How to Install a Security Motion Detector Light Fixture
Summary: Security light fixtures will increase safety and provide energy savings for your home. Typically these light fixtures may easily replace an existing exterior wall fixture. By: Dave Rongey
Perfect for the Homeowner, Handyman,
Electrician and Building Inspector. Includes: Methods of Home Electrical Wiring Wiring Diagrams for Light Switches Wiring 3-Way, 4-Way and Dimmer Switches Installing Fluorescent Light Fixtures How to Make Your Own Light Fixtures ....and much more.
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Question:
I have two outdoor lights. One above the entry door to the house and the other above the garage. The are in series. When I turn the light switch both of them turn on. There has been a series of break-ins in the neighborhood and I wanted to install a motion sensor light above the garage. I soon realized that the light above the entry door would be on all the time, defeating the purpose of having a motion sensor light. So somebody told me to buy another motion sensor light to put above the entry door…I did. I still haven’t been able to get it to work…I first made sure that all the wires are connected properly, the breaker is on etc. the basics. I believe that the circuit goes from the switch to the entry door light to the light above the garage.
Cheers,
Keith
This electrical question came from: Keith , from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Keith.
Yes – a motion detector head may be installed and wired to control a separate light fixture.
More about Outdoor motion fixtures
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.
Fix a Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture How to Repair a Dusk to Dawn Light 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.
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.
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.
outdoor motion fixtures - 1538
Wiring Light Fixtures
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, Non-Metal Step Ladder, and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level of experience, ability to work with tools for install lighting fixtures, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home lighting projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for lighting should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
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