How to Tell If the Photo-Eye Is out of Alignment on a Garage Door
Photo-eye sensors are great tools to ensure home safety and efficient garage door operations, but these pieces of equipment can become damaged or misaligned over time due to frequent use and traffic in and out of your garage.
When there’s an issue with your garage door’s photo-eyes, you may notice that your door won’t properly open or close. Your garage door system is intricately designed, so how can you easily determine if the photo-eye is out of alignment?
What Is a Photo-Eye for a Garage Door?
The garage door’s photo-eye sensors are a pair of black boxes installed near the bottom of your door’s opening. These components are a safety feature installed in garage doors manufactured after 1993, and they’re intended to signal to your garage door when there’s an object obstructing the path of the closing door.
The photo-eyes work together and create an invisible beam across the spans of your garage door’s opening — when an object like a bicycle, pet or person interrupts the beam’s signal, the circuit is immediately broken, and the sensors instruct your door to rise and avoid striking the object. In older-model garage doors without photo-eye sensors, if an item is blocking the path of the door, the door will simply continue to close, potentially causing damages and injuries.
Realigning Your Garage Door’s Photo-Eye Sensor
Your garage door’s photo-eye sensors are delicate pieces of equipment, and over time, they can become misaligned, possibly preventing your garage door from closing correctly. If you notice that your door easily and efficiently opens when prompted, but refuses to close completely or only partially lowers, then you may have an issue with your photo-eyes.
Photo-eye misalignment can also be marked by clicking noises and light flashes from your garage door opener. While these issues are inconvenient, you can quickly and easily fix your sensors by completing the following tasks:
- First, investigate the area where your photo-eyes are located to make sure there’s not an item stored nearby that could be obstructing the signal and prompting your garage door to remain open. Also, look at the quality of the wires leading to the sensors, making sure none of them are twisted or appear damaged.
- Check the LED light located on the side of each sensor — both should be steadily lit, but if one is out or flickering, it may have been moved or damaged. Use your hand to move the malfunctioning sensor lightly and see if the light is restored.
- If the lights are lit, but the door still won’t properly function, carefully check that the units aren’t dirty. Use a cloth to lightly wipe the lens, removing any built-up dirt or debris.
- Adjust the pivot bracket, keeping the photo-eye sensors in place. Lightly loosen the screws and move the unit up and down until the LED light comes on. Once it does, tighten the sensor in place.
- Use a level to ensure the sensors are installed at equal heights. If they’re not, then call your local garage door repair experts to inspect your system and make repairs.
After making the necessary adjustments to your photo-eyes and ensuring that they’re clear of any obstructions or debris, try operating your door and checking for prompt, smooth opening and closing. If your door still refuses to function as expected, contact your local garage door professionals to inspect your system and recommend repairs.
For Expert Photo-Eye Sensor Repair, Call the Experts at Aaron’s Garage Doors
At Aaron’s Garage Doors, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional garage door installation and repair services, helpful customer support and affordable solutions for the homeowners of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. For the best and most knowledgeable garage door repair and maintenance services in your area, call the professionals of Aaron’s Garage Doors at 615-456-6654. To request a free project estimate, fill out our online contact form.