Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home, and when it fails, the consequences can range from minor inconvenience to serious injury. At The Garage Door Company, we have seen firsthand what happens when garage door safety features are neglected or overlooked. A malfunctioning automatic garage door can trap pets, injure children, or leave your home vulnerable to unauthorized entry. That is why we make it our mission to educate every homeowner we serve in Edmond, OK on the key safety features every garage door system should have, and how to keep them working properly.
The Most Important Garage Door Safety Features
Modern garage door technology has come a long way from the simple systems of the past. Today’s doors are equipped with multiple layers of protection designed to prevent accidents and protect your family. Here are the important safety features you should know about.
Auto-Reverse System
The auto reverse feature is one of the most critical door safety features on any garage door. Required by safety regulations since 1993, this system is designed to detect when the door makes contact with a solid object and reverse direction immediately. Whether it is a child’s bicycle, a pet, or even a bag of paper towels left in the path of the door, the auto reverse function stops the door from causing injury. We recommend testing the auto-reverse function monthly by placing a solid object, like a piece of wood, in the door’s path. If the door does not reverse immediately upon contact, call us right away.
Photo-Eye Sensors
Photo eye sensors, also called photoelectric sensors, work alongside the auto reverse system to add an extra layer of protection. These sensors consist of a transmitter and receiver that project an invisible beam across the door opening. When any object, person, or pet breaks that invisible beam while the door is closing, the door stops and reverses direction. Safety regulations require that these sensors be mounted no higher than six inches off the ground, which helps protect small children and pets from potential danger. If your sensors are not properly aligned, the door may close regardless of obstructions. Our technicians at The Garage Door Company can quickly realign or replace faulty safety sensors to keep your garage system operating safely.
Emergency Release Cord
Every garage door opener includes an emergency release cord, typically a red cord hanging from the opener mechanism. Pulling this cord disengages the door from the motor, allowing you to operate the garage door manually. This feature is important during power outages or mechanical failures when you need to safely enter or exit your garage without power. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with this feature before an emergency ever occurs. If you are unsure how to use your manual release, our team is happy to walk you through it during any service visit.
Battery Backup System
Speaking of power outages, a battery backup system ensures your garage door remains functional even when the power goes out. Battery backup systems are required in some states for new installs and are quickly becoming standard across the industry. At The Garage Door Company, we highly recommend adding a battery backup to any garage door opener installation. It is a small investment that makes a big difference in convenience and safety when you need it most.
Security Features That Also Improve Safety
Door safety features go beyond just preventing physical accidents. Home security is equally important, and your garage door system plays a major role.
Rolling Code Technology
Older garage door openers relied on fixed codes transmitted by a remote control. The problem with fixed codes is that they are vulnerable to interception by potential intruders equipped with code-grabbing devices. Rolling code technology solves this by generating a new access code every single time the remote is used. This prevents unauthorized entry and makes it nearly impossible for anyone to duplicate your signal. If you are still using an older garage door opener with fixed codes, we strongly encourage upgrading to a modern system with rolling code technology. The Garage Door Company offers a full range of garage door opener installations with this essential security feature built in.
Wall Button and Keypad Security
A secure wall button inside the garage and an encrypted exterior keypad are also key safety features worth mentioning. These controls give you easy access without compromising security. We install smart keypads that allow you to change your access code regularly, further protecting your home from potential intruders.
How to Test Garage Door Safety Features
Testing your door safety features does not have to be complicated. Here is a simple routine we recommend to all of our customers:
For the auto reverse test, place a solid object such as a two-by-four flat on the ground in the path of the door. Activate the door to close. It should reverse immediately upon contact with the object. If it does not, the system needs professional adjustment.
For the sensor alignment test, wave your hand through the invisible beam of the photo eye sensors while the door is closing. The door should stop and reverse direction. If it does not respond, your sensors may be misaligned or dirty. A simple wipe with a clean cloth sometimes resolves the issue, but if the problem persists, contact The Garage Door Company.
For the manual release test, practice pulling the emergency release cord with the door in the closed position so you can confidently operate your garage door manually during a power outage.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Safety Features Working
Regular maintenance is what separates a safe, long-lasting garage door system from one that becomes a liability. We recommend scheduling a professional tune-up at least once a year. During these visits, our technicians inspect springs, cables, rollers, and all safety components. Worn or damaged parts are replaced before they become a problem, and we lubricate all moving parts to ensure smooth, quiet operation.
Beyond professional service, homeowners can tighten loose hardware, visually inspect cables and rollers for fraying or wear, and keep sensors clean. Do not attempt to adjust or replace springs on your own, as they carry significant tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
Safety Tips for Children and Pets
In many households, the garage is one of the most frequently used entry points, which means children and pets are regularly near an operating door. Teach children never to play near the garage door, never to touch the remote control or wall button without supervision, and never to stand under a door that is in motion. Regularly test your sensors to make sure they will detect a small child or pet in the door’s path.
When to Call The Garage Door Company
If your door is not reversing properly, your sensors are not responding, you hear unusual grinding noises, or your door appears uneven or left open on its own, do not wait. These are signs that your garage door system needs professional attention. At The Garage Door Company, we offer same-day service, fair pricing, and upfront quotes with no hidden fees. Our technicians arrive fully stocked to handle most repairs in a single visit.
Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Reliable
Garage door safety features are not just conveniences. They are essential protections for your family, your vehicles, and your home. From the auto-reverse function and photo eye sensors to rolling code technology and battery backup, every safety feature plays a vital role in keeping your garage door system secure, reliable, and operating as it should. If you are unsure whether your current door includes these modern garage door safety features, contact The Garage Door Company today. We proudly serve Edmond, OK, and the surrounding areas with the honest, professional service your family deserves.
