How Often (and How) to Perform a Garage Door Reversal Safety Test

Your garage door opener is the largest moving machine in your home. To prevent entrapment and injury, modern openers feature a safety reversal system. Performing a quick test twice a year ensures this critical system is working properly.

The Standard 2x4 Reversal Test

Follow this standard test protocol:

1. Place a 2x4 block of wood flat on the garage floor, directly under the path of the door.
2. Press the wall button to close the door.
3. When the door strikes the block of wood, it must immediately reverse direction and open back up.
4. If the door stops on the block but does not reverse, your opener's close force limit settings must be adjusted or the motor replaced.