Splicing low voltage wires on garage door opener control
#1
03-13-14, 10:33 AM
Splicing low voltage wires on garage door opener control
Good afternoon, everyone! In my quest to fix some of the annoying things around the house, today I'm working on my garage door opener setup.
The low voltage (24v) bell wiring leading from the door control up to the opener is suspended too low ... it's only about 2 feet over my head, and I'm 5'4". Guess the wiring that came with the opener was pretty short, and when installed, they just made do. I've got the door control off the wall and opened up. The wire is solid 24v copper, zip wire style.
My question is, how can I splice in a new piece of bell wire, so I can pin it up much higher up the wall and across to the opener mechanism? Specifically, what kind of splice connectors would work, and would they need to be enclosed in a junction box?
Thanks, as always! I'm learning so much from the experts on this forum.
Carol
The low voltage (24v) bell wiring leading from the door control up to the opener is suspended too low ... it's only about 2 feet over my head, and I'm 5'4". Guess the wiring that came with the opener was pretty short, and when installed, they just made do. I've got the door control off the wall and opened up. The wire is solid 24v copper, zip wire style.
My question is, how can I splice in a new piece of bell wire, so I can pin it up much higher up the wall and across to the opener mechanism? Specifically, what kind of splice connectors would work, and would they need to be enclosed in a junction box?
Thanks, as always! I'm learning so much from the experts on this forum.
Carol
#2
03-13-14, 10:41 AM
Group Moderator
Low voltage connections like that don't need to be in a box.
You can use wire nuts to make the splices.
Blue wire nuts work good or even those orange ones that come with light fixtures.
You can use wire nuts to make the splices.
Blue wire nuts work good or even those orange ones that come with light fixtures.
#3
03-13-14, 10:59 AM
PJ, thanks for the quick reply. These are really tiny wires ... which is why I wasn't sure regular wire nuts would work.
Although not required, should I put the splices in a little pancake box just so it looks more "workmanlike," since it will be visible on the garage wall? Don't want it to look too "Harry Homeowner."
Although not required, should I put the splices in a little pancake box just so it looks more "workmanlike," since it will be visible on the garage wall? Don't want it to look too "Harry Homeowner."
#4
03-13-14, 10:59 AM
Member
You can use wire nuts to make the splices.
Blue wire nuts work good or even those orange ones that come with light fixtures.
Blue wire nuts work good or even those orange ones that come with light fixtures.
#5
03-13-14, 11:29 AM
I like the crimp type - they were included with the kit of new sensors that I replaced.
Ideal Insulation Displacement Wire Connectors (25-Pack)-85-925 at The Home Depot
Ideal Insulation Displacement Wire Connectors (25-Pack)-85-925 at The Home Depot
#6
03-13-14, 11:35 AM
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There's no need to put it in a box. Nobody would think twice about an open spliced low-voltage wire like that. It's no different than say, sprinkler wiring, or the thermostat wiring on your furnace - which are normally out in the open. But if the visibility of the splice bothers you, just run a new piece of cord from the opener to the switch instead. It wouldn't be more than a few bucks. What you would use is actually called bell wire - it's just two wires twisted together with no jacket. It's cheaper than thermostat wire, which would be your other choice.
#8
03-13-14, 11:59 AM
Matt, yes, it's called bell wire in the instruction manual. A whole new piece is a good option, thanks.
Joe, thanks. My local Ace has the 72b, but not the 71b wire nuts. I'll probably go with a whole new piece, or with the little crimp type jelly beans.
Joe, thanks. My local Ace has the 72b, but not the 71b wire nuts. I'll probably go with a whole new piece, or with the little crimp type jelly beans.
#9
03-13-14, 04:07 PM
Member
If you can't get the black marettes to bite, strip off twice as much , twist, and fold it in half.
