Garage Door Opener Safety Features: Protect Your Family

Most homes rely on garage door openers for convenience when entering and exiting the garage. But these automated systems also pack important safety features that help protect your family from hazards. Proper use and maintenance of garage door openers maximizes security and minimizes risk of accidental injury. Read on to learn how modern openers safeguard your most valuable assets – your loved ones.

Reversing Sensors

Reversing sensors transmit invisible light beams across the garage door frame, serving as a key safety feature. If an obstruction breaks the beam as the door closes, the opener reverses instantly to the open position. This reduces risk of people or objects being struck by a closing door.

Make sure sensors are properly calibrated to the door at a consistent height. Test the sensitivity monthly by interrupting the beam – the door should immediately reverse travel direction without impact. If sensors malfunction, contact Garage Door Opener Repair in Portsmouth for replacement.

Force Settings

Openers contain adjustable electronic controls governing motor force during each door cycle. This prevents damage if the door encounters unusual resistance moving up or down, like ice or high winds. It also adds protection if small fingers get caught.

Ensure your installed opener’s force settings aren’t overridden, as excessive force increases injury risks. Periodic checks and minor adjustments by Garage Door Opener Repair in Portsmouth maximize ongoing security and reliability.

Manual Disconnect Options

All openers integrate an emergency manual release to disconnect the motor and allow lifting the door manually if electrical power outages occur. This prevents entrapment within the garage. Teach all family members how to operate the manual override for safety.

Also consider adding an external disconnect accessible outside during power outages. This prevents needing to enter the dark garage to access the internal manual release.

Photoelectric Eyes

Newer “photo eye” technology enhances older beam-style reversing sensors. Infrared photoelectric eyes protect a wider area of the door from both sides. They respond faster to obstructions compared to single light beams.

Look for CSA-approved openers bearing the logo to ensure adequate safety coverage. Consult with Garage Door Opener Repair in Portsmouth about retrofitting older systems with photo eyes if desired.

Internet and Smartphone Control

Smartphone control apps allow remote operation anywhere via internet connectivity. They also enable additional owner controls like scheduling, notification if the door is left open too long, and remote close commands if triggered by activity detectors.

Enable all security features like password protection to prevent unauthorized access. Smart controls provide added convenience without sacrificing important safety functionality.

Pressure Sensors

Some openers integrate pressure-sensitive panels along the bottom edge. If unexpected pressure is applied there during door travel, the motor stops or reverses immediately to prevent injury. This extra layer of protection guards children and pets.

Regularly test all safety features on your garage door opener and replace or upgrade components at the first sign of malfunction. Schedule annual tune-ups with Garage Door Opener Repair in Portsmouth too to ensure optimum performance. Your family’s safety depends on it.