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How to Properly Align Your Garage Door Safety Sensors?

Ensuring proper garage door safety sensor alignment is essential for the smooth and safe operation of your garage door. 

Misaligned sensors can prevent the door from closing properly, creating a safety risk for your family and potentially causing damage to the door. 

Here’s a simple guide on how to properly align your garage door safety sensors to keep everything working as it should.

The Importance of Garage Door Safety Sensor Alignment

Garage door safety sensors are a critical component of your garage door system. These sensors, typically located near the bottom of the door tracks, work by sending an infrared beam across the doorway. 

When something obstructs this beam, the sensors trigger the door to stop and reverse, preventing accidents or damage.

However, if the sensors are misaligned, they may not function correctly, causing the door to stay open or close unexpectedly. 

Proper garage door safety sensor alignment ensures that the sensors can accurately detect any obstructions, keeping your garage door safe and reliable.

Step 1 - Inspect the Sensor Lenses

The first step in garage door safety sensor alignment is to inspect the sensor lenses for dirt or debris. Over time, dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the lenses, obstructing the infrared beam and leading to alignment issues.

To clean the lenses, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe them down. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the sensors. Once the lenses are clean, check to see if the sensors are functioning properly. If they still seem misaligned, move on to the next step.

Step 2 - Check the Alignment

Next, you’ll need to check whether the sensors are aligned correctly. Most garage door safety sensors have small LED lights that indicate whether they are properly aligned. When the sensors are aligned, the LEDs should be steady and not blinking.

To check the alignment, stand at the front of your garage and look at the sensors on either side of the door. 

They should be facing each other directly, at the same height. If the LED lights are blinking or not lit at all, it’s a sign that the sensors are misaligned.

Step 3 - Adjust the Sensors

If you notice that the sensors are not properly aligned, you can adjust them manually. Gently loosen the screws holding the sensors in place, then move them until they are facing each other directly. 

As you adjust the sensors, keep an eye on the LED lightswhen they are aligned correctly, the lights should stop blinking and stay solid.

Make sure to tighten the screws securely after adjusting the sensors to prevent them from moving out of alignment again. If your sensors are mounted on metal brackets, ensure that these brackets are not bent or damaged, as this could also affect alignment.

Step 4 - Test the Alignment

After adjusting the sensors, it’s important to test the alignment to ensure that everything is working properly. Place an object, like a box or broom, in the path of the door while it’s closing. 

If the sensors are aligned correctly, the door should stop and reverse as soon as the object breaks the infrared beam.

If the door doesn’t respond as expected, recheck the alignment and make any necessary adjustments. Testing the sensors regularly can help you catch alignment issues early and keep your garage door operating safely.

Step 5 - Secure the Sensors

Finally, make sure that the sensors are securely mounted to prevent them from shifting out of alignment over time. 

Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws holding the sensors in place, and consider using zip ties or additional brackets if needed to keep the sensors stable.

Properly securing the sensors will help maintain their alignment and ensure that they continue to function correctly. 

Regular maintenance, including checking and adjusting the sensors as needed, will keep your garage door in good working order and prevent potential safety hazards.

Keeping Your Garage Door Safe with Peter & Sons

At Peter & Sons, we know how important it is to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. Proper garage door safety sensor alignment is a key part of maintaining your door’s functionality. 

We offer a range of services to help you keep your garage door in top condition, from routine maintenance checks to repairs and installations. 

Our team is dedicated to providing the support you need to ensure your garage door system works perfectly, every time. 

Through taking care of your garage door sensors and staying on top of maintenance, we can help you avoid issues and keep your home safe.

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