How to Activate a Garage Light from the Garage Door Opener
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Here is a easy solution to activate a separate garage light that would be triggered by the garage door opener using a socket adapter that can be connected to any light fixture and operated by your garage door opener. © By: Dave Rongey |
Garage Light Activated by the Automatic Door Opener
Electrical Question: Is there an RF switch system I can use to turn on a light near my garage door lift motor and light?
The light would be nearby & plugged into an unswitched wall outlet.
The garage door opener light is too dim, so I want to trigger a brighter light.
I would envision the fr switch to be triggered by the opener light circuit that comes on when the door is opened or closed & shut off when the opener light shuts off automatically after a minute or so.
John
This electrical wiring question came from: John, a Homeowner from Bellevue, Washington
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question John
Garage Light Activated by the Automatic Door Opener
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate to Advanced
TOOLS
Basic electrician’s pouch, for finish wiring
Here is a easy solution to activate a separate garage light that would be triggered by the garage door opener
PARTS LIST
- Screw in A-base light bulb socket adapter with 2-wire leads.
- Junction box enclosure and cover, 6 x 6 x 4 inches.
- Insulated cords connectors.
- 14-3 SO or SJ cord.
- 120 volt SPST Relay, 15 amp contacts, 60 watt or less coil.
- Relay base for above relay.
- A power cord, 120 volt, 15 amp rated, 4 to 6 feet long, same as used for dishwashers and disposals.
- The additional light fixture you have in mind, my choice would be a surface mounted 4 foot, 2-tube fluorescent shop light style.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Identify and disconnect the power to the garage door opener circuit.
- Remove the door opener light bulb.
- Insert the a-base light bulb adapter.
- Mount the junction box near the garage door opener making sure that is will not be affected by the door opener or the travel of the garage door system or moving parts.
- The lead wires from the A-base socket adapter would be routed to the junction box and should be protected between the door opener and the junction box using flexible PVC conduit and connector hardware, as per the installation.
- Mount the new fluorescent light fixture close to the junction box using wood screws to ceiling joists of use toggle bolts.
- The plug on cord of the shop light would be removed and the cord inserted into the junction box using an insulated cord connector.
- The pigtail cord would be installed into the junction box using using an insulated cord connector.
WIRING CONNECTIONS
- All the ground wires must be connected together and bonded to the junction box enclosure.
- Mount the relay base into the center area of the junction box.
- Connect the power leads from the A-base socket adapter to the relay coil terminals on the relay base.
- The neutral wires of the power cord and the light fixture cord are connected together.
- The remaining wire of the power cord connects to the terminal on the relay base of the “COMMON” of the SPST Contacts.
- The remaining wire of the light fixture cord connects to the “NO” (Normally Open) of the SPST Contacts.
WRAPPING IT UP
- Plug the relay into the relay base.
- Place the cover onto the junction box.
- The Pigtail will plug into the same power source as the garage door opener, typically a ceiling mounted duplex receptacle.
- The new light fixture will now be operated by the garage door opener.
IMPORTANT
Altering the garage door opener and the cord of the light fixture may void their warranties.
RESOURCES
Understanding Electrical Relays
The use of relays that are sometimes needed to control special device loads such as Air Conditioners and other high demand equipment from starting at the same time.
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Electrical Circuit Wiring
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring
Garage Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
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