When getting parts of your garage door repaired, keep in mind that the safety beam is one of the most important parts. This article will tell you what a safety beam is and why it’s important.

Safety Beams: The Best Safety Measures for Garage Doors

It’s not uncommon for people to need a Rhode Island garage door repair service, but did you know that sometimes the safety measures for a garage door can be overlooked? You don’t want to wait for the garage door to slam down on your car before you understand the importance of safety beams.

What Is a Safety Beam?

A safety beam, also sometimes called a photoelectric sensor, is sort of like an invisible trip wire for automatic garage doors. Two infrared sensors are placed on either side of the garage door, a few inches from the ground. The sensors are activated when the door starts closing. If the sensor is “tripped” it stops the door from going down and reverses the door’s direction.

How Do These Beams Function as Safety Measures?

In the past, there were many injuries to people and/or animals, as well as damage to vehicles from garage doors slamming down on them. In 1993, safety measures became a requirement by law. Safety beams are low enough to detect even a small animal. If an animal, a child, a person’s leg, or a part of a car is sensed, it keeps the door from doing damage or harm.

How Will You Know That It Needs to Be Repaired?

Safety beams are incredibly resilient. Usually if your door is suddenly working erratically, it’s an indication that something is wrong with the sensors. You may need to simply clean the beams off or realign them. If this doesn’t work, it may be time for a repair or replacement.

Safety beams are an important part of a garage door. The best thing you can do is have them inspected regularly. If you suspect a problem with them, don’t overlook these safety measures. It’s better to be safe than sorry!