Liftmaster 8500w - Alternative Power System?

[Don Nguyen]

I have an 8500w that I wanted to install, but there isn't an outlet nearby, as the story typically goes. I saw that the older 8500 model had an alternative power system (580lm), which was able to power the garage opener using a low voltage 24v transformer. However, it doesn't look like this would work directly. Does anyone who have an 8500w was able to get the 580LM unit to work?

The distance from the outlet to the motor is 15'. I am not sure if it would be safe to change out the original power cord to one that would be the length I need? Any other alternatives to consider before having an electrician come by to install an outlet closer?

 

[Don Nguyen]

No worries. I actually won't need to touch the garage spring to install this garage opener. In the part you quoted, I was seeing if it would be safe to replace the original electrical cord with one in that length I needed. Not sure if that is still called or considered an extension cord?

 

[pmiranda]

Why not run (or pay somebody to run) some EMT to where you need the outlet from an existing junction box location? You'll need a few bits of hardware to do it right, but when done right, it will look right, and you can prime and paint the EMT to blend in with the wall if you care.
One thing I do know about jackshaft openers is that if they're not installed correctly, they can unload the tension on one or both cables, causing them to slip off the drums and that can be very dangerous. A typical track style (chain, belt, or whatever) opener doesn't have that problem so it's a little more DIY-friendly.

 

[dr bob]

Absolutely it's fine to replace the short original power cable with a longer one. At least electrically OK. Better to add some structural wiring to properly install an outlet immediately adjacent to the new location. Part of the 8500 justification is cleaning up the ceiling over the car. Power cable looped over stuff and stapled to the ceiling? No better than just using a 12ga extension cord really. In my casual opinion anyway.

Consider that the wiring for the remote station and the safety eyes used to go to the same place where the current outlet lives. Look carefully at how you want to make those low-voltage connections. Yes, you can splice into some of the old wiring and staple it to the ceiling and front wall, but what's the fun in that? Better will be to pull new low-voltage cable in the ceiling and wall, along a parallel path with extending the power wiring to the new location. Tuck it all up safely in the ceiling, with no chance that anything will accidentally dangle into the path of the door. Remember also that the existing outlet in the ceiling will be at about the perfect spot to install the lamp module for the opener.

I'll echo the recommendations that suggest a pro installer. Depending on the age and cycle life of the installed springs, it's a great time to consider replacement while you are up there. Balancing the springs and door is pretty important with jackshaft openers, as is correctly setting the travel limits on the opener itself. This is all within the capability of most folks here, with a couple safety considerations. Lots of stored energy in the springs, easily enough to do some serious bodily damage to the careless.


Do it like you mean it.