Limit switch for shutting lights off above when garage door is up?

[Beal095]

Hi guys,

I’m putting high bay LED lights up in my shop. Is there a switch made that will shut the lights off that are above the garage door when it’s rolled up? When door is in the up position, it covers 2 of the high bay lights and is pretty close to them. Or should I just wire those 2 lights on a switch by the garage door?

 

[Bert_]

Why worry about shutting them off at all?

 

[Norcal]

It can be done but a separate switch will be much more economical. Edit: Bert's above comment is worth noting also.

 

[Innovate1]

How close? With LEDs I wouldn't think the heating would be an issue. But if you really want them off you could put things together to make it happen. They make lever operated switches but the variation of travel might be too much. They make them with spring levers so a long one might be your easiest solution. You could also use a low voltage door sensor and a relay.

This is probably overkill but the type of switch for line voltage:

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/sensors_-z-_encoders/limit_switches/eaton_nema_limit_switches/360_degree_rod_-a-_spring/f25aw4

 

[Beal095]

Thanks, I used a color matched (brown colored) Clopay 14x14 garage door on the front of my shop to match the house. I was more worried about it fading the color in spots on the door. In the evenings we’ll have it up a lot I'm sure. Easiest thing is to put those two on a switch beside the garage door.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Seems that these will switch that current and are only about $20 each.

BTW - just out of curiosity - what would be the 100% compliant way to use one of these given that they're probably not listed for this sort of residential use? When I worked in a factory we could build all kinds of equipment out of these components and I don't recall any kind of certification on them, but tying them into residential use under the NEC seems like you'd need compliant cabling and connectors, etc.

 

[56Mark]

Ever look at home automation hubs? Probably the most expensive way to go, but can be used for lots of other things too. They make battery tilt switches to mount on garage doors that send a signal to the hub, then you need a plug or switch that is connected to the lights. You then program the hub to turn that switch off IF the door is up, or any other conditions you want. I have recently added a Hubitat Elevation hub. There is a learning curve to program it, but almost unlimited what you can make it do. It also interfaces to lots of things like Alexa and Google home so that you can voice control almost anything.

 

[yatg]

Maybe this. Basically a remotely placed low voltage alarm contact that will switch a 120v load. Cut sheet says its good for 5A.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0158XMF88/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Needs to be a CLC106NC, not CLC106, so the light is on when the contact is closed.

 

[rsanter]

How about a normally open switch that is used when the garage door is down.
When closed the switch is contacted (closed) that routes power to those lights.
Then when open the circuit is broken

 

[cstmg8]

Simple, we use them on most elevators you ride on. Just mount one of these on the track where the top of the door opens to. Run the light power through it.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Beal095]

******Edit, found them. (ME-8104).

That looks like what I need. That pic is pretty grainy and can’t make out the info. Can you post or PM me a brand/part number? Thanks.

 

[cstmg8]

Sorry about that, it was just a screenshot off Amazon. Must be because I chose the small size.
Really any roller arm/cam switch would work as long as it's rated for 120v.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Git]

Ever look at home automation hubs? Probably the most expensive way to go, but can be used for lots of other things too. They make battery tilt switches to mount on garage doors that send a signal to the hub, then you need a plug or switch that is connected to the lights. You then program the hub to turn that switch off IF the door is up, or any other conditions you want. I have recently added a Hubitat Elevation hub. There is a learning curve to program it, but almost unlimited what you can make it do. It also interfaces to lots of things like Alexa and Google home so that you can voice control almost anything.

^ This
You may be surprised by what you can do once you go down this road. I am a big Z-Wave fan

 

[dcg9381]

If you can put an outlet on those lights (that's what I did with my LEDs) there are lots of home automation options that include magnetic sensors.. My guess is $40 for a sensor and switch... Door up, trips sensor, socket turns off.

 

[ard]

^ This
You may be surprised by what you can do once you go down this road. I am a big Z-Wave fan

I was thinking the same thing... simple routine on my homeseer, especially if the garage door is controlled by the hub already. ie "If door open, light off" "If door closed and light switch on, light on"