garage door openers?

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1

Originally Posted By: phughes
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How is the rest of the world reporting problems with garage door openers.


For example: The garage door does not reverse if it strikes an object?

The garage door does not reverse if the safe-t-eyes do not reverse the door if the eyes are blocked?

The safety eyes are 12 inches form the floor?

The door reverses with the safety eyes but does not reverse if it strikes an object.

The garage door has an automatic opener and the garage door manual lock is not disabled?

Just curious how the rest of the world is handling this.

2

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Quote:
The garage door does not reverse if it strikes an object?

The garage door does not reverse if the safe-t-eyes do not reverse the door if the eyes are blocked?

The door reverses with the safety eyes but does not reverse if it strikes an object.


Auto reverse does not operate. Corrections are needed for safety.

Quote:
The safety eyes are 12 inches form the floor?


The optical sensors for the automatic garage door opener are mounted too high. Manufacturers recommendations require the sensors to be mounted within 8 inches of the garage floor for safety. Corrections are advised.

Quote:
The garage door has an automatic opener and the garage door manual lock is not disabled?


Huh?

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
3

Originally Posted By: rfarruggia
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The garage door has an automatic opener and the garage door manual lock is not disabled?



I never even thought of that. One more thing I'll add to my reports, thanks.

4

Originally Posted By: escanlan
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Quote:
The garage door has an automatic opener and the garage door manual lock is not disabled?

Huh?


Hey Jeff,

Not trying to talk down at ya but let me explain FROM EXPERIENCE what I belive Peter is speaking of. My wife and I bought our first house many years ago and it had an automatic opener. The garage door also comes with the manual lock/sliding latch that slides into the slots on the rails for the door rollers. Well the latch has a hole in it that allows one to place a bolt through it when in the unlocked position. The bolt prevents one from sliding the latch into the rail if using an automatic opener so the opener does not experience extreme torque trying to battle the latched door.

Well about a week after we moved in my wife felt uncormfortable with the automatic opener being the only security mechanism preventing the garage door from being opened. Unbeknownst to me she latches the door. In the morning I head out to work and hit the garage door opener. Note: a 2 HP opener trying to open a single panel aluminum door, 8 feet high and 8 feet wide. Cost, $300.00 for a new door, $150.00 for a new opener, $75.00 for sheetrock repairs and $450 to repair damage to the car roof. For all of this there is Master Card but for the wife I have never let her live it down!!

Hope that answers it?

--
Manny (Emmanuel) Scanlan

Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!
5

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Quote:
The garage door has an automatic opener and the garage door manual lock is not disabled?


Garage door has a manual locking mechanism and an automatic garage door opener. It is advised that you don't show your wife where the lock is ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
6

Originally Posted By: ecrofutt
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jeff,


You might want to rethink your 8 inches!

Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend 4 - 6 inches.
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/523.html

Most Wayne Dalton Openers specify 5 inches.
http://www.wayne-dalton.com/Files/ProductManuals/Residential_Garage_Door_Openers/ClassicDrive/Installation_Manual/3014-3018-3018DLX-3514.pdf
See pages 15 & 16.

Most other manufacturer's instructions that I've looked at also have this requirement.

--
Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections
Georgetown, Kentucky
www.b4uclose.com

7

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I used to always state 6". Until the day when the builder showed me the box that said 8". The super was upset that he was lowering optical sensors in 150 new homes based on my inspection of three homes, where the sensors were anywhere from 8" to 15" off the floor.


This particular model (I don't recall the brand) required 8" which is the "lightest" recommendation I had ever come across.

So now I state "within 8 inches."

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

8

Originally Posted By: ecrofutt
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jeff,


You changed your reporting requirements based on looking at a height "recommendation" on a box of a manufacturer that doesn't comply with Federal Law ![icon_question.gif](upload://t2zemjDOQRADd4xSC3xOot86t0m.gif) ![icon_question.gif](upload://t2zemjDOQRADd4xSC3xOot86t0m.gif) ![icon_question.gif](upload://t2zemjDOQRADd4xSC3xOot86t0m.gif)

Federal Law "requires" photo electric sensors to sense an obstruction that is 6" high and 12" long. Kinda hohum legalese, but it is fairly clear on height. I don't know how one mounted at 8" can detect an obstruction that is six inches high. Lay a little kid down and measure how high their cchest is. Most of them ain't even close to 8".

1211.11 Requirements for photoelectric
sensors.
(a) Normal operation test. (1) When installed
as described in ? 1211.10(a) (1)?
(4), a photoelectric sensor shall sense
an obstruction as described in paragraph
(a)(2) of this section that is to be
placed on the floor at three points over
the width of the door opening, at distances
of 1 foot (305 mm) from each end
and the midpoint.
(2) The obstruction noted in paragraph
(a)(1) of this section shall consist
of a white vertical surface 6 inches (152
mm) high by 12 inches (305 mm) long.
The obstruction is to be centered under
the door perpendicular to the plane of
the door when in the closed position.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/16cfr1211_04.html

You might want to reconsider what references you use to change your reporting requirements.

--
Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections
Georgetown, Kentucky
www.b4uclose.com

9

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Thanks for the link Erby. I will verify with the local Building and Safety Department that CSPC requirements are recognized in my area in conjunction with the UBC.


I have no problem reverting back to the 6 inch recommendation so long as I've got something to back it up.

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

10

Originally Posted By: ecrofutt
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Let us know what you find out. Though you may have to do some educating to get an answer.

–
Erby Crofutt


B4U Close Home Inspections


Georgetown, Kentucky


www.b4uclose.com

11

Originally Posted By: mcyr
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


icon_biggrin.gif


Hi. Guys, hope you are all fine.

Garage door openers are usually listed under the UL 325 Gate Operator Classifications. for Class 1.

According to (DASMA), Door&Access Systems Manufactures Association International, What you need to remember is the six inch rule.

Six inches is the recommended height for safety sensors.

Hope this helps.

Marcel

12

Originally Posted By: mpettitt
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Pete, heres a few write ups that I use.


Safety: The garage door auto reverse mechanism seemed to require more pressure than normal to activate. All garage door opening devices should have a safety feature which automatically reverses the door if it strikes something while closing. This feature reduces the risk of liability, damage, injury, and possible death to a child or pet. Garage door openers equipped with this feature usually have a sensitivity adjustment. It is often set incorrectly. Recommend that you consult with a garage door specialist for service.

ON OLDER UNITS
Safety / Repair or Improve: The garage door auto reverse mechanism did not operate. All garage door opening devices should have a safety feature which automatically reverses the door if it strikes something while closing. This feature reduces the risk of liability, damage, injury, and possible death to a child or pet. Garage door openers equipped with this feature usually have a sensitivity adjustment. It is often set incorrectly or in need of adjustment. Recommend that you consult with a garage door specialist. Note: Due to the age of this home, the opener may not be equipped with an anti-reversing mechanism. Anti-reversing mechanisms were not required in most jurisdictions until 1991.

Safety Repair: The garage door will not close unless the door button is continually pressed. This is an indication that the automatic safety reversing mechanism is out of adjustment. When this situation occurs it is not possible to test the automatic reversing photo sensor eyes near the bottom of the door or the automatic reversing of the door itself. A garage door installer should be contacted to make the necessary repairs.