Test garage door safety

Test your garage door's safety features to protect children and pets

Why it matters#

Garage doors weigh 150-400 pounds and exert significant force. Federal law has required auto-reverse safety features since 1993. These features prevent injuries and deaths.

What you'll need#

Tools#

2x4 board or similar object (about 1.5 inches tall)

Steps#

1. Test the mechanical auto-reverse#

Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. Close the door using the wall button. When the door contacts the board, it should immediately reverse and open fully.

2. Check the force adjustment if it fails#

If the door doesn't reverse on contact, it needs adjustment. Most openers have force adjustment screws—consult your manual. Over-tightened force is dangerous.

3. Locate the photo-eye sensors#

These are the small boxes (about 4-6 inches off the ground) on each side of the door opening. One has a sending light (usually amber), one a receiving light (usually green).

4. Test the photo-eye sensors#

Start closing the door, then wave your foot or an object through the sensor beam (between the two sensors). The door should immediately stop and reverse.

5. Clean and align the sensors#

If the photo-eye test fails, clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth. Check that both sensors are pointing directly at each other—the lights should be solid, not blinking.

6. Test the wall button safety override#

The wall button can override photo-eyes when held continuously (for closing with obstruction awareness). Verify this requires constant pressure and stops when released.

Pro tips#

Test monthly, especially if you have children or pets
Photo-eye sensors can be knocked out of alignment by bumping them with bikes, trash cans, etc.
If sensors blink rather than staying solid, they're misaligned or obstructed (cobwebs are common)
Sensors that get direct sunlight may malfunction—consider shading them

Warnings#

Keep hands and fingers away from door sections, tracks, and springs
Never let children play with garage door remotes or buttons
If the door reverses erratically or only sometimes, stop using it until repaired

If either safety feature consistently fails after cleaning and basic adjustment, call a garage door technician. Never disable safety features. If springs are damaged, always call a pro—garage door springs are under extreme tension.