Definition
The pair of small sensors mounted about six inches off the floor on each side of the opening, projecting an invisible beam across the doorway. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing — a child, a pet, a bicycle tire — the door stops and reverses. They are also the number-one reason a door refuses to close and the opener light blinks: a bumped bracket, a spiderweb, or low sun across the lens will do it. Check alignment and lens cleanliness before assuming the opener is broken.
Why this term matters for homeowners
Opener terminology typically points to drive type, horsepower, battery backup, and how smart access like myQ changes daily convenience and security.
- Use this term to ask better follow-up questions during estimates.
- Look for this language in Learn and Evaluate guides to connect definition to decisions.
- Confirm how this applies to your specific door size, age, and daily use.
Related pages
Category: Openers & Smart Access