Most garage doors are installed with a safety reversal system. The garage door will automatically reverse if it comes in contact with an obstruction. The safety reversal system is to be tested every month or if any adjustments are made.

If the garage door has an improperly operating reversing mechanism, it can cause injury or even death. The weight and pressure of a garage door that is closing is can cause very serious injury if someone is in its path. This is why the reversal system is especially important.

Usually, there are two parts to the system. The first one is in the opener. When it senses resistance, it will reverse the door upward. The second are two infrared sensors on each side of the door that is mounted 6 inches above the floor. If there is anything blocking the sensors, the door will not operate.

To test the safety reversal system, there are steps to be followed. First, place a 1-inch board on the floor under the door with the garage door fully open. Operate the door and close it. The door should reverse when it strikes the obstruction.