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My garage door opens but will not close. Why?
Federal rules say that if the safety sensor is missing or a fault stops it from sensing an obstruction, a closing door must open and an open door must not close more than 1 foot below the top. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
That fault can include an interrupted wireless signal or an open or short circuit in the sensor wiring. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
If an electric eye is used, CPSC says it should be 4 to 6 inches above the floor. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
If the door does not reverse properly, CPSC says to disengage the opener until it is adjusted, repaired or replaced. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
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Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (eCFR): 16 CFR Part 1211: Safety Standard for Automatic Residential Garage Door Operators (checked November 1, 2026)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Non-Reversing Automatic Garage Door Openers Are a Hazard (Pub. 523, PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
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