Garage doors with automatic openers, such as Genie models, come equipped with safety beams (also known as safety sensors) to prevent accidents. These sensors detect obstacles in the door’s path, ensuring it doesn’t close on people, pets, or objects. However, there may be situations where you need to bypass these safety beams, such as troubleshooting sensor malfunctions, dealing with misalignment, or temporarily operating the door manually.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to bypass the safety beam on a Genie garage door opener, discuss the risks involved, and provide alternative solutions to fixing sensor-related issues.
What Is a Safety Beam on a Genie Garage Door Opener?
The safety beam system on a Genie garage door opener consists of two photo-eye sensors positioned on each side of the garage door, about 4-6 inches from the ground. These sensors communicate with each other using an infrared beam. If an object blocks the beam, the garage door will stop closing and reverse direction.
These safety beams are required by law under the U.S. Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations to prevent injuries and property damage.
However, if your safety beams are malfunctioning, your garage door might refuse to close, leaving you stuck with an open garage. In such cases, bypassing the sensors can help as a temporary solution while you troubleshoot the issue.
How To Bypass Safety Beam On Genie Garage Door Opener
⚠️ Important Warning Before Bypassing
Bypassing the safety beam disables a crucial safety feature. If you choose to proceed, do so with caution, and only as a temporary measure. Never leave the system bypassed permanently, as it can create safety hazards.
Method 1: Disconnecting the Safety Beam Sensors
This is the simplest way to bypass the safety beam and force the garage door to operate.
Steps to Disconnect the Safety Beams:
- Unplug the Garage Door Opener
- For safety, always unplug your Genie opener before making any modifications.
- Locate the Safety Beam Sensors
- These are the small black boxes mounted near the bottom of the garage door tracks.
- Disconnect the Sensor Wires
- Follow the wires from the sensors to the garage door opener unit.
- Remove the wire connections or cut the wires if necessary (only as a last resort).
- Plug the Garage Door Opener Back In
- Once the sensors are disconnected, plug the garage door opener back in and test operation.
- The door should now close without interference from the sensors.
Method 2: Manually Overriding the System Using the Wall Button
Some Genie garage door openers allow you to bypass the sensors manually by pressing and holding the wall button.
Steps to Override the Sensors Using the Wall Button:
- Press and Hold the Wall Button
- Instead of pressing it once, hold it down continuously until the door fully closes.
- Release After Closing
- The door should close completely, bypassing the safety sensors.
This method only works when using the wall control button and does not work with remote controls.
Method 3: Aligning the Safety Sensors Temporarily
Sometimes, the sensors may not actually be faulty but just misaligned. Instead of bypassing them completely, try these troubleshooting steps first:
Steps to Realign the Sensors:
- Check for Obstructions
- Remove any objects blocking the beam.
- Inspect Sensor Alignment
- Ensure both sensors are facing each other directly and their indicator lights are on.
- Clean the Lenses
- Dust or dirt on the lenses can disrupt the beam. Wipe them with a soft cloth.
- Secure Loose Wiring
- Ensure the sensor wires are not loose or damaged.
If these steps don’t work, you may need to bypass the sensors temporarily until a replacement is installed.
Risks of Bypassing the Safety Beam
While bypassing the safety beam may seem like a quick fix, it comes with serious risks, including:
- Increased chance of accidents – The door can close on people, pets, or objects.
- Voiding warranty – Modifying safety features may void the garage door opener’s warranty.
- Legal issues – In some areas, tampering with safety systems violates building codes.
Because of these risks, bypassing the safety beam should only be a temporary solution while troubleshooting sensor issues.
Alternatives to Bypassing the Safety Beam
If you are experiencing problems with the safety beam but don’t want to bypass it, here are some alternative solutions:
- Replace Faulty Sensors
- If the sensors are broken, replacing them with new ones can restore normal function.
- Check and Fix Wiring Issues
- Loose or damaged wiring can cause the sensors to malfunction. Inspect and fix any wiring problems.
- Upgrade to a Newer Genie Opener
- If your Genie garage door opener is old, upgrading to a newer model may improve performance and safety.
Final Thoughts: When to Bypass vs. When to Fix the Sensors
Knowing how to bypass the safety beam on a Genie garage door opener can be useful in emergencies or troubleshooting. However, bypassing should never be a permanent solution due to the safety risks involved.
Use these guidelines:
✅ Bypass only if necessary and temporarily.
✅ Try troubleshooting (alignment, cleaning, wiring checks) before bypassing.
✅ Replace faulty sensors instead of permanently disabling them.
✅ Use the manual override button for a quick workaround if available.
If you are unsure about bypassing or fixing the issue yourself, contact a professional garage door technician for assistance.
By following this guide, you can safely manage temporary sensor issues while ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of your Genie garage door opener.
