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wp1040 · May 28, 2008, 11:01 PM

I have a circuit with a single switch connected to four outdoor lights. I would like to add two motion sensors so that either of them will trigger the lights to go on. Can someone please help me with suggestions and/or a wiring diagram?

The motion sensors I have are like this one: Link. They have 3 wires (red, black, and white).

Thanks in advance!

Stratmando · May 29, 2008, 05:22 AM

Have constant power go to all detectors(all same circuit), then connect the red from all of the detectors go to all of the other detectors red's and to the lights black wire. Total wattage of all bulbs should not exceed the capacity of 1 motion without the use of a contactor.

wp1040 · May 29, 2008, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

Have constant power go to all detectors(all same circuit), then connect the red from all of the detectors go to all of the other detectors red's and to the lights black wire. Total wattage of all bulbs should not exceed the capacity of 1 motion without the use of a contactor.

Thanks. Do the motion detectors need to be placed between the switch and the first light?

Stratmando · May 29, 2008, 08:59 AM

Does the switch have to be switched on/off/on to have manual override?
The switch should switch power to the black of all motions.
The switch could be wired across for override(Basically connecting the black/constant hot to the red(output of the motions+light wire.)
Are you needing on override(on when no motion) or off override(stays off even if motion detected)?

wp1040 · May 29, 2008, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

Does the switch have to be switched on/off/on to have manual override?
The switch should switch power to the black of all motions.
The switch could be wired across for override(Basically connecting the black/constant hot to the red(output of the motions+light wire.)
Are you needing on override(on when no motion) or off override(stays off even if motion detected)?

I prefer the switch control the entire circuit. The sensors also have a manual override by flipping the switch off->on. The sensors go back to auto mode if the switch is flipped off->on again.

I've attached a drawing of the relative location of the switch to the 4 outdoor lights, as well as the relative location of where I want to install sensors.

I would also like to consider the simplest installation as pulling a wire from the switch to the sensors will be quite difficult. The wiring around the recessed lights shown is easily accessible.

Stratmando · May 29, 2008, 09:34 AM

You only need a black and white from switch to all lights and motions, The lights only connect to the red and a white, The black will pass through any light fixtures and will only connect to both motions black, The red connects to all motion reds, and lights black wire.

wp1040 · May 29, 2008, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

You only need a black and white from switch to all lights and motions, The kights only connect to the red and a white, The black will pass through any light fixtures and will only connect to both motions black, Thr red connects to all motion reds, and lights black wire.

Thank you very much, Stratmando!

Stratmando · May 29, 2008, 01:51 PM

Let me know how it works tonight, Take Care

drestar69 · Apr 27, 2010, 09:19 AM

I'm looking to do the same thing. How did it work out for you wp1040?

Stratmando · Apr 27, 2010, 01:16 PM

It works. Any questions.

hkstroud · Apr 27, 2010, 09:53 PM

..

Stratmando · Apr 28, 2010, 04:55 AM

Rererring to HK's drawing, you can do this with just 2 motions with floods attached on the corners of the house.

hemopo_nz · Jan 30, 2013, 04:53 PM

I was wondering if I could wire a second sensor to and existing sensor light (1 sensor light with an extra sensor)?

Stratmando · Feb 4, 2013, 06:05 PM

Sure, see Hk's Diagram above, you just won't be using as many lights.
Don't exceed the Wattage capacity of the smaller motion, if not equal.

hkstroud · Feb 4, 2013, 06:56 PM

It may or not be practical, all depends on how fixture is built. Inside the fixture you may find wiring to the motion sensor equivalent to the wiring of a stand alone motion sensor. In other words a hot (black), a neutral (white) going to the sensor and a conductor from the sensor to the light (probably be red). If so, you would splice your red conductor the that conductor.

If this circuitry is in the form of a printed circuit board or some equivalent, it would not be practical to do.