Should Both Garage Door Sensors Be Green?

Garage door sensors play a critical role in the safety and function of your garage door system. Positioned on either side of the door near the floor, these sensors detect obstructions and prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. One common question is: should both sensors display a green light?

Understanding the Sensor Lights

Most standard garage door systems use two sensors: a transmitting sensor and a receiving sensor.

The **transmitter** usually emits an amber or yellow light to indicate it's sending a signal.
The **receiver** typically shows a green light to confirm it is properly aligned and receiving the beam.

When Both Lights Should Be On

While the colors may differ, both sensors should have their lights illuminated. If one or both lights are off or blinking, it often means the sensors are misaligned, dirty, or there's an obstruction.

Troubleshooting Sensor Issues

Check Alignment: Both sensors must be facing each other perfectly. Misalignment is a common issue that can disable the door's operation.
Clean the Lenses: Dirt or cobwebs on the lens can interfere with the beam.
Secure Wiring: Ensure the wires leading to the sensors aren't loose or damaged.

What If One Light is Off?

If the green light on the receiving sensor is off, it usually means the sensors are not aligned or there's a blockage. Re-adjusting them and checking for debris can often resolve the issue.

Conclusion

While both garage door sensors should have illuminated lights, only the receiving sensor typically shows green. If either sensor's light is off, it's a signal that something is wrong. A quick cleaning, alignment check, or wire inspection can often resolve the issue, but if problems persist, call a garage door technician for a professional evaluation.