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How to test your garage door opener's auto reverse

Source: Arizona Garage Door Help (arizonagaragedoorhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.

The federal standard requires the opener instructions to tell owners: "Test door opener monthly. The garage door MUST reverse on contact with a" 1 1/2 inch object "(or a 2 by 4 board laid flat) on the floor." If the door does not reverse, the instructions say to "adjust, repair, or replace the operator." (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

The required safety instructions also say: "NEVER GO UNDER A STOPPED PARTIALLY OPEN DOOR." (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Every residential opener must have inherent primary entrapment protection: a door moving down must start to reverse within 2 seconds of contact with an obstruction. A vertically moving door opener must also meet one more option, such as an external photoelectric sensor that reverses a closing door. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

On this site: Arizona specialty contractor license fees (such as R-7 Carpentry) · Contractor bonds and the Recovery Fund in Arizona · The Arizona handyman exemption and $1,000 limit · What an Arizona garage door contract must include · How to file a complaint against an Arizona contractor · Doing your own work on your Arizona home · Arizona license rules for garage door work · How to check an Arizona garage door company before you hire · Federal garage door opener safety rules (16 CFR 1211) · How to test your garage door opener's auto reverse · Garage to house door and outlet rules in Arizona cities · Garage door and door permit rules in Arizona cities · Cities · FAQ · Sources

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