Simple Motion sensor wiring if I knew how-

[trs71]

Quite simply I'm not an electrition and don't know how to phrase it to find on google-

I've got 3 porch lights that are wired to an on/off switch. I want to hook a motion sensor to it, BUT I want the option to bypass it- In other words, on-off- and motion sensing.

simple right, if you know WTH you are doing. Any help?

 

[tez929rr]

Quite simply I'm not an electrition and don't know how to phrase it to find on google-

I've got 3 porch lights that are wired to an on/off switch. I want to hook a motion sensor to it, BUT I want the option to bypass it- In other words, on-off- and motion sensing.

simple right, if you know WTH you are doing. Any help?

I have wired several different sensors - most of them will allow override of the timer by turning off and on within a set time. The sensors go for around $20 at the big box stores.

 

[wssix99]

I have several lights like this. I have them wired through a 3-way switch.

Put your hot power to the switch. Send the two load wires to the fixture. One of the load wires gets hooked up directly to the fixture and the other load wire it hooked up to the fixture through the motion sensor.

This way, if the switch is in one position, the motion sensor is energized. If it's in the second position, the motion sensor goes dead and the light is directly powered.

 

[unvago]

I also have 4 outside garage lights on a single switch.
I would like to install an outside motion sensor for the lights to come on at night.
Would like a link or name of what to purchase.

 

[tez929rr]

I also have 4 outside garage lights on a single switch.
I would like to install an outside motion sensor for the lights to come on at night.
Would like a link or name of what to purchase.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Heath-Z...nsing-Flood-Light-Sensor-HZ-5316-WH/303625447

 

[unvago]

Perfect, thanks

 

[trs71]

Thank you also.

One more question-

IDK even if they are around anymore, the ones with a lighted switch, or somehow I can Be alerted if Grampa shuts the motion sensor off on accident or purpose.

 

[danfromsyr]

yes they have 'illuminated wall switch' at the same hardware as the motion sensor.
just ask an associate in the electrical isle.

 

[dogdog]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Heath-Z...nsing-Flood-Light-Sensor-HZ-5316-WH/303625447

I Have really bad luck with these Homedepot brand Heith Zenith stuff... crappy sensors....same with the lowes house brand... They ****. and never worked right....



Anyways for the OP...

Not sure how much work you wanted to get involved... or how complicated you wanted to do this... sorry my cad skills ***** and drawing skills equally worse.. pretty sure you can figure out... or some one draw it for you....

Motions sensors have just 3 wires Hot input... Neutral... and switched Hot Output (when the sensor sense motion)

You usually connect the wall switch to the Hot input and the Neutral...

at the lights end you connect to the Switched Hot Output of the sensor and shared the same neutral...


If you wanted a bypass.... As long as the HOT is on the same LEG... you can always add another switch or relay and put some 120V to the switched output end of the sensor... it will bypass... but this requires another switch.. or get one of those weird 3 position switches....

You can do other things like add a relay to go between the Hot input and Switched output and your own arduino or wireless remote or what not smarter brainbox... to activate that relay... that will also bypass...

Nothing much to it...

Hope I didn't have too much coffee when writing this.

 

[tez929rr]

I Have really bad luck with these Homedepot brand Heith Zenith stuff... crappy sensors....same with the lowes house brand... They ****. and never worked right....

I don’t know what to tell you - I’ve got five on various places on the house that are about 15 years old and one I put on our neighborhood mail kiosk that controls three sets of lights. I haven’t had to replace one yet.

On our new buildings I put LED fixtures from Home Depot with the sensor built in. No problems yet but that’s only been about a year.

 

[dogdog]

I don’t know what to tell you - I’ve got five on various places on the house that are about 15 years old and one I put on our neighborhood mail kiosk that controls three sets of lights. I haven’t had to replace one yet.

On our new buildings I put LED fixtures from Home Depot with the sensor built in. No problems yet but that’s only been about a year.

yea I still have some remain of those still in the box at my parent's place crappy quality, the sensor either don't sense (even if I just and wave in front of it, yes it is on), stayed on won't turn off once activated, or turns on for no reason..... I didn't put it on bypass mode with some weird sequences at the wall switch.

I now use the costco LED ones super great. price and sensor, no dust till dawn... and just put that on the timer...