Why is one garage sensor green and the other yellow?

Answered by John Hunt

One garage sensor is green and the other is yellow because they serve different purposes in the operation of the garage door system. The green sensor is the receiving sensor, while the yellow sensor is the transmitter.

The purpose of the receiving sensor, which has the green light, is to detect the signal sent by the transmitter sensor. It acts as a receiver and is responsible for receiving the signal and sending it to the control unit of the garage door opener. This sensor is typically placed on the opposite side of the garage door, and its main function is to ensure that nothing obstructs the path of the closing door. If the receiving sensor detects an obstruction, it will send a signal to the control unit to stop the door from closing, preventing any accidents or damage.

On the other hand, the transmitter sensor, which has the yellow light, is responsible for sending out the signal that the receiving sensor picks up. It emits an infrared beam that is aimed towards the receiving sensor. When the beam is uninterrupted, the receiving sensor receives the signal and the garage door can operate normally. However, if something obstructs the beam, such as a person or an object, the receiving sensor will not detect the signal and the door will not close.

The reason for using different colored lights for the two sensors is to provide a visual indication of their respective functions. By having a green light on the receiving sensor and a yellow light on the transmitter sensor, it becomes easier to identify and differentiate between the two. When both sensors are functioning properly, their lights will create a solid illumination, indicating that the garage door is in a safe operating state.

In my personal experience, the different colored lights on the garage door sensors have been helpful in troubleshooting issues with the door’s operation. If the lights are not illuminated or are blinking, it can indicate a problem with the sensors or their alignment. By understanding the purpose of each sensor and the meaning behind the different colored lights, it becomes easier to diagnose and resolve any issues that may arise.

To summarize, the green and yellow lights on the garage door sensors serve to differentiate the receiving and transmitting functions of each sensor. The green light indicates the receiving sensor, which detects the signal sent by the transmitter sensor. The yellow light indicates the transmitter sensor, which sends out the signal for the receiving sensor to detect. The use of different colored lights provides a visual indication of the sensors’ functions and helps ensure the safe operation of the garage door.