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Control Two Outdoor Light Fixtures with a Motion Detector


How can I have a motion sensor light also control another light fixture? How to Control Two Light Fixtures with a Motion Detector, Guide to Controlling Two Outside Light Fixtures, Electrical Wiring Modification for Controlling Outdoor Lighting.



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Guide to Controlling Two Outside Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: How can I have a motion sensor light also control another light fixture?

How can I do this please?
Thanks

This electrical wiring question came from: Carol, a Homeowner from Centennial Colorado.
Additional Comments: Just found your website – a lot of very useful information!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Carol.
Carol, there are a few ways to accomplish this.

How to Control Two Light Fixtures with a Motion Detector

Application: Outdoor Motion Detector Light Fixture
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a fiberglass ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and work with the light circuit wiring.
Precaution: Identify the panel lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Modifying or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Electrical Wiring Modification for Controlling  Outdoor Lighting

Suggestion for Efficiency and Savings

Outdoor Lighting Projects
If this confuses you then your outdoor lighting project is best accomplished by hiring an electrician who understands lighting controls and home automation systems.

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Installing motion detector lighting fixtures provide security and energy savings and they can easily replace an existing exterior wall fixture.

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Home automation is about delivering practical control of your lighting, home and personal lifestyle which provides comfort and control and energy savings.

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Garage Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

One Response to “Control Two Outdoor Light Fixtures with a Motion Detector”
  1. Bill says:

    How do you shorten an outdoor string of lights that has three wires ? Thanks. Bill