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d2ncal · Mar 15, 2008, 12:43 AM

Hi,
I have a few external lights at my place that are currently controlled by a simple switch.
I am getting some electric work done, and wanted to get something for the external lights that works as following:

- They should turn on every day in the evening once it gets dark
- They should stay on for 3 hours (or say, till 11 PM), and then switch to motion sensor mode
- After 11 PM during the night, they should stay on for 5 minutes whenever there is motion detected.
- I can manually turn them completely off, or on if required.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this? I tried looking for a switch that can do this, but couldn't find anything.

Thanks!
DD

Stratmando · Mar 15, 2008, 07:29 AM

You will need a Photocell, Time clock, and 2 switches. Photocell will turn on when Dark, set time clock from 4 PM if you want and off at 11 PM, Even though time clock is set for 4 PM it will not go on until dark, The off override will interrupt power to lights, The ON override will be a switch that connects from constant hot to light circuit.
Some motions have the ability to stay on by quickly turning switch on and off.
The 5 minute delay would be set on the detector.
There is a Switch(looks like your regular switch), but is Single pole/Double Throw with center off, Used mostly for Electric shutters Up and down.
With one of these, center is off, Up position is (ON) override, and down is (AUTO)motion activated. Which way sounds good? You still need A time clock, Motion may have built in photocell, You will need to eleminate photocell in light(and use separate photocell, or get an extra wire to fixture(one to the black for normal operation, and one to the switched side of the motion.

d2ncal · Mar 15, 2008, 10:11 AM

Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
This is what I interpreted, does it make sense?

--- Light --- Photocell --- Timer (4-11PM) ---
The light will turn on when both the photocell and the timer are on.

When we put in the double-pole switch, we get:
--- Light --- Photocell -------- Timer -------------- Double Pole Switch (Auto) ---
--- Light ----Motion Sensor ------------------------- Double Pole Switch (Auto) ---
--- Light ------------------------------------------- Double Pole Switch (ON) ---
--- Double Pole Switch (OFF) -- Light -- Above 3 connections

Photocell, Motion Sensor and DP Switch all go into the light. Basically when any one is on, the light goes on.

Is this correct?
Thanks!
DD.

Originally Posted by Stratmando

You will need a Photocell, Time clock, and 2 switches. Photocell will turn on when Dark, set time clock from 4 PM if you want and off at 11 PM, Even though time clock is set for 4 PM it will not go on til dark, The off override will interupt power to lights, The ON override will be a switch that connects from constant hot to light circuit.
Some motions have the ability to stay on by quickly turning switch on and off.
The 5 minute delay would be set on the detector.
Their is a Switch(looks like your regular switch), but is Single pole/Double Throw with center off, Used mostly for Electric shutters Up and down.
With one of these, center is off, Up position is (ON) override, and down is (AUTO)motion activated. Which way sounds good? You still need A time clock, Motion may have built in photocell, You will need to eleminate photocell in light(and use seperate photocell, or get an extra wire to fixture(one to the black for normal operation, and one to the switched side of the motion.

d2ncal · Mar 15, 2008, 10:34 AM

In short, it will be like:
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/animated/swpara.gif

S1 = Photocell + Timer, S2=motion Sensor, and we will have an S3 that will be the ON part of double pole switch.

Does it make sense?
Thanks,
DD

Originally Posted by d2ncal

Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
This is what I interpreted, does it make sense?

--- Light --- Photocell --- Timer (4-11PM) ---
The light will turn on when both the photocell and the timer are on.

When we put in the double-pole switch, we get:
--- Light --- Photocell -------- Timer -------------- Double Pole Switch (Auto) ---
--- Light ----Motion Sensor ------------------------- Double Pole Switch (Auto) ---
--- Light ------------------------------------------- Double Pole Switch (ON) ---
--- Double Pole Switch (OFF) -- Light -- Above 3 connections

Photocell, Motion Sensor and DP Switch all go into the light. Basically when any one is on, the light goes on.

Is this correct?
Thanks!
DD.

Stratmando · Mar 15, 2008, 11:49 AM

Yes, This is a Single pole/ Double throw(Not Double Pole). Power goes to center of switch, If in center position is is off and won't turn on by Time, Darkness, or Motion.
1 of the outer poles goes directly to light wire and will be on override, Will stay ON.
3rd switch position(Auto) would go from switch terminal to Photocell then Time Clock then to light leg.(this is the Dark to 11 pm control)
From that 3rd switch position terminal you will also need to have a wire from there directly to Motion(usually black wire) This will make it motion detector controlled after 11:00 PM.
Good Luck