![]() Usually,it’s as simple as selected “Add device” and then pressing the button on the front of the outlet. Add the new outlet to your home automation hub using the instructions for your hub.Mount the relay somewhere on your garage door opener.Strip 1/4-1/2″ from both ends of the signal wire that you’re using and connect it from the relay common and normally opened (NO) terminals to the terminals on the garage door that you identified via the manual or by following the existing wires back to the opener.This voltage is what causes the relay’s switch to open. Cut the power cord to length and strip 1/4″ from the cut end of the cord, then connect those across the coil of the relay.If you have something different and don’t know what you’re looking at, seek help before flying blind! It will simply be white to white, black to black, and green to bare copper in most cases. For the one listed above:Use the included wire nuts to connect the flying leads (fancy name for wires attached to the switch) to the wires in the outlet box. Follow the instructions to install the smart outlet.Turn off the power to the outlet that controls your garage door opener at the breaker (always test that it’s actually off before starting your work).Screwdriver (Philips + flat to be sure).We’ll go through the steps to install everything in that order.įirst, here are the tools that you’ll need: You can probably tell where this is going, but we’ll be using the smart outlet to control the relay, which then sends the signal to the garage door opener to open and close. Setting up Your DIY Smart Garage Door Opener There’s a workaround possible, but it does add some complexity. If your hub doesn’t support that level of programming, don’t sweat it. Consider it a virtual momentary contact switch. So, we’ll have to do some work on the hub side to make our switch close and then reopen so that the garage door doesn’t get confused and reverse the initial command. The default control for smart outlets is to turn on and stay on. ![]() That way, you can still use the manual controls if you need to. We will be using those terminals to connect our “smart switch” in parallel with (AKA at the same time as) your existing garage door controls. Then, it does the work of talking to the opener for you! What to do if you don’t have exposed open/close terminalsĮven if you have a system that sends a code to the opener from the keypad, you can still connect to the keypad itself to simulate a button press. I say usually because you may have a wireless opener (especially if it requires power or batteries), in which case you should definitely heed the warning below. They usually connect via a wire to two terminals on your garage door opener. The button on your wall that controls your garage doors are most likely momentary contact (normally open, often abbreviated as NO) single pole, single throw (SPST) switches. I will warn you that the shipping on that particular relay took forever, slow boat from China speed! How Does it Work? You may notice, I’m using a hair dryer cord. Occasionally, I am glad I threw them in the shop. Please don’t laugh at me for keeping dead electronics. ![]() Possibly mounting hardware for the relay – Zip ties will work if you have them, as will a nut and bolt.The outlet I picked up requires a square cover, which was different than what I had originally installed. Possibly a new outlet cover ($2) – This would have saved me a trip to the store, so I’m including it here.Probably an electrical box – to throw all of the stuff into. ![]() You can use the same size as the wire used to connect the existing garage door controls so that you know it’s sized correctly. Small wire (~22 AWG) – This is to connect the relay to your garage door opener.I used a Z-Wave outlet, but you could get a WeMo (WiFi), Insteon, or proprietary outlet that works with your home automation hub and easily links to other smart home devices. Smart outlet or plug ($29-45) – Here’s where you choose your protocol.It happened to come with a nice terminal block that made making connections much easier. 120 VAC relay for the US ($5) – the link is to the one I picked that came with a handy terminal block, any will work as long as the coil voltage will work for your power source.This post covers : DIY Smart Garage Door Opener Shopping List You may also check our other post for tips on how to lock your garage door using supplemental locks. ![]() We’ll cover the installation and setup in detailed steps so that anybody can make garage door smart. Want a Homekit garage door opener? No problem! Now, instead of turning around or leaving your garage and house vulnerable to thieves, you can check and close it with your phone with your choice of home automation protocol! I know you’ve gotten 5 minutes down the road and asked yourself, “Did I close the garage door?”. ![]()
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