Understanding Garage Door Safety Features
Garage doors are essential for protecting your home and providing convenient access to your garage. However, they are also heavy and potentially dangerous if not properly maintained or used. Understanding the safety features of your garage door can help prevent accidents and ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely. Here’s a guide to the key safety features you should know about.
1. Auto-Reverse Mechanism
One of the most critical safety features of modern garage doors is the auto-reverse mechanism. This feature ensures that the garage door automatically reverses direction if it encounters an obstruction while closing. Here’s how it works:
Mechanical Auto-Reverse: This system uses a pressure sensor to detect obstructions. If the door encounters an object, it will immediately reverse to prevent injury or damage.
Photoelectric Sensors: These sensors are located on either side of the door, near the floor. They emit an invisible beam across the door’s path. If something breaks the beam, the door will stop and reverse direction.
Regularly test the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object, such as a piece of wood, in the door’s path and closing the door. If the door doesn’t reverse, it’s time to call a professional for an inspection and repair.
2. Manual Release Handle
The manual release handle is an essential safety feature that allows you to disengage the garage door from the opener and operate it manually. This feature is particularly useful during power outages or if the door’s opener malfunctions. To use the manual release:
Locate the manual release handle, usually a red cord hanging from the opener.
Pull the handle to disengage the door from the opener (only when the door is close it is safe to do so).
You can now open and close the door manually.
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the manual release handle in case of an emergency.
3. Rolling Code Technology
Garage door openers with rolling code technology enhance security by preventing code theft. Each time you use the remote control, a new code is generated, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept and replicate the code. This feature ensures that only your remote can operate your garage door, providing an added layer of security.
4. Pinch-Resistant Panels
Pinch-resistant panels are designed to prevent fingers from getting caught between the door’s sections as it opens and closes. These panels are constructed with special edges that push fingers out of harm’s way. This feature is especially important for households with children, as it reduces the risk of injury.
5. Safety Brackets
Safety brackets are installed on the bottom of the garage door and help prevent the door’s components from detaching or causing injury. These brackets are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the door and ensuring safe operation. Regularly inspect the brackets for signs of wear or damage and have them replaced if necessary.
6. Control Panel Lockout
Some garage door openers come with a control panel lockout feature, allowing you to disable the remote controls temporarily. This is useful when you’re away on vacation or want to prevent unauthorized access to your garage. Activating the lockout mode ensures that only the wall-mounted control panel can operate the door.
7. Motion Detection Lighting
Many modern garage door openers include motion detection lighting, which automatically turns on the garage lights when movement is detected. This feature not only improves safety by illuminating the garage but also enhances security by deterring potential intruders.
Conclusion
Understanding the safety features of your garage door is crucial for ensuring safe and reliable operation. Regularly inspecting and maintaining these features can prevent accidents and provide peace of mind. At NextGen Garage Doors, we are committed to your safety and offer professional garage door inspection and maintenance services.
Contact NextGen Garage Doors
For expert garage door inspection, maintenance, and repair services, contact NextGen Garage Doors. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to keeping your garage door operating safely and efficiently.
Phone: 0470 468 367
Email: service@nextgengaragedoors.com.au
Service Area: Bendigo and within a 150km radius
