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    gruber02's Avatar
    gruber02 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 9, 2006, 08:57 AM
    Wiring a motion Detector into a 3 way system
    I want to install a single motion detector in my garage to control the two lights.the lights are controlled by two 3 way switches one in the garage and one just inside the door inside the house.Can I install the single detector at one of the lights to control them both in this system?
    bhayne's Avatar
    bhayne Posts: 339, Reputation: 4
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    #2

    Nov 9, 2006, 09:14 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by gruber02
    I want to install a single motion detector in my garage to control the two lights.
    The motion detector should be installed at the swich box (not at the lights) from which the power comes. The two other leads that go to the second switch can be combined to disable the second switch or only outgoing power connected to the other switch (doesn't matter which one unless you want the second switch to be 'on' in the up position vs. the down position). The other lead that goes to the second switch would be taped open. If the two other leads are not connected then the first switch (with the motion detector) controls the light by motion and the second switch enables or disables the system.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
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    #3

    Nov 9, 2006, 11:13 AM
    Depends on how things are wired up. Some circuits have a 2 wire cable that goes from one switch to the lights. If so, you can wire the motion detector into the hot wire at the first light connecting the load side to the hot wire to each of lights.
    bhayne's Avatar
    bhayne Posts: 339, Reputation: 4
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    #4

    Nov 9, 2006, 12:11 PM
    If you wire the detector at the light's outlet box, it will be a bad installation... trust me (there will be too many ways to turn the lights off and you'll be left in the dark)!
    gruber02's Avatar
    gruber02 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Nov 9, 2006, 01:53 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by bhayne
    The motion detector should be installed at the swich box (not at the lights) from which the power comes. The two other leads that go to the second switch can be combined to disable the second switch or only outgoing power connected to the other switch (doesn't matter which one unless you want the second switch to be 'on' in the up position vs. the down position). The other lead that goes to the second switch would be taped open. If the two other leads are not connected then the first switch (with the motion detector) controls the light by motion and the second switch enables or disables the system.
    Thanks I need the detector to be in the garage and I haven't determined yet if the power source is at this switch or the one inside the house.The garage is completely finished.
    bhayne's Avatar
    bhayne Posts: 339, Reputation: 4
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    #6

    Nov 9, 2006, 02:10 PM
    If you rewire the swich in the house and connect all the swiches coductors together, then you bypass that swich and you can control the garage lights from the garage swich by replacing the 3-way swich with a 2-way swich (a standard motion detector controlled swich is a two-way swich).

    So I recommend bypassing the house switch, replace the house switch with a blank cover plate and replace the garage 3-way swich with a standard 2-way motion controlled switch.

    I'm sure you realize this is a very labor easy and cost effective method compared to the work required to install a motion detector at the lights. Also, this system is much more reliable.

    Actually, my house has the same problem having a house 3-way switch control the garage lights. The garage lights would often be left on all night. Instead of a motion detector, I replaced the house 3-way switch with an indicating 3-way swich. If the garage lights are on the swich is illuminated. Problem solved!!
    gruber02's Avatar
    gruber02 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Nov 9, 2006, 04:26 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by bhayne
    If you rewire the swich in the house and connect all the swiches coductors together, then you bypass that swich and you can control the garage lights from the garage swich by replacing the 3-way swich with a 2-way swich (a standard motion detector controlled swich is a two-way swich).

    So I recommend bypassing the house switch, replace the house switch with a blank cover plate and replace the garage 3-way swich with a standard 2-way motion controlled switch.

    I'm sure you realize this is a very labor easy and cost effective method compared to the work required to install a motion detector at the lights. Also, this system is much more reliable.

    Actually, my house has the same problem having a house 3-way switch control the garage lights. The garage lights would often be left on all night. Instead of a motion detector, I replaced the house 3-way switch with an indicating 3-way swich. If the garage lights are on the swich is illuminated. Problem solved!!
    Can you tell me where you purchased the indicating 3 way switch or the brand name?Thanks gruber02
    bhayne's Avatar
    bhayne Posts: 339, Reputation: 4
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    #8

    Nov 10, 2006, 06:40 AM
    1. Home Depot

    2. Leviton

    The switch is a soft touch switch.
    gruber02's Avatar
    gruber02 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Nov 10, 2006, 07:17 AM
    Thanks I will head to Home Depot.
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