door in the open position 2. Activate the close command 3. Wave an object (like a broom) through the sensor beam as the door closes 4. The door should immediately stop and reverse 5. Clean the sensor lenses monthly with a soft cloth
Signs Your Safety System Needs Attention, Door doesn't reverse when contacting an object, Door reverses randomly without obstruction, Photo-eye lights are blinking or off, Door closes partially then reverses, Sensors appear misaligned
Professional Inspection Recommended
While monthly DIY testing is essential, we recommend an annual professional inspection. Our ${BUSINESS_INFO.warranty} covers all safety system repairs, and our IDA-certified technicians can identify issues before they become dangerous.
Contact Oroville Garage Doors at (509) 516-2463 for your safety inspection today. Your family's safety is worth it.