During the closing cycle, what feature should inspectors test for on a garage door?

The auto-reverse safety feature is a critical aspect of a garage door's operation that ensures safety for users. This feature is designed to prevent the door from closing on an object or a person. If the door encounters resistance while closing, the auto-reverse mechanism activates, causing the door to automatically reverse its direction and reopen. This crucial safety measure protects both people and pets from injury.

In addition to its function of enhancing safety, testing the auto-reverse feature is often mandated by building codes and safety regulations for residential garage doors. Home inspectors must verify that this feature is operational as part of their assessment to ensure that the garage door is compliant with current safety standards.

While other features like the manual lock, emergency stop, and motor function are important for overall operation and security, they do not specifically address the immediate safety concerns of a closing garage door. The auto-reverse safety feature prioritizes the protection of individuals in the vicinity of the garage door, making it the primary focus during inspections.