How to Install a Garage Door Sensor

Garage-door sensor kit

All garage-door openers are provided with photoelectric sensors, which prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. The sensors sometimes will stop working properly if they become damaged or have not been used for awhile. You can purchase and install a replacement kit without needing to purchase a new opener.

Things You'll Need

• 7/16-inch socket wrench
• Drill
• Wood lags
• Insulated staples
• Hammer
• Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Unplug the garage-door opener from the electrical outlet.

2. Position one of the sensor brackets provided in the replacement kit 4 inches from the floor on one side of the door, making sure there will be enough clearance for the safety beam past the track. Attach the bracket to the wall with wood lags. Do the same with the opposite bracket.

3. Using two bolts and wing nuts, loosely attach the sensors on each bracket so that the sensors face each other.

4. Attach the low-voltage wire provided in the kit to each sensor and run the wire to the garage-door opener. Attach the wire to the wall with insulated staples.

5. Strip the ends of the wire at the motor and attach to the terminals indicated. Refer to the garage-door opener's manual if needed.

6. Plug the garage door opener into the wall socket. Check to make sure there is an uninterrupted beam at the sensors.

References

• Garage-door sensor
• Garage-door opener owner's manual