40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

What is a requirement for automatic motorized garage door operators?

1. They must close without any obstruction

2. They must reverse direction automatically if obstructed

3. They can be less than 1/3 horsepower

4. They do not need to be inspected annually

The correct answer is: They must reverse direction automatically if obstructed

Automatic motorized garage door operators are required to reverse direction automatically if they encounter an obstruction during closing. This requirement is primarily focused on safety, as it helps to prevent injuries or damage by ensuring that if a person, pet, or object is in the path of the door when it is closing, the door will stop and reverse instead of continuing to close, which could cause harm or damage. This safety feature is critical and often enforced by local building codes and standards, such as those established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). By mandating that garage door operators reverse direction if obstructed, regulations aim to minimize the risk of accidents, making these mechanisms safer for homeowners and their families. In contrast, other requirements mentioned may not necessarily contribute directly to safety in the same way. For instance, while closing without obstruction is important, the primary safety measure comes from the automatic reversal mechanism. Additionally, horsepower requirements or inspection frequency relate to performance and maintenance but do not specifically address the immediate safety concerns associated with the operation of garage door systems.