Is your garage door sticking or won’t shut? If so, you should schedule regular maintenance with your local garage door repair company, such as Apex Garage Door & Repair to make sure they open and close when you want them to, and not on their own accord. Speaking of components, photoelectric sensors are one of the most vital for garage doors. 

A malfunctioning photo eye will prevent the door from opening and closing, so you need to fix the problem right away if you plan to park your car.

How Do They Work?

These photoelectric sensors are located in the garage about six inches above the floor. They emit an invisible beam of light which connects them to an infrared beam located about six inches above the garage’s floor. For the door to close, the safety eyes must be able to see each other. Upon interruption of the beam, sensors immediately reverse the door to the open position by applying an emergency brake to the downward momentum. They have a simple task: prevent entrapment.

Every safety system should be regularly tested, according to the International Door Association. Start by opening the door and then closing it manually, using the opener to determine if the photo eyes are working. If possible, wave a long-handled object, like a broom, in the path of the beam as the door is being lowered. When the door has fully opened, verify that it has returned to its original position.

Troubleshooting the Photo Eyes

One or both LED lights on the sensors will blink if they are malfunctioning. Whenever your garage door won’t close, the first thing to look for is obstructions. If the opening is clear, try cleaning the lenses using a soft, microfiber cloth. Finally, realign the sensors, following this video from LiftMaster®. 

Schedule an Appointment for Troubleshooting

If all else fails, contact a garage door repair professional. APEX Garage Door and Repair are a locally owned and operated garage door service company with a team of experienced professionals serving the greater Phoenix area. We specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of today’s most popular garage door and garage door opener brands. Schedule an appointment today by calling (480) 460-119