okay, i would like some advice on how to solve this issue…
i want to be able to lock / disable my garage door openers (from the inside) so the doors can’t be opened via remote. sometimes when i’m in there, i want my dog with me, and if the door were to open he would probably take off.
Since each garage door has a single outlet located just above the opener I was thinking of pushing the electrical box out with a metal box, running armor clad to a wall switch box, where i can flick a switch to break the circuit that supplies the garage door opener…. seems kind of odd. but is there a better way? my old opener had a switch on the wired remote that locked the door.
any help would be great.
thanks.
mike.
Replies
Rather than cutting the power to the box that the opener is plugged into, how about installing a switch in the line that goes from the receiver to the opener.
The receiver is wireless with respect to the remote, but it sends a signal to the opener via a wire. At least that's how mine works.
-Don
That only works if the receiver is a separate box. Most aren't.The only problem with switching the main power is that some units may "forget" their codes if power is off for longer than a few hours.
I've put a switch in on garage doors before. It can be handy if the door malfunctions. But newer doors aren't as prone to problems, so it might not be necessary for that reason. I used a 20 amp switch, just to make sure it didn't burn up.
Some openers have a "lockout" button on the internal keypad which prevents remotes from working. That might be worth looking into if you need a new opener.
Another blazingly simple approach is to simply drill a hole through one of the rails and put a bolt in there, such that it will stop the upward motion of the door after an inch or two. The auto-reverse will sense the bolt and stop the door if it is actuated.
Doesn't it have a release so you can operate the door manually.
Michael,
When I want to "disable" mine, vacations etc, all I do is lock the door. The opener might try to open it but the overload will shut it right off. This method requires no work whatsoever (other than a twist of the hand to lock the door)
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md
Depending on a safety device to trip for normal operation is unwise. It's like turning off a circuit breaker by sticking a bobby pin in a socket, or shutting off your automobile engine by popping the clutch. Safety devices are not designed to be operating controls.
Every brand and unit I've seen plugs in. Pull the plug. If it doesn't have a plug, install a switch.
But this is a safety device -- to prevent opening in case of a glitch or code-catcher attack. Depending on the auto-stop/reverse is not unreasonable.
I agree with MichealJacob--just pull the red handle that disengages the motor from the door. Simple as pie.
After pulling the disengagement handle the door would need to be locked. Otherwise, it could just be lifted from the outside by the handle.
Liftmaster openers have vacation mode that disables the remotes but allows the interior buttons to work. The up function is not a safety device but a thermal switch. If you have steel doors , lock them and the operator functions you will crease the upper panel, operator force is pull back before pull up. If the ones you have don't have sensor beams at the track bottoms you may as well upgrade for safety's sake.
Can't you just get a long leash?
thats too easy. looks like my broken power circuit is looking like the best idea so far.