Motion Detection: Protecting Your Family
2024-12-28 5 min read
The Evolution of Garage Door Safety
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, often weighing several hundred pounds. Before modern safety features were mandated, accidents.sometimes fatal.occurred when doors closed on people, pets, or objects. Today's safety systems make garage doors safer than ever, but only if they're properly installed and maintained.
At Manchester Garage Doors, we take safety seriously. Every installation we perform includes proper setup and testing of all safety features, and we're always happy to inspect existing systems for proper operation.
How Motion Detection Works
Photoelectric Sensors
The most common safety feature is the photoelectric sensor system, also called "safety eyes." These work by:
1. Projecting an invisible infrared beam across the door opening 2. When the beam is broken by a person, pet, or object, the door immediately stops and reverses 3. By law, these must be installed no higher than 6 inches from the floor to detect small children and pets
Our Manchester technicians ensure these sensors are properly aligned and positioned during every installation.
Pressure Sensors
Many modern openers also include pressure sensitivity: - Detects resistance when the door encounters an obstacle while closing, Immediately reverses if contact is made, Features adjustable sensitivity settings for different door weights
Modern Motion Detection
Newer systems include advanced motion detection that can: - Detect movement in the garage area before door operation, Trigger lights automatically when you enter, Send alerts to your smartphone, Integrate with home security systems
Testing Your Safety Features
Monthly testing is recommended:
Photoelectric Test
1. Close the garage door completely 2. Place an object (like a box or bucket) in the door's path 3. Attempt to close the door using the wall button 4. The door should reverse immediately upon detecting the obstruction
Pressure Sensitivity Test
1. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door closes 2. Attempt to close the door 3. When the door touches the 2x4, it should immediately reverse
If either test fails, stop using the automatic close feature and contact Manchester Garage Doors immediately at (585) 460-4910. Your family's safety is too important to risk.
Safety Features to Look For
When choosing a new opener or upgrading your system:
Must-Haves, Photoelectric sensors (required by law since 1993)
- Automatic reverse mechanism, Manual release handle (for operation during power outages)
Nice-to-Haves, Battery backup for power outages, Timer-to-close feature with warning signals, Smartphone monitoring and alerts, Guest access controls with temporary codes, Motion-activated lighting
Protecting Children and Pets
Beyond automatic safety features, take these additional precautions:
Educate Children, Garage doors are not toys, Never run under a closing door, Don't play with remotes or wall controls, Stay away from the door while it's moving
Remote Security, Keep remotes out of children's reach, Use rolling code technology (standard on modern openers)
- Consider smartphone controls instead of physical remotes
Pet Considerations, Standard sensors may not detect very small animals, Consider additional sensors at floor level for small pets, Create barriers if pets roam the garage unsupervised
When to Upgrade
Consider upgrading your opener if: - Your opener is over 20 years old, It lacks photoelectric sensors, Safety tests consistently fail, You want smartphone connectivity for monitoring, You have young children or pets at home
Our team at Manchester Garage Doors can assess your current system and recommend appropriate upgrades. We serve homeowners throughout Manchester, Rochester, Canandaigua, and the entire Finger Lakes region.
The Bottom Line
Modern garage door safety features have dramatically reduced accidents. Regular testing, proper maintenance, and thoughtful use ensure your garage door protects rather than endangers your family. Don't take chances with safety.contact Manchester Garage Doors today for a professional safety inspection.