Aux lighting off a garage opener

[Ivan DeSlayer]

Like the title says I have a breezeway between my house and garage and my wife would like it if the breezeway where lit when the garage door opener is activated. I've done some searches and I'm not finding anything that would satisfy that. So I'm looking for suggestions. My current opener is your standard Craftsmen opener with dual bulbs.

 

[djkyle65]

How about using a motion detection light switch that would detect the motion of the door

 

[ddawg16]

I can think of a lot of ways to do this......which way you go depends on your electrical abilities and how much you want to spend.

Motion light is most likely the cheapest and easiest.

You could wire in a parallel set of wires from your opener (requires you to remove the case to attach wires)...run the wires in conduit over to where you want the light.

I load sensing switch (sears sells them for vac systems) connected to a time delay relay. Relay comes on when the switch detects the opener operating and keeps the light on for a few minutes.

A wireless remote switch in the garage to turn on the light. Mount it by the door...when she walks out...hit the switch...put another one in the house.

I bet the motion detector is looking much better now.

 

[BHR4CE1]

Some openers offer an auxiliary light that just needs power and will turn on when the garage is opened. They also have motion sensing. See below:

http://www.liftmaster.com/consumerweb/pages/accessoriesmodeldetail.aspx?modelId=851

 

[Ivan DeSlayer]

Yeah the motion sensor is looking alot better. Guess I'll get one of the smaller ones and cut it up as needed. Thanks everyone.

 

[kbs2244]

I just put a extension cord into an adaptor screwed into the bulb socket.

 

[kywildcat]

My motion sensors work fine......soon as we come out the door, it's lit up good a bright.

 

[Phabask]

see if you opener has some aux contacts to wire into garage and breeze way lite, or tap into the lighting circuit or use relay wired into the lighting circuit on the opener. some openers contacts wont carry to large of a load.