Everything You Need to Know About Garage Door Safety Eyebeams!

👁️ What Are Safety Eyebeams?

Safety eyebeams—also known as photoelectric sensors—are an essential safety feature found on most modern automatic garage door systems. These small but powerful devices are designed to detect objects, people, or animals in the path of a closing garage door, and to stop or reverse the door before anything can be injured or damaged.

They’ve become a standard safety component in garage doors across New Zealand and around the world, and they’re especially important in homes with children, pets, or busy driveways.

⚙️ How Do Safety Eyebeams Work?

Safety eyebeams operate using infrared light. Here’s how the system works:

  • One unit acts as a transmitter, sending out an invisible beam of infrared light.

  • The other unit acts as a receiver, which detects that beam.

  • The two devices are mounted opposite each other on either side of the garage door opening, creating an invisible “tripwire” across the bottom of the doorway.

As long as the beam is uninterrupted, the garage door can close normally. But if something passes through the beam—such as a child, a pet, a bicycle, or even a rubbish bin—the beam is broken. The garage door opener immediately stops and reverses the door, preventing it from closing on the object.

The system works instantly, and it doesn’t require physical contact with the object—it reacts before the door can hit anything.

📍 Where Are Safety Eyebeams Installed?

Safety eyebeams are installed low on either side of the garage door—usually about 150 to 200 mm (15–20 cm) above the ground. This low height is intentional: it allows the sensors to detect small children, pets, toys, or objects that might be below eye level and out of the driver’s view.

They are usually mounted:

  • On the garage door tracks, or

  • On the interior walls, just inside the opening

It’s critical that the two sensors are perfectly aligned so the infrared beam can travel straight across from one to the other. If they’re misaligned—even slightly—the beam won’t be received, and the garage door may not close properly.

❌ What Happens When They’re Not Working?

When safety eyebeams malfunction or become misaligned, common symptoms include:

  • The garage door won’t close using the remote

  • The door reverses immediately when trying to close

  • You have to hold down the wall button to force the door shut

  • The LED lights on one or both sensors may be blinking or off

These problems are often caused by:

  • Dirt, dust, or spiderwebs covering the lenses

  • Accidental bumps (from a broom, a car, or even pets)

  • Sunlight interference or moisture

  • Loose wiring or wear over time

Luckily, many of these issues are easy to fix with a quick realignment or sensor cleaning.

✅ Why Every Garage Door Should Have Working Safety Eyebeams

If your garage door doesn’t already have safety eyebeams—or if they haven’t been working properly—you’re missing out on one of the most important safety upgrades you can make.

Here’s why every homeowner should have them:

1. They Prevent Serious Injury

A closing garage door is heavy—often between 70 and 180 kg. If it were to close on a child, pet, or even an adult, it could cause serious harm. Eyebeams add a layer of automatic protection by reacting before any physical contact is made.

2. They Protect Your Car and Belongings

If something like your car’s bumper, a lawnmower, or a bike is in the way, the door won’t close on it. This can save you costly repairs or insurance claims caused by accidental damage.

3. They Offer Peace of Mind

Whether you’re pulling out of the garage or your kids are playing nearby, you don’t have to worry about someone getting hurt. It’s a small investment that brings confidence every time you use the door.

4. They Help Diagnose Issues

Most sensors come with built-in LED lights that indicate if they’re aligned and working. This can help homeowners identify and solve problems without needing a full service call.

🔧 Final Thoughts

Safety eyebeams may be small, but they play a huge role in keeping your home, family, and property safe. If your garage door system doesn’t have them—or if they’re not working properly—it’s time to act.

Whether you need an upgrade, a repair, or just a routine check-up, talk to Alpha Doors. A well-maintained garage door system with working safety eyebeams is not just a convenience—it’s a smart safety choice for every Kiwi household.

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