Wiring Flourescent Lights To Garage Door Opener?



Question:
I have asked this question before with no response. I have a 1/2 hp Genie screw drive garage door opener . I also have installed 2 sets of 4 foot fluorescent lights to my garage ceiling (these are wired to a wall switch). My goal: to have the floursescent lights come one and off using the timer/on/off mechanism that controls the bulb on the garage door opener. Maybe someone with adequate knowledge can try to tackle this and e-mail me some instructions. I hope it is not too hard even for you pros out there. Good luck

Answer:
Yes it can be done. To do it right, you need to run a 110V/110V relay rated for over 2 amps to switch the lamps. It would make sure it is designed to switch on only when current is on. The relay would need to be triggered by the garage door opener. If you don't know how to do this, this job may be beyond your abilities to do it safely. However this is not a good idea. First most fluorescent lights don't last long if they are turned off and on often. They are great in situations where they stay on for many hours, but short times, typical for a garage opener, is not a good use. Second they tend not to do so good in cold weather. They often have a hard time starting and if they do start they don't put out anywhere close to their normal light. Let me also suggest that, while there are ways around it, you should only switch the lights via the garage door opener switch. A separate switch would need special wiring.





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