Remote mount motion detector switch

[rjacobs]

I think I am simply not searching for the proper terms.

I've got a 3 coach lights on my garage exterior on a switch in the garage interior. I know I COULD buy new coach lights with motion detection built in, but I think what I am looking for exists.

Im looking for a switch to replace the current switch which has the ability to have a remote mounted motion detector wired to it that is placed outside to trigger the coach lights.
Everything that comes up in my searches is for the motion detection switches that have the sensor in the switch itself.

I know such things exists because the buildings I work in have them(a switch on the wall and a motion detector on the ceiling), im just failing at the proper search terms.

 

[yatg]

Like this? A separate motion detector sensor?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YPKVS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rjacobs]

Thats a replacement for one that is pre-existing on something like a flood light...at least thats what it looks like.

The ones that we have in the building I work in have a switch for on and off and I believe bypass...and a motion sensor connects to it. But thats in a commercial setting and I dont know if anything for the residential consumer exists.

 

[yatg]

You can mount this separately on a box and have it control multiple lights. I have one on my garage. If you want an override, replace your regular switch with a duplex switch and wire accordingly.

 

[Innovate1]

I had a couple motion sensor lights on the garage but got tired of the cheap sensors going out and wanted to have them all trigger at once. I removed the sensors on the individual lights and put in a good quality low voltage motion sensor. Then wired a relay with delayed off time to the lights. Works great but it's wired so had to pull some wires. Was all in the attic above the garage so not too bad.

 

[walta]

You want the RAB brand sensor. I put 2 in it is unbelievable how much better they are.

I was afraid of the site because of how much below list they are selling, but they arrived quickly and as advertised.

https://www.wholesalehome.com/produ...on-1000w-power-120v-white?variant=12502596419

Walta

 

[rjacobs]

Yea, it seems like what I want to do is kind of a pain...maybe...

Might be easier to set them up on a timer switch to run from dusk until maybe 10pm.

It would be "easier" to install a flood light with motion sensing to accomplish what I am thinking I want. Mostly for arriving home at night to have some light on the driveway area. I was thinking a simple motion detector wired in series, but might be more complicated than that. It seems that the motion detectors need a neutral wire, which I am 99% sure I dont have.

 

[rjacobs]

You want the RAB brand sensor. I put 2 in it is unbelievable how much better they are.

I was afraid of the site because of how much below list they are selling, but they arrived quickly and as advertised.

https://www.wholesalehome.com/produ...on-1000w-power-120v-white?variant=12502596419

Walta

I was posting as you were. That looks like the ticket, except it says "not for use with LED lights"... I have LED bulbs in my coach lights(they are incandescent fixtures)... wouldnt be the end of the world to swap them out though.

 

[Dustball]

I bought and installed many years ago a combo consisting of a receiver light switch that replaces an existing light switch and a battery powered remote motion sensor transmitter. I don't know what brand it is but it may be what you're looking for. I want to say that it's a Zenith brand.

Edit- yes, Zenith but discontinued. I did find this though- http://www.skylinkstore.com/store/us/us-wireless-home-control/transmitters/skylinkhome-sup-small-tm-small-sup-id-318-motion-sensor.html

You can pair that with one of their in-wall switch receivers. http://www.skylinkstore.com/store/us/us-wireless-home-control/receivers.html

They're available on Amazon too.

 

[walta]

I was posting as you were. That looks like the ticket, except it says "not for use with LED lights"... I have LED bulbs in my coach lights(they are incandescent fixtures)... wouldnt be the end of the world to swap them out though.

That have only been in a week or so no problems yet.

One is running 2 LED spot lights and the other has 5 down light LEDs.

RAB is strange on warranty they want proof of pro install so I don’t plan on an coverage.

Walta

 

[rjacobs]

That have only been in a week or so no problems yet.

One is running 2 LED spot lights and the other has 5 down light LEDs.

RAB is strange on warranty they want proof of pro install so I don’t plan on an coverage.

