Garage Door Safety: The Importance Of Photo-Cell Beams

Garage doors may seem like a simple convenience, but they can pose serious safety risks. The weight and force of a closing garage door can cause severe injury or even death if it comes into contact with a person or object. This is why the photo-cell safety beam is an essential safety feature for any garage door opener.

Like a vigilant guard, the photo-cell beams stand watch, ensuring that the door will not close if anything, or anyone, is in the way. Photo-cell safety beams consist of two units that emit an infrared beam. If something blocks the beam while the garage door is closing, the opener motor automatically reverses direction, preventing the door from closing and potentially causing harm.

This safety feature has been required on residential door openers in the US and Canada since the mid-1990s, and for good reason. In this article, we will explore the importance of photo-cell safety beams for garage door safety, how they work, and what to do if they malfunction. By understanding the role of photo-cell beams in garage door safety, homeowners can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Key Takeaways

• Photo-cell safety beams are an important component of garage door safety and have been required on residential door openers in the US and Canada since 1993/1994.
• The photoelectric system consists of two units emitting an infrared beam on each side of the door, and if the beam is broken while the door is closing, the opener motor automatically reverses direction and opens the door.
• Misaligned photoelectric systems can cause the door to lower a few feet and then open, and the orientation of the garage door compared to the sun can also affect its operation.
• We offer a range of safety systems for both residential and commercial use, including mechanical and photoelectric reversal systems, as well as additional safety accessories for condominium buildings.

What are Photo-cell Beams?

The photoelectric system, consisting of two units emitting an invisible infrared beam on each side of the garage door, is a critical safety feature of residential and commercial door openers. The system is designed to automatically reverse the door if the beam is broken while closing, thereby preventing accidents and injuries.

The photoelectric system has several advantages over other safety systems, including its ability to detect objects of different sizes, shapes, and colors. It is also more reliable and accurate than mechanical systems, which can be affected by changes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.

The photoelectric system has a wide range of applications, including residential and commercial garage doors, gates, and barriers. It is particularly useful in busy areas where there is a high risk of accidents, such as parking lots, loading docks, and vehicle entrances. The system is also useful in areas where there is limited visibility, such as dark corners, blind spots, and tunnels.

Overall, the photoelectric system is an essential safety feature that helps to protect people, property, and vehicles from accidents and injuries.

How do they work?

Photoelectric systems consist of two units that emit an invisible beam, which, when broken while the door is closing, automatically reverses the direction of the opener motor. This system enhances the safety of garage doors, preventing injury or damage to users and their property.

The installation process of photoelectric systems is straightforward. The two units are installed on each side of the garage door, typically six inches above the ground. The units must be aligned so that the infrared beam emitted by one unit can be received by the other. The units are connected to the garage door opener motor, and the system is tested to ensure proper operation.

The benefits of photoelectric systems include enhanced safety for garage door users and compliance with safety standards. Homeowners can rest assured that their garage door system is equipped with an essential safety feature.

Maintenance and Repair

Maintenance and repair of the safety system for garage door openers are crucial in ensuring the continued safety of users, much like how regular check-ups with a doctor help maintain a person’s well-being.

Common issues with photo-cell safety beams include misalignment, damage to the units, and severed wires. Troubleshooting misalignment involves checking if the units are parallel to each other and ensuring that they are not obstructed by any objects. If the units are damaged, both units of the photoelectric system must be replaced together. If the wire leading to one of the units is severed, it may be necessary to purchase a new unit or reconnect the wires and wrap them with electrical tape.

Regular maintenance of the photo-cell safety beams involves checking the alignment of the units, cleaning any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on them, and ensuring that the wire connections are secure. It is also recommended to test the safety system regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. If any issues are identified, it is important to address them promptly and seek professional assistance if necessary.

By properly maintaining and repairing the photo-cell safety beams, users can ensure that their garage door opener functions safely and reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the consequences of not having photo-cell safety beams installed on a garage door?

Not having photo-cell safety beams on a garage door can result in serious garage door accidents and noncompliance with safety regulations. It is important to have a photoelectric system to automatically reverse the door if a person or object is in its path.

Can photo-cell safety beams be installed on older garage door openers?

With regard to compatibility concerns, photo-cell safety beams can be installed on older garage door openers. The installation process involves connecting the wires and ensuring proper alignment of the infrared beam.

What should I do if my garage door lowers a few feet and then opens back up?

Troubleshooting tips for garage doors that lower part and then open include checking photoelectric system alignment, obstacles, and sun orientation. Professional maintenance may be necessary, including repairing or replacing the photoelectric system or other safety features.

Are there any external factors that can affect the operation of photo-cell safety beams?

The operation of photo-cell safety beams may be affected by external factors, such as extreme weather conditions and lack of maintenance. Proper upkeep and regular inspections can help ensure the photoelectric system operates effectively.

Are there any additional safety accessories that can be added to commercial garage door openers beyond the photoelectric reversal system?

Commercial garage door openers can be equipped with additional safety accessories beyond the photoelectric reversal system, such as LiftMaster’s CPS-U system. Twins Garage Doors offers a range of safety systems, including a protector system, pneumatic reverse system, and monitored dual-sided photo eyes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the photo-cell safety beam is a crucial safety feature for garage doors that has been required in residential door openers in the US and Canada since the mid-1990s.

This system consists of two units that emit an infrared beam, and if the beam is broken while the door is closing, the opener motor automatically reverses direction and opens the door.

This safety measure is essential for protecting you and your family from potential accidents and injuries.

However, like any other safety system, photo-cell beams require regular maintenance and repair to ensure their proper functioning.

Neglecting this important task can lead to malfunctions and result in accidents that can cause serious harm.

It is crucial to regularly inspect and test the photo-cell beams to ensure that they are functioning correctly.

In summary, photo-cell safety beams are a vital safety feature that should not be overlooked.

Ensuring their proper functioning through regular maintenance and repair is essential for the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

It is imperative to take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries, and the use of photocell beams is a crucial step toward achieving this goal.