How To Wire a Outdoor Sensor for a Security Light
![]() |
How is the wiring connected for the motion sensor for a outdoor security light? Wiring a Outdoor Security Light Fixture: How to Replace an Outdoor Light with a Security Light, Typical Wiring Connections for a Security Light Sensor. © By: Dave Rongey |
Outdoor Security Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: How is the wiring connected for the motion sensor for a outdoor security light?
- I’m connecting a 4-wire cable to an outdoor sensor for a security light. The actual light is separate and already connected.
- The new sensor to be fitted is a Titan TP140B/TP140W. The 4-wire cable extrudes from the wall and is connected to the sensor. The actual light, which is situated above it, is cabled separately.
This electrical question came from: Roy, a Homeowner from Saratoga, New York.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Roy.
Wiring a Outdoor Security Light Fixture
Application: How to Wire a Outdoor Security Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Tool Pouch of Electrical Tools, and Voltage Tester, Fiberglass Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience working with electrical wiring, the number of lights that will be replaced or installed and access to the light fixtures.
Precaution: Identify the lighting circuit or power source, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the electrical wiring and light fixture connections.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring for outdoor lighting should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Typical Wiring Connections for a Security Light Sensor
- Black Wire
Is the LINE or the Incoming Circuit Power. - Red Wire
Is the LOAD, or the Outgoing Power to the Light Fixture. - White Wire
Is the Neutral Wire which is typically shared or connected with the light fixture and the Sensor or Detector. - Green Wire or Bare Wire
Is the Ground Wire which is connect together with all of the ground wires found in the fixture box or junction box.
How to Replace an Outdoor Light with a Security Light
- Replacing a Light Fixture with a Security Light
This is a common project where an existing light fixture is wired to be controlled by a outdoor sensor. - Motion Detector Sensor
The sensor requires power and the sensor unit will provide sensor controlled power to the existing light fixture. - Dusk to Dawn
Outdoor light motion detector light fixtures are also available with the Dusk to Dawn feature which allows two levels of light: - A lower level when motion is not detected.
- Full bright when motion is detected.
- Electrical Wiring Connections
The electrical wiring is typically controlled by a switch inside the home, or the full featured energy saving outdoor light fixtures go on at dusk, off at dawn, and illuminate to full bright when motion is detected. Electrical wiring at the light fixture is typically made by connecting together the wires of the same color which are commonly black, white and the bare ground wire or green ground wire. Some wiring may vary, however this is the most common wiring scenario for a 120 volt light fixture. - Outdoor Light Fixture
These new Dusk to Dawn light fixtures are a perfect replacement for existing outdoor light fixture because they provide security and they save energy as well. - Light Control
The existing manual light switch may be left on due to the fully automatic features of the dusk to dawn outdoor security light fixtures.
Enjoy your security light!
See More about Installing Outdoor Light Fixtures
Wiring a Motion Detector Light Fixture
How to Install Motion Detector Light Fixtures
- Installing motion detector lighting fixtures
- provide security
- energy savings
- and they can easily replace an existing exterior wall fixture
Home Electrical Wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
- Complete listing of electrical wire types
- electrical parts used for home projects
- with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
More articles about Electric Wiring, Lighting, Motion Detector and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
« Previous | Next » |
How Can I Discover What is Tripping Off my Circuit Breaker? |
Guidelines for Installing Telephone Wiring |