Motion sensors are great for home security because they can be used to detect movement in a specific area. They can also be programmed to turn on or off light fixtures as they are detected. It’s important to wire these lights correctly to ensure they are working properly.
1. Remove the protective plastic cover on the motion sensor to expose its wires.
You may need to use a wire stripper to strip the insulation from these wires and reveal bare copper underneath. You can then wire them in the correct way.
2. Determine the proper length of the power and ground wires needed to run from the sensor to the lighting fixture(s).
To find the right length of cable, you will need to determine where the sensor is going to be placed. This can vary by model, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them to ensure you have enough length of cable to reach your lights.
3. Locate a place on the outside of the home where you want to install your motion sensor.
A good location to install a motion sensor is at least 6 feet above the ground, where there is less chance of the sensor moving into your neighbors’ homes. This is because the sensor needs to be able to see movement, but not be so close to a window that it can be seen by a passerby.
4. Test your motion sensor to be sure it is working before you connect any wires.
To test your motion sensor, disconnect it from the power source and connect a non-contact voltage tester to the hot wire, neutral wire, and the load wire that is attached to your light. If the tester shows that the hot wire has power, you have successfully connected the motion sensor to your light. If it does not, you will need to re-connect the hot wire and the neutral wire.
5. Connect the wires from the sensor to your wiring box, if you have one.
In most cases, you will need to connect the wires from your motion sensor to your home’s wiring box or junction box. This will ensure that the motion sensor is not short-circuited if it accidentally falls down. If you do not have a home’s wiring box or junction box, you will need to hire an electrician to install one for you.
6. Connect the wires to the switch that will be used for the light.
If you have a switch already, it should be fairly easy to wire your new motion sensor and light to the switch. The switch will be a toggle type that allows you to control both the sensor and the light. The color code for the switch is typically the same as the color code for your light wiring.
If you do not have a switch to connect the motion sensor to, you will need to install a new switch that is appropriate for your needs. Depending on the needs of your home, you will need to decide whether or not you want to use a single or double toggle switch.