Technical Jargon: Inoperable Garage Door Reversing Mechanism

Advisory Report - April 2003

Technical Jargon:  Inoperable Garage Door Reversing Mechanism

“Technical Jargon” is a forum in used to provide more information on terms commonly seen in U.S. Inspect reports.

A reversing mechanism is the safety portion of the garage door opener system, which causes the door to reverse its direction when an obstruction impedes its path. There are commonly two parts to this safety system. First, the opener motor senses resistance, and will reverse its direction if a certain amount of resistance is met. As a backup to this system, there are usually two infrared sensors mounted six inches above the floor at the garage doorframe. If any object is blocking the path of the infrared sensors, the garage door opener will not activate.

If an excessive amount of pressure is required to cause the door opener to reverse, the reversing mechanism is considered "inoperable." 

Improperly operating automatic reversing mechanisms at a garage door openers have been linked to many injuries and even deaths. The weight and pressure involved in closing a garage door can cause serious injury to someone in the path of the door, especially children. 

Not every garage door opener has an automatic reversing mechanism. In 1982, a voluntary industry standard (ANSI-UL 325-1982) was created, requiring automatic reversing mechanisms on garage door openers sold in the United States. Some pre-1982 garage door openers were manufactured with other safety features which may stop the door, but not cause it to reverse. Since most pre-1982 garage door openers do not comply with current safety standards, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends replacement with one that has an auto-reversing feature that meets current standards.

A common method of testing the reversing mechanism involves placing a roll of paper towels under the path of the door. If the door causes the cardboard tube in the paper towels to bend, it requires too much force to reverse. The CPSC suggests testing the reversing mechanism with a 2x4 piece of wood or a 2-inch block. Place the 2x4 or 2-inch block on the floor under the door. If it does not reverse immediately after striking the wood, it requires too much force to reverse. The CPSC also recommends testing the garage door opener reversing mechanism every month. If the reversing mechanism fails, the door opener should be disconnected until repairs have been performed.

Correcting an inoperable reversing mechanism varies greatly depending on the model and age of the door opener. It may be a simple as a couple twists with a screwdriver, or it may be serious enough to require replacement of the garage door opener. The owner's manual for the garage door opener provides information about adjusting the reversing mechanisms. If the correction of the reversing mechanism is more complicated than a simple adjustment, a competent garage door service company should be contacted. 

For more information regarding garage door opener safety, visit www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/523.pdf

Contributed by Justin Gore
Quality Assurance Supervisor
U.S. Inspect, LLC