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07GTIGUY · Aug 14, 2014, 07:26 AM

Hello, I have an issue I need help with please. I have four fluorescent light fixtures, each with two T8's, I would like to add a light switch to be able to turn off two of the four fixtures. They are currently operated by a motion sensor and I would still like that to be functional after the switch installation. Could I please get some advice on this project, specifically how to wire up the two fixtures so they can be turned off without effecting the other two fixtures. Thank you.

ebaines · Aug 14, 2014, 09:33 AM

You'll have to split the power that runs the four lights and install a new switch plus motion detector such that two of the lights stay connected to the existing switch/motion detector and the other two get connected to the new switch and motion detector. The hardest part is running the new cable from the new switch location to two of the light fixtures.

07GTIGUY · Aug 21, 2014, 05:30 AM

Hello, I need advice on how to wire up a light switch. I have four fluorescent fixtures, each with two T8's and are currently operated by a motion sensor. I would like to add a light switch to be able to turn two of the four fixtures off while maintaining the main motion sensor on/off operation. Please and thanks.

07GTIGUY · Aug 21, 2014, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by ebaines

You'll have to split the power that runs the four lights and install a new switch plus motion detector such that two of the lights stay connected to the existing switch/motion detector and the other two get connected to the new switch and motion detector. The hardest part is running the new cable from the new switch location to two of the light fixtures.

I think I know what you're saying, just to make sure, are you saying I would have to install a new breaker or no, just cut the power so only two lights are hooked into it directly and then the other two would be tied in before the first two? If that makes sense.

ebaines · Aug 21, 2014, 06:13 AM

You do not need a new breaker. Yes, I think you understand it correctly. But please clarify how you want the motion detector to work - will it control only two lights, with the other two controlled by the new wall switch? If so, then you will tap power off the existing circuit on the breaker side of the motion detector.

07GTIGUY · Aug 21, 2014, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by ebaines

You do not need a new breaker. Yes, I think you understand it correctly. But please clarify how you want the motion detector to work - will it control only two lights, with the other two controlled by the new wall switch? If so, then you will tap power off the existing circuit on the breaker side of the motion detector.

I would like to keep one motion sensor if possible to be able to turn off all lights when the light switch is on.

ebaines · Aug 21, 2014, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by 07GTIGUY

I would like to keep one motion sensor if possible to be able to turn off all lights when the light switch is on.

OK then, you will tap into the existing circuit on the light fixture sde of the motion detector, connect to the wall switch and then from the switch to the two switched lights. In order for those two lights to be on, the motion sensor must be activated and the wall switch must be on.

07GTIGUY · Aug 22, 2014, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by ebaines

OK then, you will tap into the existing circuit on the light fixture sde of the motion detector, connect to the wall switch and then from the switch to the two switched lights. In order for those two lights to be on, the motion sensor must be activated and the wall switch must be on.

Thank you for your help, I'll have to try that out and see what's what.