If you own a garage, you’re probably aware of the safety measures that come with it. Garage door sensors are installed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone who uses the garage.
However, sometimes these sensors can become problematic and prevent the garage door from opening or closing. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to access your garage in a hurry.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to bypass garage door sensors and solve this issue.
Understanding Garage Door Sensors
Before we delve into how to bypass garage door sensors, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they work. Garage door sensors are safety devices that are installed on the sides of the garage door opening.
They emit an infrared beam that detects any object in their path. If the beam is interrupted, the garage door will stop closing or opening, preventing any accidents.
Reasons for Bypassing Garage Door Sensors
There are various reasons why you might need to bypass your garage door sensors.
The most common reason is a malfunctioning sensor that prevents the garage door from opening or closing. Other reasons may include:
- Misalignment of the sensors
- Damage to the sensors
- Interference from external sources, such as sunlight or other electronic devices
Steps to Bypass Garage Door Sensors
If you’ve determined that you need to bypass your garage door sensors, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Sensor Alignment
Before bypassing your garage door sensors, ensure that they are aligned correctly. If they are misaligned, they may not be able to detect the infrared beam properly. To align them, follow these steps:
- Loosen the mounting screws of the sensor brackets.
- Adjust the sensors until the LED lights on both sensors are lit.
- Tighten the mounting screws.
Step 2: Clean the Sensors
If the sensors are dirty or covered in dust, they may not function correctly. To clean them, follow these steps:
- Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the sensors.
- Ensure that the sensors are free of any debris or dirt.
Step 3: Bypass the Sensors
If the above steps do not solve the issue, you may need to bypass the garage door sensors. To do this, follow these steps:
- Locate the sensors on each side of the garage door opening.
- Identify the wires that connect the sensors to the garage door opener.
- Disconnect the wires from the garage door opener.
- Twist the two wires together.
- Reconnect the wires to the garage door opener.
- Test the garage door to ensure that it’s working correctly.
It’s important to note that bypassing the garage door sensors can be dangerous and should only be done as a temporary solution. It’s best to contact a professional to repair or replace the sensors.
Safety Measures to Keep in Mind
While bypassing garage door sensors can be a temporary solution, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. Here are some safety measures to follow:
- Ensure that the garage door is fully visible when opening or closing.
- Keep children and pets away from the garage door.
- Never leave the garage door partially open.
- Regularly inspect the garage door sensors for damage or misalignment.
Is it safe to bypass garage door sensors?
Bypassing garage door sensors can be dangerous, so it should only be done as a temporary solution. It’s best to contact a professional to repair or replace the sensors for a long-term solution.
What causes garage door sensors to malfunction?
Garage door sensors can malfunction due to misalignment, damage, or interference from external sources such as sunlight or other electronic devices.
Can I clean my garage door sensors myself?
Yes, you can clean your garage door sensors yourself. Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the sensors and ensure that they are free of any debris or dirt.
Conclusion
Garage door sensors are essential safety devices that prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone who uses the garage. However, sometimes they can become problematic and prevent the garage door from opening or closing.
If you’ve determined that you need to bypass your garage door sensors, follow the steps mentioned above. However, keep in mind that bypassing the sensors can be dangerous and should only be done as a temporary solution.
It’s best to contact a professional to repair or replace the sensors for a long-term solution. Always prioritize safety when dealing with garage doors.
