Motion Sensor Controlled Landscape Lighting
 ';
|
How can I use a motion sensor to control my outdoor landscape lights? How to Use a Motion Sensor to Control Landscape Lighting, A Solution to Motion Controlled Landscape Lighting. © By: Dave Rongey |
Landscape Lighting Motion Control Switch
Electrical Question: How can I use a motion sensor to control my outdoor landscape lights?
- I’m trying to figure out the electrical wiring for a motion sensor that would control a 12 volt landscape lighting system.
- I believe red wire will go to one of the wires to the light fixture.
- The white wire will go to the other wire from the light fixture.
- Then where does the black wire go?
- Somewhere on the transformer?
This electrical question came from: Matt in Minnesota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Matt.
Using a Motion Sensor to Control Landscape Lighting
Application: Landscape Lighting Control.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the landscape lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Wiring a Motion Sensor for Landscape Lights
- Designing the Circuit
- A 12 volt landscape lighting system cannot be directly connected to a 120 volt system without using a relay because the required watts of the landscape light power supply exceeds that of the motion sensor limitations.
- Why a Control Circuit is Needed
- As mentioned in this question, if you try to wire this as you are describing by wiring the circuit through the motion sensor you will risk damaging the motion sensor.
- Using a relay will make this work if it is designed properly.
- The key for this application is to design the circuit properly for the lights that will be controlled.
- The Solution to Motion Controlled Landscape Lighting
- Wiring methods and configurations are developed for each specific project, taking into consideration where the power source is located, the layout of the light fixtures, and the placement for the motion detectors.
More about Outdoor Lighting
- 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.
How to Install a Motion Detector Head to a Light Fixture
Electric Control Relays
- This section will cover how relays are constructed and operate due to the current flowing through the control coil
- The mechanical reaction that takes place.
Electrical Relay Construction and Purpose
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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
||
More articles about Lighting, Motion Detector and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
Is My Old Wiring Going to Start a Fire? |
Estimating The Cost To Install A Home Generator |
