Garage Door Wiring Type for Both Opener and Sensors?
jay65
| Posted in General Discussion on
Before I put up drywall in the garage, I’d like to run the wiring for the garage door sensors and opener button in the walls so its nicely hidden and looks clean. However, I was reading online that I should use “2 conductor color coded 22 gauge bell” wire. When I went to home depot, the only bell wire I see is 20 gauge. The 22 gauge is not called bell wire (I think it’s called security wire or something like that) and it looks different too. The home depot guy said he’s only heard of 20/2 gauge bell wire and not 22/2 gauge. Am i fine with the 20 gauge? On amazon, I saw universal garage door wiring for sale, but that was 24 gauge! So I’m confused.
Replies
You can always go with larger (smaller number) wire. one size smaller might work ok, but it depends on the length. better to err on the larger side.
twist the conductors together to minimize interference.
color coding is nice to help keep track of polarity.
Use thermostat wire. At least 2 pair (4 wire). 18 gague is common. Unlike bell wire it has an outer jacket. The extra wires give you back up in case of damage or failure.
I like the idea that it has an outer jacket. I saw thermostat wire at lowes - definitely thicker than bell wire. I hope that will still work, even though its a thicker gauge wire.
It will be fine.
Make sure to label the ends before the drywall goes up.
This will save you some time when you go to hook everything up.