PIR + Switch + LED Outdoor Lights

[quintain]

Hello
Can anyone supply a wiring diagram or YouTube link to connect the following:

4 x LED outdoor 50W lights
1 x outdoor Motion Sensor PIR
1 x switch (housed indoors) to operate all 4 x lights
using (probaly) 1.5mm T&E

All work would be carried out with full safety procedures.

 

[robgul]

Have you thought about solar LED lights? - no wiring required. There are quite a few good products around that have motion sensors with dwell/time-on settings. Yes you're reliant on light, not just sun, to power them but not usually an issue (even in the NW!)

 

[Spectric]

Type of motion sensor ? It would need volt free contacts otherwise you might have issues when you manualy turn the lights on as it would also be supplying power to the output of the PIR sensor.

T&E is not for outdoor use, you need something like this

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Produc...MIyMDst7WJiwMVmJhQBh1MuzZzEAQYAiABEgKuDfD_BwE

 

[HappyHacker]

I have fitted a number of cheap and expensive PIRs over the years. None have had issues with having a parallel switch to switch the lights on/off as well. I am not saying that every PIR will not have problems just that so far I have not found one.

 

[TheUnicorn]

not my area but this screwfix forum might help https://community.screwfix.com/threads/2-pir-sensors-to-run-a-set-of-four-lights.140478/

 

[ChaiLatte]

None have had issues with having a parallel switch to switch the lights on/off as well.

Should we make it clear that a switch in parallel with the PIR sensor will only guarantee the lights be switched on?

If the sensor is triggered even with the switch off, the lights will illuminate. If you want a guaranteed off, the switch needs to be in series with the PIR sensor.

 

[Dabop]

It's simple enough- but depending on the PIR concerned, some will need a neutral supply to the PIR others don't need one (hint the ones with a neutral tend to be more reliable with LED's)- plus another thing is some PIRs can be 'latched on' by 'rapidly turning on, then off, then on again- these need a switch in series BEFORE the PIR, while other PIR's don't have this feature, and will need a switch in parallel ACROSS the PIR instead to turn the LED's on manually... (to disable the PIR with this type ie turn the system off entirely, you need dual switches or a combination 'auto/off/manual' switch), most PIR's don't need a permanent supply- but a few do... so the circuit needed means knowing whats involved beforehand....

So its worthwhile choosing a particular PIR sensor beforehand, as the circuit used will depend on the PIR chosen...

Personally- Id use the ones you can trigger on by the 'on/off/on' style triggering to turn on, and run a neutral to the PIR (with switch in series before the PIR)- they are the easiest and most versatile arrangement imho...

This configuration uses a single 'normal' lightswitch, can be turned off entirely (switch off), can be used in 'PIR mode' (leave switch turned on) or manually turn lights on (switch on, then off, then on again rapidly- to turn lights off again from manual mode turn off the switch, to turn back into PIR mode wait a couple of seconds then turn back on again and leave on...)

 

[RobNichols]

Have you thought about solar LED lights? - no wiring required. There are quite a few good products around that have motion sensors with dwell/time-on settings. Yes you're reliant on light, not just sun, to power them but not usually an issue (even in the NW!)

Upvote for the solar option. I have a couple on the outside of my garage/workshop where we park the cars. They are perfect for lighting the back entry when we get home at night.

A couple of caveats: Not all solar products work well - though they are cheap so a mistake doesn't break the bank. Mine are on a south facing wall so get good sunlight. They provide very good lighting almost all of the time (very occasionally on dark days the lights aren't great if you get home very late). On the opposite side of the garage (the garden side) I've fitted a light with a separate panel which sits above the wall to get full sun. That works but the light isn't great (it means it is now rarely pitch black as I leave the garage and head into the garden, but the light isn't bright) and the PIR facility is very poor. it effectively provides low light through the early half of the night.

 

[Ollie78]

I have a light with a microwave sensor in the workshop loo, works through the wall surprisingly.