When most people think about their garage door opener, they only think about one thing: pushing a button and watching the door go up and down. What many don’t realize is that garage door openers are safety devices first and convenience tools second. Modern openers are equipped with essential features that protect you, your family, your pets, and your property.
At Garage Door Specialist, we make it a priority to educate homeowners about these safety features and why they matter.
Why Safety Beams Are Critical
Since 1993, every garage door opener manufactured in the United States has been required by law (UL 325 regulation) to include infrared safety beams. These small devices are placed about a foot above the floor on each side of the door.
- They project an invisible beam across the opening.
- If the beam is interrupted by a child, pet, car, bike, or even a broom, the door automatically stops and reverses.
- Without these beams, a door weighing hundreds of pounds could close on anything in its path.
If your garage door opener was made before 1993, it does not meet this standard. We strongly recommend replacing it immediately.
Common Problems With Safety Beams
Even though safety beams are simple in design, they can fail if:
- They’re knocked out of alignment by a garbage can, broom, or even kids playing nearby.
- Dirt, dust, or spider webs block the beam.
- The wires connecting the sensors become loose or damaged.
When this happens, your door may refuse to close or may close unsafely. During our maintenance visits, we always inspect, clean, and realign safety beams to make sure they’re working as designed.
Can I Use My Old Garage Door Opener?
Before the 1993 law, garage doors relied on a “force reversal” feature. That meant the opener would only reverse if it physically hit something on the way down. Unfortunately, that was too late in many tragic cases.
Modern openers now have two levels of safety:
- Force reversal if the door touches something.
- Infrared beams to prevent the door from closing in the first place.
If your opener is more than 30 years old, it’s not just outdated – it’s unsafe. Replacing it isn’t just about convenience, it’s about protecting your loved ones.
Additional Safety Features on Modern Openers
Today’s professional-grade openers, like the LiftMaster models we install, come with more than just safety beams:
- Automatic Reversal System: Stops and reverses if the door encounters resistance.
- Manual Release Handle: Lets you disconnect the opener in case of a power outage.
- Rolling Code Technology: Prevents code theft, keeping your home secure.
- Battery Backup: Ensures the door still operates during power outages.
- Smartphone Integration: Lets you monitor and control your door remotely, so you always know if it’s safe and secure.
Why Regular Safety Checks Are a Must
Even with the best technology, safety systems need to be maintained. We recommend homeowners:
- Test the beams monthly by placing an object (like a broomstick) across the beam path and ensuring the door reverses.
- Visually check alignment – both sensors should have solid indicator lights.
- Schedule professional maintenance yearly to confirm all safety features are operating correctly.
Most people admit they never test their garage door safety features, which is why our maintenance programs include a complete diagnostic of all systems.
Is It Worth Repairing a 20 Year Old Garage Door Opener?
If your opener is older than 1993, lacks safety beams, or has failing sensors, it’s time to upgrade. A new opener isn’t just quieter and more convenient – it’s a lifesaving safety upgrade.
At Garage Door Specialist, we only install professional-grade openers with the latest safety technology. Your family’s protection is worth it.