Walta

yea, I am ok with a $60 sensor not having warranty... but I got a buddy who is an electrician that would "install" it for like 10 bucks and a few beers.

 

[gungatim]

somewhat off topic, but they aren't really motion sensors, they are infrared sensors, and the lens is what gives the field of view needed. the problem I've had (keep having)is the plastic lens on the front of the sensor.

on both cheap and expensive units I've had, the lens will get cloudy and/or crack and break, leaving the sensor fairly useless.

I can't really recommend a good brand because everyone I've used never made it past 5 yrs...

just something to look at when shopping, how good is the lens.

 

[rjacobs]

I bought and installed many years ago a combo consisting of a receiver light switch that replaces an existing light switch and a battery powered remote motion sensor transmitter. I don't know what brand it is but it may be what you're looking for. I want to say that it's a Zenith brand.

Edit- yes, Zenith but discontinued. I did find this though- http://www.skylinkstore.com/store/us/us-wireless-home-control/transmitters/skylinkhome-sup-small-tm-small-sup-id-318-motion-sensor.html

You can pair that with one of their in-wall switch receivers. http://www.skylinkstore.com/store/us/us-wireless-home-control/receivers.html

They're available on Amazon too.

That looks pretty good. Need to research it a little more, but I could buy the whole setup for like 50 bucks and try it and if it doesnt work, get more invasive.

 

[SGKent]

on both cheap and expensive units I've had, the lens will get cloudy and/or crack and break, leaving the sensor fairly useless.

I am having the same issue - the sun hitting the sensor cooks the plastic. I've tried mounting the units in a manner that minimizes sunlight strike but they just rot away. It is a PITA also to replace the sensor because the units weren't built to be serviced. Why someone doesn't just replace the lens, or build one with a replacement lens is beyond me since about 2 years is the most I get between failures.

 

[cybrdyke]

I was posting as you were. That looks like the ticket, except it says "not for use with LED lights"... I have LED bulbs in my coach lights(they are incandescent fixtures)... wouldnt be the end of the world to swap them out though.

Inrush current from the LED's will kill that in about 6-9 months.

You're not finding what you want, because what you want to do isn't normally done the way you want to do it. That's not to say that it cant be done. Others posting here have rigged up stuff to make it work.
One possible easier solution for you...
Intermatic Ascend In wall controller. Not motion control, but timer and geofencing control. Wifi capable. Easy install in place of your wall switch. There are similar devices from other manufacturers.

 

[Meursault74]

Yea, it seems like what I want to do is kind of a pain...maybe...

Might be easier to set them up on a timer switch to run from dusk until maybe 10pm.

It would be "easier" to install a flood light with motion sensing to accomplish what I am thinking I want. Mostly for arriving home at night to have some light on the driveway area. I was thinking a simple motion detector wired in series, but might be more complicated than that. It seems that the motion detectors need a neutral wire, which I am 99% sure I dont have.

Other option instead of a timer switch, a dusk to dawn switch that can be wired in

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-1800-Watt-Post-Eye-Light-Control-758CTC-4/100159134

I added this in between the light switch and the lights instead of changing out the lights to dusk to dawn types. Still works after 3 years.

 

[rjacobs]

You're not finding what you want, because what you want to do isn't normally done the way you want to do it. That's not to say that it cant be done. Others posting here have rigged up stuff to make it work.
One possible easier solution for you...
Intermatic Ascend In wall controller. Not motion control, but timer and geofencing control. Wifi capable. Easy install in place of your wall switch. There are similar devices from other manufacturers.

I'm more interested in using them as security lights instead of installing a flood light. I could swap them all out for motion detection coach lights.

I dont know that I'm interested in spending a ton of money on it though.

I'll check into this switch though.

 

[walta]

Inrush current from the LED's will kill that in about 6-9 months.

I knew about the in rush issue.

The way I see it even if my LEDs have 5x the in rush. The unit is rated at 1000 watts. I have a load of 50 watts times 5 = 250 I feel pretty safe so safe I bet $120 dollars that it will work.

If I have a failure I will post it here.


Walta