Multiple Lights One Motion Sensor?
#1
06-24-12, 03:10 PM
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Multiple Lights One Motion Sensor?
I have 3 lights outside, one on its own switch, and the other 2 on a different switch. I would like to place all of them on a single motion detector to turn them all on at once when motion is detected. How do I go about wiring this up and what do I need to do this?
#2
06-24-12, 04:45 PM
Welcome to the forums! We'll have to determine the spacing of the lights from each other, if there is a route for more wiring between the lights, if one motion detector will work for all the lights. If you come from a different direction the motion sensor may not work. Maybe you could step back and take a pix or two of the lights and their switches and post them here so we can see what you see. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
#3
06-24-12, 05:25 PM
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Here is a picture of it. Its the light on the porch not the light post. And then the two lights around the garage doors. The switch for the porch light is inside the front door and the switch for the garage lights is inside the garage. Hope this helps! And thanks in advance for everyones help!
#4
06-24-12, 06:19 PM
Its the light on the porch not the light post. And then the two lights around the garage doors. The switch for the porch light is inside the front door and the switch for the garage lights is inside the garage.
Can you determine how they are supplied now and post back?
Note: It is unlikely that they are supplied by the same circuit now. Is there a reason that having two motion sensors won't meet your needs?
#5
06-24-12, 06:20 PM
Do you have a crawl space or basement? You are going to need to run new cable, probably between the two switches. Are they on the same breaker? Does each switch have two black wires or is there a black and white wire on one or both switches?
#6
06-24-12, 06:29 PM
You had a slam dunk with the post light and the two on the garage, but the porch light will require a little work. In order to make them work in tandem you will have to connect all three together through your motion sensor. Can you trace your wiring to the switch controlling the porch light? Is your electrical panel in the garage? Others will chime in once you have more answers, so hang in there.
#7
06-25-12, 04:08 AM
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I have not gotten to the wiring yet but do not know if they are on the same breaker or not. As far as the basement I do have one but under the garage is solid so I would not be able to run wires under there. How would I go about putting each on its own motion sensor? What do I need to do that? And would the sensor be able to "see" through the frosted glass covering the lights?
#9
06-25-12, 06:39 AM
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I would like that but if that requires running all sorts of wires and relays then I will just take the easy route.
#10
06-25-12, 01:43 PM
Oh, you're gonna have to get creative in running cables. I would suggest wiring one for the two garage lights and one for the porch light. Is your garage sheetrocked or can you get to the wiring to the two lights with ease? With your present lights you would probably have to mount the sensor separately from the fixture. We can get to that once you let us know switch location for the garage lights and if it is accessible or not.
#11
06-25-12, 05:33 PM
I would like that but if that requires running all sorts of wires and relays then I will just take the easy route.
Tech note: Whatever way you choose to add the new controls, plan to use incandescent, incandescent or LED bulbs with your photocell/motion sensors. Fluorescent lamps, including most CFLs, will not work with those.
