3:05 video with Jacob Swenson
How to Replace a Garage Door Safety Sensor
The safety sensors by the floor stop the door from closing on something. Jacob shows how to swap a damaged sensor and make a splice that won't corrode.
What you'll need
- New safety sensors
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Silicone-filled crimp connectors
- A screwdriver
Step by step
Prep the new sensor wire
Trim the sensor's lead to about 1½ to 2 feet. Wrap a short section around a screwdriver to make a coil, which gives slack so the wire won't snap if it gets snagged.
Split the wires
Separate the two wires at the end of both the sensor lead and the house wire so you can join them.
Swap the sensor
Remove the damaged sensor and mount the new one, pointed straight across, parallel with the door.
Connect the wires
Join black to black and white to white with silicone-filled crimp connectors so water can't get in and corrode the connection.
Tuck the wires away
Route the wires where nothing can catch on them.
If you replace only one sensor, match it: sending for sending, receiving for receiving. Two of the same kind won't work. Twisting wires with tape works in a pinch, but it tends to corrode.
Filmed in 2012. The basics haven't changed, but newer doors and openers may differ a little. Springs and cables are under high tension, so never adjust them yourself.
Door acting up? Talk to Jacob.
Tell us what's going on and get a straight answer and a clear price. $19.95 off any repair for new customers.