"SAFETY REVERSE"
Knowing that your safety reverse works is very important. All garage door opener manufacturers recommend that you check the reversing feature monthly. The safety-reversing feature on garage door openers should work in both directions. In the up cycle the opener will stop. In the down cycle the opener should reverse direction (not stop). A garage door opener that is not adjusted properly can cause serious injury or even death.
The safety reverse test varies slightly depending on the type of garage door you have. You should refer to your owner's manual first.
THE SECTIONAL GARAGE DOOR TEST: Place a 2" object (or a 2x4 laid flat) on the floor in the middle of the opening. Run the garage door down so it comes in contact with the object. You should stay by the pushbutton, or hold on to your remote, just in case the door won't reverse. If the opener reverses the direction of the door, the safety works. If your opener won't reverse it should be adjusted. Each opener has a sensitivity or force adjustment visible on the power head. If your opener didn't reverse you'll need to increase the sensitivity or decrease the down force. If you're still unsure or don't have your owners' manual, you may want to call for service. Local Northern Nevada residents can call THE DOOR MAN for service. You can find THE DOOR MAN in the Nevada Bell Yellow Pages under "garage doors". Worldwide homeowners should contact your local garage door repair service.
THE TILT-UP DOOR (one-piece) TEST: Place a 2x4 on its edge (not flat) on the floor in the middle of the opening. Run the door down so it comes in contact with the 2x4. If the opener reverses, the safety works. If the opener won't reverse, it must be adjusted. (See sectional) Local Northern Nevada residents can call THE DOOR MAN for service. Worldwide homeowners should call your local garage door repair service.
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