Photo Eye / Entrapment Device Setup

Plan the sensor layout

Determine the mounting locations for the sending and receiving photo eye units — one on each side of the door opening. The sensors must be mounted no more than 6 inches above the floor, with the infrared beam crossing the full width of the opening. Plan the wire routing path from each sensor to the operator unit, keeping low-voltage wiring separated from line-voltage wiring by at least 12 inches.

Mount the sensor brackets

Install the mounting brackets on the door frame, wall, or track angle at the planned locations. Use the hardware provided with the sensor kit. For masonry or steel jambs, pre-drill with the appropriate bit. Ensure both brackets are at the same height so the beam will be level. Use a tape measure to verify equal height from the floor on both sides.

Install the sending and receiving sensors

Clip or screw the sending (transmitter) and receiving (detector) units into their respective brackets. The sending unit emits the infrared beam; the receiving unit detects it. Consult the manufacturer's instructions to identify which is which — they are typically labeled or color-coded. Aim both sensors directly at each other across the door opening.

Run low-voltage wiring to the operator

Route the sensor wires from each photo eye unit to the operator. Secure the wiring along the wall, track angle, or ceiling using cable staples or wire clips at regular intervals. Leave a small service loop at each sensor for future maintenance. Do not run sensor wires through the same conduit or raceway as line-voltage wiring. Strip the wire ends and prepare for connection.

Connect wiring to the operator terminals

Connect the sensor wires to the operator's safety input terminals per the manufacturer's wiring diagram. Most residential operators use a simple 2-wire or 4-wire connection (white wire to white terminal, white-black wire to the corresponding terminal). For commercial operators, connect to the monitored safety input terminals. Secure all connections with wire nuts or terminal screws and verify there are no loose strands or exposed copper.

Align the photo eye sensors

Power up the operator. Check the LED indicator lights on each sensor. Typically, the sending unit has a steady LED when powered, and the receiving unit has a steady LED when aligned and receiving the beam (blinking if misaligned). Adjust the sensor aim by gently tilting the brackets or sensors until the receiving unit shows a steady LED. Walk back and forth through the beam to verify it trips reliably. Fine-tune alignment if the receiving LED is intermittent.

Test photo eye reversal during close cycle

Initiate a close cycle on the operator. While the door is closing, break the photo eye beam by passing your hand or an object through it. The door must reverse immediately and return to the full open position. Test this at least 3 times. If the door does not reverse, check wiring connections, sensor alignment, and operator safety settings. Do not proceed until reversal works reliably.

Test with an obstruction on the floor

Place a 2x4 piece of lumber flat on the floor in the center of the door path. Initiate a close cycle. The photo eye beam, at 6 inches or lower, should detect the obstruction and reverse the door before contact. If using the mechanical auto-reverse as a secondary test, the door must also reverse upon contacting the 1.5-inch tall 2x4. Both tests should pass.

Install and test monitored sensing edges (if applicable)

For commercial doors requiring monitored sensing edges, install the sensing edge on the bottom edge of the door per the manufacturer's instructions. Route the sensing edge wiring through the door sections and connect to the operator's monitored input terminals. The operator must detect if the sensing edge is disconnected or fails — test by disconnecting the edge and verifying the operator will not close the door. Reconnect and verify the door reverses when the edge contacts an obstruction.

Verify constant-pressure mode for commercial applications

For commercial operators without monitored entrapment devices, verify the operator is configured for constant-pressure (dead-man) close mode per UL 325. The door should only close while the close button is continuously held. Releasing the button must stop the door immediately. This mode is required when monitored photo eyes or sensing edges are not installed on commercial applications.

Document test results and label the installation

Record all safety device test results including photo eye reversal, obstruction test, sensing edge test (if applicable), and operating mode verification. Note the date, technician name, and any adjustments made. Affix or verify UL 325 warning labels near each control station. Provide the building owner or homeowner with documentation of the safety device tests and instructions for monthly testing.