2 circuits to the same load?

[TxAgs]

Ok guys,

Here's a quick one for you.

I have a nice driveway light that I would like to serve as double duty. Don't ask why I don't just install another light. I can't.

So, I would like the light to be on a timer for dawn/dusk use. But, once the timer goes off, I would like it to become a motion light.

Is it possible to run two circuits to this same light? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[malibu101]

Ok guys,

Here's a quick one for you.

I have a nice driveway light that I would like to serve as double duty. Don't ask why I don't just install another light. I can't.

So, I would like the light to be on a timer for dawn/dusk use. But, once the timer goes off, I would like it to become a motion light.

Is it possible to run two circuits to this same light? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason

"Dawn to dusk"- You want the light on all daytime from dawn till dusk?
Then be a motion light from dusk till dawn?
What am I misunderstanding? Why do you want this?

 

[404]

If having the timer by the light is acceptable, then it is easy..
Please clarify per malibu101 question.

Regards,
404

 

[cybrdyke]

Even if that was a typo and you really want the light to be on from dusk to dawn....then why the motion sensor for day use?
Highly unusual but I'm interested in hearing the thinking.
CD.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I assume you want the light to come on at dusk, then have the timer turn off at midnight (or some other selected time) and then for the rest of the night operate off the motion detector?

It can be done, but if the wiring is already in place you'll have to modify it. I'll draw up a quick schematic and post it in a few minutes.

Edit: enclosed is a schematic. The trick will be if the light and wiring are already installed, you'll either have to 1) run new wiring from the house, if the timer will be inside or 2) figure out how to mount the timer right out at the light.

Another thing to consider is most inexpensive timers are simply 24 hour based, so they turn on and off at the same time each day, and of course the time of sunset changes from summer to winter and back. To be able to have the timer come on right at dusk every night you need a timer with an astronomic feature and they are going to cost more.

One good manufacturer of time switches is Intermatic: http://www.intermatic.com/Products/TimeSwitches.aspx

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Many motion sensor lights have settings where they turn on at dusk, and will stay on "dim" for 1 hr/2 hr/3 hr (selectable) and go full bright during this time when they sense motion (and stay bright for 1/5/20 mins or whatever is selectable on it) and then they go off completely at the end of the 1/2/3 hr dim cycle, and come on.... full bright.... only when sensing motion, again staying on for whatever you have selected, 1/5/20 mins. They are off during the day, due to a daylight sensor.

I have two floods mounted on the house this way, and I assume you can get porch and lampost fixtures that work this same way.

Charles

 

[87jeepwrangler]

I assume you want the light to come on at dusk, then have the timer turn off at midnight (or some other selected time) and then for the rest of the night operate off the motion detector?

Ha. This already exists. It's called a dual brite motion sensor. They are available at just about every home improvement store.

 

[yeldogt]

This summer I rewired most of my exterior lights. They had previously been various timers and motion setups -- some low volt ... other with switches.

I replaced the low volt and removed all the motion controls -- I replaced all the bulbs with LED's ... most from Ikea.

They stay on all night ...at 6 and 10 watts each ... all of them use less then two of previous incandescent spots.

The property looks great and i love them on all night.

 

[sublimate]

http://www.motionlightsensor.com/blogbottom/42-understanding-the-dual-brite-feature-on-motion-lights

 

[TxAgs]

Thanks guys! Yup, I had a slight typo. I want lights that come on for a given time at dawn and dusk. Then operate as motion detectors during other times.

I'll do some digging with the links you provided.

 

[larry_g]

I will second the dual brite lights, or light sensors. I have used them for a few years. They have fixtures or just the motion sensors to control your INCANDESCENT light.

http://heath-zenith.hcents.com/data/manuals/595-5731-08.pdf

lg
no neat sig line