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How to test your garage door's safety reverse

The required safety instructions in the federal opener standard say to test the opener monthly. The door must reverse when it touches a 1 1/2 inch high object, or a 2 by 4 board laid flat, on the floor. (source: eCFR)

Steps

  1. Open the door fully.
  2. Lay a 2 by 4 flat on the floor in the door's path.
  3. Close the door with the opener and watch it.
  4. The door should reverse when it hits the board. Remove the board when done.

(source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

If the door does not reverse

CPSC says to disengage the opener until it is adjusted following the owner's manual, repaired, or replaced with a new opener. After any change to the force or travel settings, test again. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

CPSC also suggests inspecting the door and opener every 30 days. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

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Sources

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