a wireless safety system for a garage door opener adapted for use at least in part with an independent energy source is provided . the wireless safety system includes a control circuit for controlling movement of the garage door . an activation member provides an input to the control circuit to initiate motion of the garage door . a detecting member detects whether an obstruction is provided in the path of the garage door . the detecting member includes a first state , wherein the detection member does not detect obstructions and consumes minimal energy , and a second state wherein the detection member detects obstructions . the detection member is selectively switchable between the first state and the second state by the control circuit .