tip over switch

[dguzzi]

I want to find a way to make a bracket for a mercury switch so I know my garage door is down and secure. I know its simple but rather than trial and error I thought I would ask for help.
Door down, toggle, door up gravity tips it.

 

[StreetGLi]

Why don't you just install a smart door sensor? Magnetic and WiFi. You'll know anytime your door opens no matter where you are.

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[dguzzi]

Because I don't need bells and whistles.

 

[Jking24]

What are you planning on actuating with it. Does it need to carry the load if so how much i have these on my doors their rated for 2 amps each. SM-226L-3Q Seco-Larm Overhead Door Mount N.C. Magnetic Contact w/ 3 Wires for N.O./N.C. Applications

 

[nh_yota]

Why not use a magnetic proximity switch like every alarm installer does?

 

[rlitman]

Because I don't need bells and whistles.

You kind of do. What good is the switch on the door going to do for you, when you don't have power/wiring on the door?

There's a reason that magnet switches are mounted and mounted on the wall/floor, with only the magnet on the door.

That being said, you gave me weird idea. I actually DO have an outlet on my garage door. I hung a cord reel from the end of my track, and disabled the ratchet mechanism (ok, I just used an old cord reel with a broken ratchet), and use it to power both a shop light and fan mounted on my door. I could use an old mercury switch (I've got a few stored away) to shut these off when the door closes. I may just do that...

 

[engineer2]

Installing a wired tilt switch on your door would be difficult and unreliable due to the wiring. Better to have the switch mounted off to the side and have an arm on the door tip it, if that is what you want to do. As said, there are better ways to do it. Google "garage door magnetic switch"

 

[JSGAuto]

I am not a person that likes "smart" things, but this is what you need.....


$40
https://www.getroost.com/product-garagedoor.html

I also bought the batteries to turn regular smoke detectors into smart ones. It's like a personal fire alarm when away from home...and cheaper then a service.

https://www.getroost.com/product-battery.html

 

[dguzzi]

I just need the mount to toggle the switch, i have everything else. Its 24v and LED. Maybe a relay.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Do you want this setup so that if you see the LED light on/off that you will know the door is closed or open?

Jim

 

[AE2]

https://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-CLDM1-Clicker-Garage-Monitor/dp/B0002YX7MM

 

[dguzzi]

Off is closed. I might even use a battery instead of a power supply. Since the switch I have has 2 sets of contacts it might be useful as a faux alarm light. (don't tell anyone)

 

[nadogail]

Good Luck with finding a solution that uses the bits and pieces you already have.

 

[dguzzi]

I'm not "finding" anything! I just want to make a bracket!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'm not "finding" anything! I just want to make a bracket!

So make a bracket.
A simple hinge with an actuator arm that the bottom roller hits so it tips (turns off) when the door is closed. Gravity will open it when the door is open.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Plenty of ideas here: www.rubegoldberg.com

 

[slow]

If you do not often stop the door in the middle, it would be easy to make a top of travel switch for the garage door. We had a square D limit switch mounted in our garage door track for 30 years at my parents house. Turns on a fan if the garage door is open. Could do the same with a lever and your mercury switch. Now it will only tell if open vs closed, but my door is either in full up or down position. Your results may vary.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

I believe this is what you want.
You have a mercury switch like the one in my garage thermostat, right? Glass vial of mercury, two wires. You have 24v source and led light, right? Two wires go from supply to led light. Cut one wire, insert switch. When switch is upright, mercury is across it's leads, switch is closed, led lights. Switch tilted mercury flows away from it's leads, switch is open, led light is off.
Simple.
Bear in mind, those mercury switches are low current, my guess 500mA (1/2A) max.
So be sure led light isn't much current draw otherwise you will need a relay, 24v coil, contacts over current draw of light.
A bracket? That's the easy part! Just "mount" switch to door temporarily with tape. Use ohm meter. Tape how you want it to operate. Light on (switch closed, about zero ohms)...open door, switch open, infinity resistance). Once you get it way you want, make a bracket mounting switch that way. Of course you have to consider how/where the two wires will be so door works, wires don't get pinched or interfere with door movement.

Hope this helps...

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[dguzzi]

Thanks sevenhills, thats pretty close. I think I just need to experiment.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

You're welcome. How much current does LED light draw?

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[coljar]

Because I don't need bells and whistles.

Having a garage door opener is "bells and whistles" for me. I've never had one until 3 months ago and I'm 62, and I might be the only one on the street that has one.

 

[DRP6833]

I've been meaning to do this in my garage.