All garage doors installed since 1991 must be equipped with safety sensors to avoid crushing someone under a closing one
. Many of these sensors are mandatory and others are not required at all, but all of them perform an invaluable function.
The usual door sensor you find most is the infrared beam sensor. This installs by simply bolting the two pieces of the sensor on either side of the door so that the infrared beam between the two pieces is broken by anybody walking in the way of it closing. These sensors can easily become misaligned and could need adjustment now and then to make sure it continues to work properly.
Another kind of sensor seen on some garage doors is the pressure sensor. This kind of sensor usually comes as part of it itself and needs to be installed by a professional. The pressure sensor also suffices as a safety device to avoid injuring someone with the closing door. Although the infrared beam sensor does not allow the door to touch anything under it, the pressure sensor door will inevitably touch the object before it senses it. In addition, the pressure sensor is not guaranteed to function continuously after years of wear and tear.
Some sensors on garage doors don't deal with safety issues and instead focus on other needs that the customer may have. For example, there are some battery operated sensors that are bolted to the entrance and automatically close it when it is left open for too long. This is a good idea if you live in an extremely cold region. Accidentally leaving your garage doors open overnight could allow the motorized opener to get cold enough to cease operating properly.
There are other types of sensors that make a large contribution to safety, but they don't involve any mandatory gate safety regulations. Carbon monoxide sensors can do a great job in preventing the occurrence of a deadly accident. When carbon monoxide levels reach a certain point, the sensor automatically opens the gate to clear out the carbon monoxide and allow in fresh air. This could potentially save someone from asphyxiating to death.
All of these types of sensors for garage doors are potential life savers that should be present in every home and business that utilizes them. Even if it costs some money, it is still better to be safe than to be sorry.