Smart Home Security

Secure Your Garage with the Best Garage Door Sensors

A garage door sensor is not a ‘smart’ device but it’s a crucial part of your home security. When was the last time you inspected your sensors and made sure they work reliably? I mean if the doors are closed when you come back, the sensors are working fine, right?

garage door sensor

Best Replacement Garage Door Sensor

  1. Best for Chamberlain: Chamberlain 820CB Replacement Opener Garage Door Safety Sensors, Black
  2. Best for Genie: Genie GSTB-R STB-BL Replacement Safety Beams, Black, 2 Pack, Black, one size (GSTB-R)
  3. Best for Liftmaster: Liftmaster 41a5034 Garage Door Opener Safety Beam Kit

It’s one of the most important components in a garage door system. The sensor is the first line of defense against intruders and can save you money by preventing damage to your door and your property.

For the most part, a garage door sensor will last you several years without a blip. Most of these break when  you place something around them that falls on the sensor and disrupts the infrared alignment.

In inclement weather, the sensors might be covered with frost or ice that block the infrared light. Another reason it stops working is if the front glass is cracked or broken.

If your sensors are broken or if you want to replace them as a precaution, look at the best picks below. In case your sensors are not working properly and you are looking for troubleshooting steps, you will find them in the section futher down in this article.

Things to Consider

If you’re looking for a new garage door or have just installed one, it’s time to replace your sensors as well. To get the best bang for your buck, here are some things to consider when choosing a garage door sensor:

  • The type of sensor you need depends on the type of garage door you have. If you have an automatic opener with safety eyes, you’ll need an eye-safe sensor that works with metal doors. If you have a sectional panel lift gate or metal carriage style, you’ll need an infrared (IR) sensor. For those who don’t want to spend extra money on an automatic opener but want their doors to work with the same kind of technology as automatic openers, look for a wireless remote control that uses radio frequency (RF).
  • Depending on where you live, you may want a solar powered sensor or one that works on batteries. Solar powered sensors are great because they do not require any wiring and can be installed quickly and easily. Many people prefer battery powered sensors because they do not have to worry about buying batteries for their garage doors. However, it is important to make sure that your batteries are always kept charged up so that your garage door will open and close properly at all times.

The 3 best options:

Best for Chamberlain: Chamberlain 820CB Replacement Opener Garage Door Safety Sensors, Black

As long as your Chamberlain garage opener system is built after 1997, this garage door sensor will be compatible. The installation is as simple as can be. The brackets and all required fasteners are included in the package so no need to buy anything separately. The package includes 2 sensors, mounting brackets, 18 inches of extension wire, instruction manual.

They work great in winter upto -40F. Sometimes sunlight hitting at an angle can interfere with a garage door sensor, causing the infrared light to become out of alignment. These sensors have been found to work really well in any light conditions.

For a pair that costs less than $50 and will last you over a decade, these are a no-brainer purchase. Make sure you install the green one as the receiver and the red one sas the 

Pros:

  • Sturdy brackets and easy to install
  • Works with any Chamberlain system built after 1997

Cons:

  • Might not be compatible with other brands

Best for Genie: Genie GSTB-R STB-BL Replacement Safety Beams, Black, 2 Pack, Black, one size (GSTB-R)

Genie’s patented Safe-T beams are proprietary and that makes them the best option to replace your defective Genie garage door sensor. Installing generic sensors might work but durability is always a question. Any Genie garage system built after 1993 will work with these Safe-T beams.

The main feature here is Self Diagnosis. In case there is any malfunction with the sensor, it will alert you so you can get them replaced. It’s much better than finding out that you left your garage door open all night!

All mounting brackets and hardware is included in the pack but unfortunately it excludes the wiring. If your existing wiring is not long enough, you might have to get them from a hardware store. 

As with all IR sensors, if kids or pets pass through the door, it will interrupt the alignment and the doors will not auto-close.

