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How to Wire a Motion Detector


wiring-outdoor-lighting
Summary: Motion detector heads can be purchased and added to existing fixtures that have the appropriate fixture adapter cover. If you wish, you can build your own fixture just by selecting the compatible parts from your hardware store. Make sure all the parts are rated for exterior use.


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Adding a Motion Detector to an Existing Light Fixture



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Motion Detector Controlled Outdoor Lighting

  • There is a variety of motion control devices available for you to choose from. My experience is that the less expensive fixtures do not perform very well.
  • Motion detector heads are available for purchase separately and there is a variety of sensing configurations available.
  • I especially like the performance of the 180 and 240 degree wide sensing patterns which perform well in wide areas.
  • Dust to Dawn features enable safe and secure light at two light levels of brightness.
  • Below is an outdoor lighting project where we added a motion detector head to an existing fixture.

Wiring a Motion Detector Head to an Existing Light Fixture


Here is an existing fixture that can have a motion detector head added to it to provide automatic sensor control during the night time. All wiring is done after identifying and turning the circuit off. Never work on energized wires.


This fixture base has a spare threaded opening where we can mount the motion detector head. If an opening was not available, another lamp holder base could be obtained that has an extra opening.

The motion detector head mounts into the lamp holder base which accepts the half-inch threaded fitting.


The Black Wire connects to the Black Wire entering the Fixture Box, also known as the hot wire.

The Red Wire connects to the Black wire of the lamp holders which house the flood lights.

The White Wire connects to the White wire of the White Wire entering the Fixture Box and the White Wire of the lamp holders which house the flood lights.


The light fixture has been fitted with a motion detector head enabling energy savings and automatic operation for safety and security.

The bottom of the motion detector head is where the settings need to be adjusted for optimal performance of your outdoor lighting fixture. See the explanations of these settings below.


motion-detector-range-setting motion-detector-on-time-setting

The Range setting will allows you to adjust the sensitivity at different distances from the fixture.


The ON-TIME Switch Settings:
TEST , 1, 5, 20 Minute Settings

motion-detector-dual-bright motion-detector-photo-cell

This feature allows for two levels of light to operate be activated during different times of the night.

This is the little area is the photo-cell, when it gets dark it activates the motion sensor circuit.


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Questions about Motion Detectors


Recent Questions and Answers about motion detectors


Replace a Light Switch with a Motion Detector Switch

How can I replace a light switch with a motion detector switch? I am trying to replace what I thought was a basic switch in my garage that controls an overhead bulb.


Multiple Motion Detectors for Light Fixtures

Can Two Motion Detectors be Used to Control Outdoor Flood Lights? How to Wire Multiple Motion Detectors for Outside Lighting.


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How to Wire a Motion Detector Light Fixture: Installing a motion detector light to replace a porch light.


Someone is Spying On Me, How Can I Detect these Spy Devices?

I know I have a motion detector and a hidden camera on my living room ceiling. How can I detect devices that have been planted in my home that are watching me and spying on me?


See more at the Electrical Questions Category Listing.

Find out more about motion detectors




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.





RELATED


Dusk to Dawn Light Problem

Samuel asks:
My outside dust to dawn light stopped working, the lamp is all black.
The light has a square top and two U shaped tubes.
and a square head that plugs into the the top where some lights are screwed in.
I have the same type of lights in my bathroom except they are smaller.
I temporarily replaced it with one of the lights in the bathroom which is about 1 inch shorter than the outside bulb that shot.
However, the light stays on all the time?

How can I fix this?

This electrical wiring question came from Samuel in Roanoke, Virginia.

Dave’s Reply:

Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture Problem

Samuel – try replacing the lamp with the exact same type lamp as it was originally, and if that does not work, then the light fixture is (shot) faulty and needs to be replaced.


Wiring an Outdoor Dusk to Dawn Pole Light

Electrical Question
Will a dusk to dawn sensor or a dusk to dawn light bulb work in a pole light that is on the same circuit as porch and kitchen lights?

This electrical wiring question came from Mj in Denver, Colorado.

Dave’s Reply:

Electrical Answer
Yes, the fixture should work if it is installed and wired correctly, however it would be best to have a separate circuit installed for an outdoor light fixture which would have GFCI, Ground fault protection.


More about Motion detectors

How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem
How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem with a new lamp: The Most Common Problems with a CFL Dusk to Dawn Fluorescent Light and How to Fix Them.

How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture
How to Repair a Dusk to Dawn or Motion Detector Light Fixture: The Security Light Fixture TEST Setting Functions, Replacing a Motion Detector Head on a Dusk to Dawn Fixture, How to Test a Photo Cell.

Wiring Two Outside Motion Lights to One Light Switch
How to Wire Two Outside Motion Security Light Fixtures: The Most Common Wiring Connections for Two Outdoor Light Fixture.

Installing and Testing Dusk to Dawn Light Fixtures
I just installed a 150w dusk to dawn light fixture and it wont light up: How to Install the Electrical Wiring for a Dawn Outdoor Light Fixture.

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.

Multiple Motion Detectors for Light Fixtures
Can Two Motion Detectors be Used to Control Outdoor Flood Lights? How to Wire Multiple Motion Detectors for Outside Lighting.

Will CFL Lamps Work With Dusk To Dawn Fixtures
Why Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps Will Not Work

Why Dusk to Dawn Fixtures Go On and Off
What would cause a dusk to dawn light fixture to turn on and off? How to Test Outside Motion Light Fixtures for the sensitivity of the motion detector.

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