Does the garage door sensor wire come with connectors? If not, how do I get connectors? Buy whole kit?

HVAC & Fireplace Bucket EXPERT April 10, 2008

Sorry for all the confusion. Likely the source of the misunderstandings is that the kit and the replacement parts are set-up with different scenarios in mind.

Since the complete sensor kit is typically used during initial installs, it includes everything that might be needed for a variety of installation options. The individual replacement parts, however, are intended for a repair of that item only and are sent alone with the assumption all other related pieces will already be installed.

No connectors are available separately since it is recommended that you “hardwire” the sensors in after completing any repair. The sensors are such an important safety consideration that the intent is to prevent any chance of a sensor coming unplugged accidentally in some spot where it might not be readily apparent the connector is off.

The “27 feet” of wire you mention is for replacing the long stretches of wiring between the overhead opener and the sensor.

The “3 feet” of wire you had been told about refers to the wires attached to a replacement sensor (though it typically is not really that long). Again, the assumption is that a replacement sensor will be permanently attached wire–to-wire so that is the reason for the short “pigtail” piece of wiring that come with the sensor.

Once everything is in place the only real connector in the system is between this short pigtail and the sensor itself, in a position where it will be well protected and secure. Those connectors are there just to attach the pigtail wiring to the sensor and are essentially considered part of the sensor itself. They are not intended to be the separating or connecting point when replacing the sensor or wire alone since all wiring should use some form of permanent connection.

All this is a long way of saying those connectors are available only as part of a replacement sensor or complete sensor kit. However, you should not need them to replace the wiring to the sensors; all you should need is the bell wiring you received and some universal-style permanent connectors available through your Sears Store or most automotive or electrical supply stores. The connectors at the sensor can stay in place unless there is some issue with the connection between it and the sensor itself. In that case, the issue might be in the sensor receptacle also and it is recommended the sensor be replaced anyway.

harryransom April 10, 2008

I am original poster. Thx for the answer, Mr. MMX_Expert. Issue appears to be right where either the wire hits the connector, or the connector 'connects' in the sensor. When I wiggle the wire, the sensor lights up, or at least flashes. Lately, it's not even doing that on one door. On the other door, the wire broke off right at the connector. I suppose it's no loss at this point if I remove the connector and 'shop it' at the HW store or an electronics store and see what I can do. If I can't get replacement connectors, I'll have to swallow the $35 kit price for the replacement sensors. Thanks again for the answer. Harry

harryransom April 10, 2008

I am original poster. Thx for the answer, Mr. MMX_Expert. Issue appears to be right where either the wire hits the connector, or the connector 'connects' in the sensor. When I wiggle the wire, the sensor lights up, or at least flashes. Lately, it's not even doing that on one door. On the other door, the wire broke off right at the connector. I suppose it's no loss at this point if I remove the connector and 'shop it' at the HW store or an electronics store and see what I can do. If I can't get replacement connectors, I'll have to swallow the $35 kit price for the replacement sensors. Thanks again for the answer. Harry

harryransom April 10, 2008

I am original poster. Thx for the answer, Mr. MMX_Expert. Issue appears to be right where either the wire hits the connector, or the connector 'connects' in the sensor. When I wiggle the wire, the sensor lights up, or at least flashes. Lately, it's not even doing that on one door. On the other door, the wire broke off right at the connector. I suppose it's no loss at this point if I remove the connector and 'shop it' at the HW store or an electronics store and see what I can do. If I can't get replacement connectors, I'll have to swallow the $35 kit price for the replacement sensors. Thanks again for the answer. Harry