Pros:

  • Simple and straightforward installation
  • Works with any Genie garage door system

Cons:

  • Does not included any wiring

Best for Liftmaster: Liftmaster 41a5034 Garage Door Opener Safety Beam Kit

This is a more widely compatible garage door sensor. It works with Sears Craftsman, Chamberlain, and Liftmaster. However, it works with newer model garage door systems (the ones that have black brackets that clip onto the garage door track).

Unfortunately, brackets are not included in the package but you can always use your existing ones or buy newer brackets at any hardware store.

These are very durable garage door sensors that work in extreme weather conditions and are proven to work even after being submerged in water for an extended time. 

The installation is as easy as can be; especially if you are using existing brackets. If you find that your existing brackets don’t work, before you rush to get new ones, try a slight adjustment – drill ¼” holes in each one – and they should fit in perfectly.

One small concern is that splicing connectors that come with the wiring cut too much of the wire, so be careful.

Pros:

  • Works with a newer models wide variety of brands
  • Can use existing brackets – sometimes with a slight adjustment
  • Very durable – works in extreme conditions

Cons:

  • Brackets  not included in the package
  • Splicing connectors cut too much of the wire

Types of Garage Door Sensors

Infrared garage door sensors: These sensors use infrared beams to detect movement and are triggered when an object breaks the beam. 

Magnetic garage door sensors: These sensors use magnets to detect movement and are triggered when an object breaks the magnetic field. 

Ultrasonic garage door sensors: These sensors use sound waves to detect movement and are triggered when an object breaks the sound wave.

Sensors Not Working Properly?

If your garage door sensors are not working properly, you may need to replace them. To check if your garage door sensors are working properly, you will need to: 

1. Check the batteries. If the batteries in your garage door sensors are dead, they will not be able to properly detect obstacles in the path of the door. You will need to replace the batteries in your garage door sensors. 

2. Check the alignment. If the sensors are not properly aligned, they will not be able to detect obstacles in the path of the door. You will need to adjust the sensors so that they are properly aligned. 

3. Check for obstructions. If there are any objects blocking the path of the sensors, they will not be able to detect obstacles in the path of the door. You will need to remove any obstructions from the path of the sensors.

Commonly Asked Questions about a Garage Door Sensor:

How do garage door sensors work?

The sensors on your garage door will be mounted on the garage door frame, usually on the sides near the bottom. The sensors are usually paired and will be mounted in a way that the beams from the two sensors are intersecting. If the beams from the two sensors are interrupted, the garage door will not open.

Where do I put the garage door sensors?

The sensors are mounted on the garage door frame and should be around 6 inches from the floor. Most sensors are paired so that one sensor is on each side of the garage door.

How do I test the garage door sensors?

There is a test button on the garage door opener that will allow you to test the sensors. Once you press the button, the garage door opener should beep. If the garage door opener does not beep, then the sensors are not working.

Why are my garage door sensors beeping?

There are a few reasons why your garage door sensors might be beeping. The most common reason is that the sensors are not properly aligned. If the sensors are not properly aligned, the beams will be interrupted, and the garage door will not open.

Another reason why your garage door sensors might be beeping is that there is something blocking the beams. If there is something blocking the beams, the garage door will not open.

How do I align the garage door sensors?

The sensors are usually mounted on the garage door frame, and they should be around 6 inches from the floor. Most sensors are paired so that one sensor is on each side of the garage door. To align the sensors, you will need to adjust the position of the sensors until the beams from the two sensors are intersecting.

My garage door sensors are not working. What should I do?

If your garage door sensors are not working, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. If the batteries are dead, replace them with new batteries. 

In case batteries are not the problem, check to see if the sensors are properly aligned. If the sensors are not properly aligned, the beams will be interrupted, and the garage door will not open.

Why is my garage sensor door not working? 

There are several reasons why your garage sensor door may not be working. The most common reason is that the sensors are dirty or obstructed. Sensors will not be able to properly detect when something is in the way of the door, if they are dirty.

Additionally, if the sensors are obstructed, they will not be able to properly detect when something is in the way of the door.