Silly garage door opener question

[smalltown]

Plotting out just exactly where to install new ceiling lighting fixtures (4' maxlite). Presently I do not have motorized garage door openers, but they are on my list. In the meantime it was suggested that I install fixtures about 3' in from the garage door. The fixtures will be perpendicular to the garage door.

Can I gauge how far down from the ceiling the garage door opener, and its parts will hang by my current manual door opening hardware? I just want to be sure that when I do install the opener that it will not cause any issues with the soon to be installed lights.

P.S Just trying to avoid that "never thought of that" issue that always seems to crop up near the end.

 

[-Brent-]

Also consider a jackshaft opener, if possible.

 

[JTG]

Also consider a jackshaft opener, if possible.

+1 I didn't know these existed until recently. Just another thing I want to buy because of garage journal. These have a few advantages over a traditional opener. They are quieter and more secure (not as easy for burgalers). The bigger advantages is they are not in the way. The other big advantage is if you want to move your door up to get the tracks closer to the ceiling these are your only option.

 

[smalltown]

Took a quick look to see just what a jackshaft opener is. Looks like you need an install that has a torsion bar at the top. Mine does not. Nice looking opener though !

 

[MikeF2316]

Also consider a jackshaft opener, if possible.

+1 I didn't know these existed until recently. Just another thing I want to buy because of garage journal. These have a few advantages over a traditional opener. They are quieter and more secure (not as easy for burgalers). The bigger advantages is they are not in the way. The other big advantage is if you want to move your door up to get the tracks closer to the ceiling these are your only option.

Ahh, man, now I want one. They're similar to the commercial ones you see with the belt drive and a hanging chain for manual backup.

 

[kbs2244]

Just open the door and measure from the door to the ceiling.

Then if you keep the low part of the light above that high point you should be OK.

 

[rharman]

I would think you'd have plenty of room if mount your fixtures flush to the ceiling. The track should run under them.

Too bad you can't use the jackshaft opener. I replaced my old C-Man belt drive with a LiftMaster 8500 (jackshaft) a couple of months ago. I love it. Every time I open the garage door, I just smile.

Anyone considering a LiftMaster 8500, try here: http://www.weshipgaragedoorparts.com/

Great prices, excellent service.

 

[jacksonnoah11]

He was not able to get the garage door to go up because the automatic door opener