Take Control of Your Garage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wiring an Electric Garage Door Opener

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Installing an electric garage door opener is a great way to upgrade the security of your home. Doing the wiring yourself is not a difficult task, but it does require some preparation and knowledge. With the right approach, you can make sure that the electric garage door opener is correctly wired and ready to use.

Before starting any electrical work, it’s important to turn off the power at the main circuit breaker to avoid any potential electric hazards. After turning off the power, place some tape around the circuit breaker so that no one else turns it on while you are working.

Next, locate the electrical outlet that is closest to your garage door opener. Carefully unscrew the faceplate and remove the two screws holding the outlet in place. Use a voltage meter to make sure that the electricity is off, and then pull out the outlet.

Take Control of Your Garage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wiring an Electric Garage Door Opener

At the installation site for the new outlet and electric garage door opener, choose a location that is convenient, secure, and away from any potential electric hazards. If possible, secure a metal box as the mounting point for the new outlet, as metal boxes resist mold and water infiltration better than plastic.

Take Control of Your Garage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wiring an Electric Garage Door Opener

From there, connect the insulation-covered wire to the nearest outlet, and then thread the wire through the conduit and secure the outlet to the back of the box. Strip 3/4 of an inch of the insulation away, exposing the bare copper, and connect the corresponding wires to the outlet. Make sure to connect the white wire to the white connection, the black wire to the black connection, and the green wire to a brass or green screw.

Then, connect the exposed copper wires to the electric garage door opener. Strip 3/4 of an inch of insulation away from the end of the wire and connect the wires to the corresponding screws on the opener. Push the wires into the electrical box, secure the outlet to the box with two screws, and attach the faceplate.

Take Control of Your Garage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wiring an Electric Garage Door Opener

Finally, plug the electric garage door opener into the outlet and turn the power back on. Test out the operation of the opener, and if it works correctly, you’ll know that the opener is wired correctly.

Overall, wiring an electric garage door opener is not a difficult task for most DIY homeowners. With the right tools and preparation, you can get the job done quickly and safely. Make sure to turn off the main circuit breaker before beginning any electrical work, and don’t forget to connect the corresponding wires and secure the outlet correctly to the nearest wall or joist. With the new outlet correctly wired, you will be able to securely and conveniently open your garage door with an electric opener.

  • May 30, 2020