Your garage door is likely the largest moving object in your home—and that means safety is essential. Fortunately, modern garage doors come equipped with safety sensors that are designed to prevent accidents and injuries. But like any technology, these sensors can experience issues that affect how your garage door operates.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how safety sensors work, how to test them, and the most common problems homeowners in Tennessee and Northern Alabama run into.

What Are Garage Door Safety Sensors?

Garage door safety sensors are small photoelectric devices installed on both sides of your garage door—usually a few inches off the ground. They send an invisible infrared beam from one sensor to the other. If anything interrupts that beam while the door is closing (like a pet, child, or object), the door will immediately stop and reverse direction.

This system has been a required safety feature on all garage door openers manufactured since 1993. It’s a small component with a big job: protecting your family, your belongings, and your garage door system itself.

How to Test Your Safety Sensors

Testing your garage door sensors is quick and easy—and it’s something every homeowner should do regularly. Here’s how:

1. Close the garage door using your remote or wall button.

2. As the door is closing, wave an object (like a broom handle) across the sensor path.

3. If the sensors are working correctly, the door should immediately stop and reverse.

You can also test manually:

• Block one sensor completely and try to close the door.

• If the door refuses to close (or only closes when you hold the wall button), your sensors are likely working as intended.

Common Sensor Issues: What Can Go Wrong

Despite their simplicity, sensor problems are one of the most common garage door issues homeowners experience. Here’s what to look out for:

🔧 Sensor Misalignment

Even a slight bump can knock your sensors out of alignment, breaking the beam between them. If this happens, your garage door won’t close properly—or at all.

Fix: Check if both sensor lights are on. If one is blinking or off, gently adjust the sensor’s position until the light stays solid.

Dirt or Debris

Dust, spider webs, or leaves can block the sensor’s beam and trigger a false obstruction reading.

Fix: Wipe both lenses clean with a soft cloth and make sure nothing is in the sensor’s line of sight.

Loose Wiring or Electrical Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t the sensors themselves, but the wiring behind them. Damaged wires or loose connections can disrupt the sensor’s function.

Fix: If you notice flickering lights or no power to the sensors, it’s best to call a professional to inspect and repair the system safely.

Sunlight Interference

Believe it or not, direct sunlight can sometimes interfere with infrared beams.

Fix: If your garage door only malfunctions at certain times of day, shade the sensor or add a sun shield to reduce glare.

Keep Your Garage Door System Safe

If your garage door isn’t closing properly—or if you’re unsure whether your sensors are working—it’s best not to guess. At State Line Garage Door, we offer fast, reliable service to inspect, repair, and replace garage door safety sensors throughout Lawrenceburg and the surrounding areas.

Need help with your garage door sensors?
 Call us today or schedule a visit online. We’re proud to serve homes across Tennessee and Northern Alabama with trusted, local service.