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  • Writer's pictureBud

How Automate your Garage Door | A helpful illustrated guide

Updated: Apr 21, 2020


In the following article I show how I automated my garage door using two z-wave devices. The two devices deployed are the:




First of all, the instructions that I am giving are specific to a Genie Garage door opener. The instructions may vary for different Genie models or for different garage door manufacturers. Additionally, when you open and alter the contents of any electrical unit you will void the warranty of that unit. I will not be held responsible if your void your warranty and/or damage the unit while attempting the following alterations. Finally, any repairs made to electrical equipment should be done by a qualified electrician. If you are unfamiliar with electrical repairs it is best to leave it to someone that is competent at this type of work. By writing this article I am not recommending that either qualified for unqualified persons attempt these actions. If you chose to execute the following instructions you do this at your own free will and will not be responsible for any damages or injuries incurred, whether you deem or consider yourself qualified. Disclaimers out of the way, let's get to the instructions for wiring this unit.


The GoControl Z-Wave Isolated Contact Fixture Module - FS20Z-1 has a total of six wires. There is the red wire (atenea), black (hot), white (neutral); green (ground) and two blue wires that are attached to the same terminals that your push button switch are attached.


Pictured are the six wires on the Z-Wave Controller.

On my Genie Garage door opener I attached the blue wires to terminals number one and number two located within the front inside lense cover that houses the two light bulbs.


The Two Blue Wires attached to terminals #1 & #2

To attached the white, black and green wires, I first unplugged the unit. I removed the rear housing of the garage door opener unit. I cut the main power cord inside the rear housing of the unit. I used three wire nuts to splice the three leads of each color wire together. In other words you splice the three black leads together, the three white leads and the three green leads and secure each set of leads securely with a proper sized wire nut. See pictures below:


Attaching the Hot, Neutral and ground wires inside the rear housing of the Genie Garage Door Opener


I trust this information is helpful. If so, be sure to check out other great automation articles on this site and also on my YouTube Channel - Bud's Odd Jobs Home Improvement Ideas and Solutions!



Thank you for your support.


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