[Solved] How to ByPass Garage Door Sensor

Garage door sensors are an essential safety feature that prevents accidents and property damage by detecting obstructions in the path of a closing garage door. However, there may be situations where you need to bypass the garage door sensor temporarily, such as during maintenance or troubleshooting.

Bypassing the garage door sensor should be approached with caution and only done when necessary, as it compromises the safety function. In this article, we will explore the reasons for bypassing garage door sensors, the potential risks involved, and the step-by-step process to safely bypass the sensors when required.

What is Garage Door Sensor

Garage door sensors are safety devices used in automatic garage door systems. They are designed to detect obstacles or obstructions in the path of a closing garage door and prevent the door from closing completely or reversing its direction to avoid potential damage or injury.

Working Principle of Garage Door Sensors

The working principle of garage door sensors can be explained according to the different types of sensors. The following are two common types of garage door sensors that work:

Photoelectric sensors:

Photoelectric sensors consist of two components, usually mounted on either side of the garage door near the floor. One component emits an infrared beam and the other component receives the beam. When the garage door is closed, the beam is occupied by the space between the emitter and the receiver. If an object (such as a person, pet or vehicle) enters the path of motion of the garage door and interrupts the beam, the receiver cannot receive the beam signal. At this point, the sensor sends a signal to the garage door opener instructing to stop closing or reversing the door's motion to avoid striking the object or causing injury.

Edge Sensors:

Edge sensors are mounted on the bottom edge of the garage door. They use pressure or resistance to detect obstacles. When the garage door is closed, if the door encounters an obstacle, the edge sensor senses the change in pressure or resistance and sends a signal to the opener. The opener receives the signal and stops the movement of the door or reverses it to avoid collision or damage.

Garage Door Sensor Troubleshooting Method

When the garage door does not open or close normally, and the light flashes on the Opener, you can check the Sensor status:

Step 1. Flashing or lights out need to check whether there are obstacles blocking the running track of the garage door;

Step 2. Check whether the Sensor lens is clean, the Sensor lens may be blocked by dust or other stains after long time use.

Solution: Use a clean soft towel or paper towel to gently wipe the Sensor lens and clean it;

Step 3. If there is no obstacle blocking, you need to check whether the Sensor is horizontally aligned. the Sensor may be displaced by impact or loose screws, so that the transmitter and receiver can not send and receive signals normally resulting in failure.

Solution: Sensor position can be adjusted so that the two sides of the sensor alignment can be solved;

Step 4. If the adjustment position still can not work properly then you need to check whether the Sensor connected to the Opener line is normal or not broken, first of all, check whether there is looseness at the line interface, if there is no problem then you need to check whether the line is broken or not.

Solution: If there is a line problem, re-adjust the line connection at the interface; if the line is broken, reconnect the cable or directly approach the new cable;

Step 5. If there is no problem with the above, the sensor may be damaged.

Why Do Not Recommend Bypassing Garage Door Sensor

❗ Safety Hazard: Garage door sensors are designed to ensure the safety of people and property. Bypassing or disabling a sensor removes a critical safety feature and increases the risk of accidents, injuries or property damage. Without sensors, garage doors can close on people, pets or objects, resulting in serious injury.

❗ Legal and Code Compliance: In many areas, it is a legal requirement to have properly working security sensors on garage doors. Bypassing or tampering with sensors may violate local building codes and regulations. This can result in legal consequences, penalties, or difficulties in selling or insuring your property.

❗ Manufacturer's Advice: Garage door manufacturers strongly recommend against bypassing or tampering with the sensors. Altering the system in any way may void the warranty and may cause problems with the proper operation of the garage door opener.

❗ Insurance Coverage: Insurance companies typically require properly functioning security sensors on garage doors. If you bypass the sensors and have an accident, your insurance coverage may be void and you will be responsible for any damages or injuries at your own risk.

[Solved] How to Bypass Garage Door Sensor

#1 Press and hold the garage door button

The easiest way to use this method is to press and hold the garage door button, provided the sensor is not damaged. Press and hold the garage door button, this will override the sensor and you will be able to open the garage door.

#2 Use reflectors

If the sensor is a photoelectric sensor, you can try using a reflector that will reflect infrared light back to the sensor. This will make the sensor think that there is no object blocking the light and it will allow you to open the garage door.

#3 Manual operation mode

This method is only effective if the sensor is working properly. Switching your garage door to manual is very simple: just pull down the cord that hangs down from the motor attached to the ceiling.

#4 Breaking the sensor alignment

First, you will need to disconnect the sensor from the garage door opener.

Next, you need to realign the sensors so that they are not pointing at each other. This can be done by moving them up or down. Once they are properly aligned, you will be able to open the garage door without any problems.

Further Reading: [Solved] How to Bypass Battery Current Sensor 2023

Conclusion

In conclusion, bypassing the garage door sensor is a procedure that should be carried out with care and only in specific situations where it is necessary. It is crucial to understand that bypassing the sensors temporarily compromises the safety function of the garage door system, and it should never be done as a permanent solution.

If you find it necessary to bypass the garage door sensor, follow the recommended steps carefully, ensuring your safety and the safety of others. Once the need to bypass the sensor is resolved, it is important to reinstate the sensor's functionality promptly. Regular maintenance and proper troubleshooting techniques will help maintain the reliable and safe operation of your garage door system.