[HotRodMan]

I would like to connect 4 outside lights (60watt bulb each) on the same circuit and have them controlled by one motion detector. Is this possible to do without problems with the motion detector switch, which is normally designed to handle just one light? Thanks

[OneMoreTime]

Electricians use a contactor or relay to control multiple fixtures from one switch..you should be able to get one at a well equipped hdwre store..

Sam

[302 Z28]

Sam is correct that is going to require a relay to handle the extra load.

Vince

[HotRodMan]

Not familiar with contactors or relays. Can you tell me how to wire that into a 120 volt line? Do I use the contactor in conjunction with the motion sensor, or just the contactor by itself? Should I specify any size or type contactor? Thanks

[66GMC]

I'll be following this one with interest.

I have a motion-sensor light at the back door of my house, which lights a path to the walk-in door to my garage.

I also have another unit on the back side of the garage, which illuminates the way to the trash bins.

I wish I had one on the side of the garage as well ... so I wouldn't have to worry about stepping on the rake (donk!) with my hands full of garbage bags.

[ogre]

hotrod
look at x10.com for light control. i've had x10 for 20 yrs at least.
i use x10 for most of my outside lights and 1 inside my shop.

my barn is 150 ft from the house with a flood toward the barn on the house,
a flood toward the house on the barn and a couple of simple fixtures outside.
i have remotes at: house(3), barn and in 3 cars.
you can add motion detectors, driveway sensors, timers, computer control, etc...
i can light the barn from the house, house from the barn or from any vehicle

installation is simple; swap out the existing switch with an x10 switch,
set zone and house code and your good to go.
you can install a basic system or make it hitech.
my system is basic but it works well for me.

read up at x10.com but buy off ebay for the best price.

[JohnnyK81]

Originally Posted by 66GMC

I'll be following this one with interest.

I have a motion-sensor light at the back door of my house, which lights a path to the walk-in door to my garage.

I also have another unit on the back side of the garage, which illuminates the way to the trash bins.

I wish I had one on the side of the garage as well ... so I wouldn't have to worry about stepping on the rake (donk!) with my hands full of garbage bags.

But you are just talking about 3 different motion controls, correct? The OP wants it all controlled off 1 motion sensor, which would draw too many amps for the motion sensor.

The to OP, grab a 110v relay. How it works is instead of the turning the lights on when the motion sensor is activated, it will send power to the relay, closing it. This now closed relay has another set of contacts (The first one that closed via the sensor was the coil). You will then wire it so another set of wire is going in, across that contact, and then to the lights you want to power.

So to sum up, the motion sensor will close the switch, and then power (seperate from the motion sensor one) will flow through the contacts to the lights.

[T-bucket23]

You can control as many lights as the current rating of the motion detector will handle. I have 4 running off of 1 head in my yard on a 10 amp motion detector.
The 4 100 watt bulbs draw less than 4 amps. A quick search of Home Depot shows most will handle at least 500 watts

[crownver]

I have 1 motion sensor working 4 outside lights with no problem. I don't think 4- 60W bulbs are going to be a problem. I actually use the fluorescent bulbs anyway which are about 13 watts each. Even the cheap floodlights with motion sensors run 2-150 watt bulbs. What I did was rob the sensor off one of the cheaper floodlight set ups. Here's one that's rated at 500W 120V

http://www.elights.com/rabsms500.html

[crownver]

T-bucket we were typing at the same time. Took me longer to finish.

[ogre]

the reason i like the x10 system is that i can turn them on anytime or use motion.
sometimes i just want to see out there, or leave a light on for a guest.

[JohnnyK81]

I thought you could have any motion sensor turn on when you wanted? At least that is how the ones wired here work.

[35terraplane]

Originally Posted by JohnnyK81

I thought you could have any motion sensor turn on when you wanted? At least that is how the ones wired here work.

I have two motion sensors, one when someone turns into my drive, that one controls two spot lights on the south end of my shop, also the headlights on the 33 ford cutout I have up higher. Then as they drive in closer to the house I have one that sets off, a light by the drive, two big spot lights on the west facing side of the shop. They shine on the pad between shop and house, it also turns on 4 lights on the east facing side of my house, and four lights on the south facing side of the house, along the walk to the front door. They are set to stay on about five minutes or I can turn them on by sw. to stay on or stay off. I have the same in the back all flood lights, I have them set to go on while I'm up, so the deer set them off, they will stay on as long as the deer move around, That way I can see the big bucks when they come in at night to feed. So I guess you can put as many as you want on one sensor if you know how to wire it, Me I hired someone for that mess I got. But it works.

Bob

[302 Z28]

I have one on the back of my garage that is set to come on at 75 feet. Another one that comes on a 50 feet and blinks. At 25 feet a gallium arsenide 500 mega watt laser comes on and vaporizes anything getting closer ....couldn't resist.

Vince

[35terraplane]

Originally Posted by 302 Z28

I have one on the back of my garage that is set to come on at 75 feet. Another one that comes on a 50 feet and blinks. At 25 feet a gallium arsenide 500 mega watt laser comes on and vaporizes anything getting closer ....couldn't resist.

Vince

Vince, Where can I get one, I have had a bear coming up to the house the last couple nights, damn dogs won't quit barking, it's one or the other.LOL

Bob