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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our garage door services.
Our rapid response team can typically address sensor issues within 24 hours of your call. For emergency situations, we offer same-day service and are available 24/7.
Sensor issues can stem from misalignment, dirty lenses, wiring damage, power problems, or age-related wear. Our technicians perform comprehensive diagnostics to identify the exact cause.
Yes, we offer flexible financing options including 0% APR for qualified buyers and extended payment terms up to 60 months.
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★ 1-Year Warranty on All Work | Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Motion Detection: Protecting Your Family
2023-12-28 7 min read
# Motion Detection: Protecting Your Family, federal law has required all garage door openers to include safety reversing systems. These motion detection and obstacle sensing features have prevented countless injuries and saved lives. At Turkey Garage Doors, we're passionate about garage door safety, and we want every homeowner to understand how these systems work and why maintaining them is critical.
The History of Garage Door Safety
Before safety requirements were enacted, garage doors were responsible for dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries annually.many involving children. Two technologies changed this:
Photo-eye sensors (1993 requirement): These detect objects in the door's path using an infrared beam.
Force sensing (earlier technology): This detects resistance when the door contacts an object.
Together, these systems have reduced garage door-related injuries by over 90%.
How Photo-Eye Sensors Work
The photo-eye system consists of two units mounted 4-6 inches above the garage floor on each side of the door opening:
The Transmitter: Sends an invisible infrared beam across the opening.
The Receiver: Detects the beam and confirms the path is clear.
When anything breaks this beam.a person, pet, vehicle, or object.the system immediately stops a closing door and reverses it to the open position.
LED Indicators
Most photo-eye sensors have LED lights that communicate system status:
- Steady green (sending unit): Transmitter functioning normally
- Steady green (receiving unit): Signal being received
- Blinking/dim light: Alignment issue or obstruction
- No light: Power problem or component failure
Force-Sensing Safety Systems
Your garage door opener also includes force-sensing technology:
How it works: The opener monitors the amount of force required to move the door. If the door encounters unexpected resistance (hitting an object), it reverses.
Adjustment: Force sensitivity can be adjusted, but should be set to reverse on minimal resistance. An over-tightened force setting defeats the safety purpose.
Testing Force Sensitivity
Test your door's force-sensing monthly:
1. Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path
2. Close the door with the opener
3. The door should reverse within 2 seconds of touching the board
4. If it doesn't reverse, the force is set too high
The Importance of Regular Testing
Safety systems can fail or go out of alignment without obvious signs. We recommend monthly testing:
Photo-Eye Test
1. Start with the door fully open
2. Press the close button
3. Wave your hand through the sensor beam as the door closes
4. The door should immediately stop and reverse
5. Repeat the test several times
Auto-Reverse Test
1. Use the 2x4 board test described above
2. The door should reverse upon light contact
3. If excessive pressure is needed, adjustment is required
Wall Button Behavior
When sensors detect an obstruction:
- The door will not close when pressing the wall button, Lights on the opener may flash, Holding the wall button continuously may bypass sensors (intentionally, for emergencies)
Common Safety System Problems
Sensor Misalignment
The most common issue. Signs include:
- Door won't close from the remote, Opener lights flash when trying to close, Sensor lights blinking or dim
Solutions:
1. Check for physical obstructions
2. Clean sensor lenses with a soft cloth
3. Adjust mounting brackets to realign beams
4. Replace sensors if damaged
Sun Interference
Direct sunlight hitting sensors can cause problems:
- Afternoon sun through windows, Morning or evening sun at low angles, Reflected light from vehicles
Solutions:
1. Shield sensors from direct light
2. Reposition sensors slightly
3. Install sun hoods or shades
Wiring Issues
Damaged or corroded wiring causes intermittent failures:
- Pest damage, Weather exposure, Pinched wires, Loose connections
Solution: Have wiring inspected and repaired by a professional.
Dirty Lenses
Dust, cobwebs, and debris accumulate on sensor lenses:
- Gradual loss of sensitivity, Intermittent failures, Complete failure
Solution: Clean lenses monthly with a soft, dry cloth.
Safety Features for Children
If you have children, take extra precautions:
Education:
- Teach children that garage doors are not toys, Explain the dangers of running under a moving door, Show them where the wall button is and explain it's not for play
Physical Safety:
- Keep remotes out of children's reach, Use wall button lock-out features when available, Consider motion-detecting outdoor lights
Regular Testing:
- Test safety features more frequently, Involve children in understanding how tests work, Make it a teaching opportunity
Upgrading Older Openers
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993:
- It likely lacks photo-eye sensors, It may have weaker force sensing, It doesn't meet current safety standards
Strongly consider upgrading. Modern openers are affordable and include:
- Dual safety systems, Better motors and reliability, Wi-Fi connectivity options, Battery backup, Enhanced security features
When to Call a Professional
Contact Turkey Garage Doors if:
- Safety tests fail repeatedly, Sensors can't be aligned, Wiring appears damaged, Force adjustment doesn't resolve issues, Your opener is more than 15 years old
Professional Safety Inspection
Our safety inspection includes:
- Photo-eye alignment and testing, Force sensitivity adjustment, All wiring inspection, Spring and cable safety check, Track and roller inspection, Complete operational testing, Written report with recommendations
Conclusion
Garage door safety systems are remarkable technology that protects your family every day. But like all systems, they require attention and maintenance to function properly. Monthly testing takes just minutes and ensures your garage door remains safe.
Need a safety inspection? Call Turkey Garage Doors at 1-910-991-2164. We offer comprehensive safety inspections and can quickly resolve any issues with your safety systems.
