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About Master Bob
Expertise
Master Electrician / Owner RKO Electric (USA Only) - can answer most of the typical residential, commercial and industrial electrical questions regarding new installations, wiring additions, lighting, switches and receptacle outlets and electrical upgrades of any nature.I will make every effort to respond to your questions as soon as possible at the end of the work day...very busy electrical company - your patience is appreciated. Stop by and see us at: www.rkoelectric.com

Experience
Licensed Master Electrician with over 32 years licensed experience - updated with the latest NEC Codes every 3 years. Over see the daily electrical operations of two electrical companies. Also serve as a judge (for Electrical Contracting Products Magazine) to help select which new products are fit and safe for electricians and the electrical market.
 
   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home > Extra wired button for garage door opener

Electrical Wiring in the Home - Extra wired button for garage door opener


Expert: Master Bob - 4/17/2004

Question
I have an older Moore-o-matic screw drive door opener in my garage with a single wired button near my kitchen door into the house. I'd like to add a second wired button just inside the overhead door, so I can close it when I'm leaving with my bike, etc.

The exisiting button is wired to some tabs on the back of the head unit. there are four tabs labeled 0-1-2-3 and there is a little "PB" above tabs #1 and #2.  The exisiting button, which works fine, is connected to tabs 1 and 2.

I tried using some small #20 gauge paired wire, stripping the end and attaching the leads also to tabs 1 and 2 ... then running them to the spot where I want the button, stripping those ends and connecting them to the button.  At the end where I want to place the button, if I momentarily touch the stripped leads together, the door opens or closes. But when I attach the leaddds to the leads of the actual button (a doorbell type button), it won't work, and in fact stops the existing button from working. If I disconnect the leads from the new doorbell button, and leave them hanging, the old button works again.

Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong? Seems like a simple deal. Maybe the button I bought is defective?

Thanks.


Answer
Hi Tom,

 I agree with the wiring layout you describe for the new button...it too should also hook to tabs 1 and 2 - so that either button when pushed will operate the door. Shorting the new leads (touching them together) you now have connected has the same effect as pushing the button ...and it does appear that you may have a defective button (or wrong type). Make sure what ever style button you use is a normally open button...that closes when you push it. Most garage door buttons are labeled as a "momentary contact /normally open" push button.

 Exchange the button for a new button with the above description...and retry this circuit exactly as you have it now...it SHOULD work.

 Hope this helps...if you have new information for me, please follow-up.

Best Wishes,

Bob Osgood
Master Electrician

RKO ELECTRIC

www.rkoelectric.com


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This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
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