Wiring motion light to switch?

[zbyler]

Morning everyone,

I'll start this thread by saying that I'm a mechanical guy and I'm trying to learn more about the electrical world. I have very limited experience with wiring and things of that nature.

That being said, I'm looking to install a motion light in my backyard for when I take the dog out at night/early in the morning. I have this exact light:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Good-Earth...n-Activated-Flood-Light-with-Timer/1000215615

The original plan was to run wiring from the garage through the roof of my porch and attach the motion light just below the porch roof. However, I have an existing wall-mounted light fixture right on the back of the garage. This light is wired to a switch and I was wondering if I can install the motion light in it's place. I didn't know if the motion light being wired to a switch would cause any problems.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks

~Z

 

[vavet]

I have similar lights controlled by a wall mount switch. They work fine. You just need to leave the switch in the on position. That will supply power to the sensor all the time so that it can work appropriately.

 

[BarryWells]

True. It's it's own circuit.Mark it as such, single switch.I have a 10-15 at the panel and some skinny wire going single switch beside my alarm then up to the LED double.
At night the alarm gets set and I flip that toggle so the red(sharpie) part shows and head in for supper.
Another. See if you can get a sensor weight rated like 25 lb 40 lb etc so the animals don't trip them on all night.My alarm sensors are the same. Under 45 lbs and no trigger.

 

[zbyler]

I have similar lights controlled by a wall mount switch. They work fine. You just need to leave the switch in the on position. That will supply power to the sensor all the time so that it can work appropriately.

Thanks Vavet. So since it will be wired to a switch, if the switch is OFF the light won't work properly, correct? But if the switch is ON, the motion light will react to motion, not come directly on with the switch?

Thanks

 

[Jkcolo22]

Thanks Vavet. So since it will be wired to a switch, if the switch is OFF the light won't work properly, correct? But if the switch is ON, the motion light will react to motion, not come directly on with the switch?



Thanks

That’s correct.


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[Jkcolo22]

That’s correct.


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You can also easily bypass the switch. Just remove it, connect blk-blk and wht-wht with a wire cap. Replace switch with a blank plate.


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[zbyler]

You can also easily bypass the switch. Just remove it, connect blk-blk and wht-wht with a wire cap. Replace switch with a blank plate.


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Good call. I was thinking about how to avoid accidentally flicking the switch when I go to walk outside. I think I'll go this route.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jkcolo22]

Good call. I was thinking about how to avoid accidentally flicking the switch when I go to walk outside. I think I'll go this route.



Thanks everyone!

This might be obvious, but blk-blk and wht-wht go in their own wirecaps (one for each color). Turn off the breaker if your not experienced working with live wires, and please be careful!


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[ambenz]

If you have multiple switches on the box, you can use a switch cover on the one switch too.
I did this on a light sensor that turns on the man door light in the evening automatically.
I also use it on my furnace so it doesn't get switched off if accidentally swiped off by brushing up against it, in a confined space.

 

[snickers muncher]

It might not be a bad idea to leave the switch and add one of those guards like listed above. You might want to have the light off for some reason---like sneaking up to eliminate a pest.

With the lights I have I can flip the switch off and then when I turn it back on the light will stay on until it is flipped back off. After it is flipped off and then back on again it will return to normal function. That's been handy a few times like when you know you'll be out of range of the sensor but will need the light.

 

[fitter30]

Leave the switch in so that if the motion gets confused or want to turn light on with out going outside.

 

[Jkcolo22]

Leave the switch in so that if the motion gets confused or want to turn light on with out going outside.

Leaving the switch won’t turn the light on without going outside. It would still require motion to activate...


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[nmk_61802]

Leaving the switch won’t turn the light on without going outside. It would still require motion to activate...


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Most modern motion lights have circuitry built into them. Two rapid switches off-on-off-on manually turns light on.

 

[Jkcolo22]

Most modern motion lights have circuitry built into them. Two rapid switches off-on-off-on manually turns light on.

Interesting. I didn’t know that.


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[MFolks]

Some garage door openers have that option if lights are part of the motor housing.

 

[MFolks]

If uncertain if the circuit for the motion light is on after installation,look into buying a switch with a built in indicator(Red,or White),showing on or off?

 

[Jkcolo22]

If uncertain if the circuit for the motion light is on after installation,look into buying a switch with a built in indicator(Red,or White),showing on or off?

Called a pilot light switch.


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[rburke65]

Jkcolo22......never heard of such a thing.

 

[tez929rr]

Most modern motion lights have circuitry built into them. Two rapid switches off-on-off-on manually turns light on.

Yup. And typically reset with the next daylight cycle.

 

[Jkcolo22]

Jkcolo22......never heard of such a thing.

20 Amp Industrial Grade Heavy Duty Single-Pole Pilot Light Toggle Switch, Red

https://www.homedepot.com/p/301447168


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[Bretny]

You could just wire the light with no motion sensor. Flip the switch on when you go out and off when you go in. This is what i do with my dog walking lights. Alot of times im not in front of the motion sensor.

I have 3 flood light housings around my house that all run on the same switch by the front door. One switch and all around the house is lit up.

If you have a small back yard maby a solar flood light would be easier? I have used the HF ones on my garage for years.