Can You Add Motion Sensors To Existing Outdoor Lights?

Motion sensors are a great way of ensuring your lights only switch on when there’s a use for them – when somebody is nearby.

But many people think of motion sensors only as those built into certain types of light, like security lights.

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They don’t realize that motion sensors are often standalone devices.

And so because of that, they assume that you can only install a motion sensor light in one go.

But that’s not the case.

You can install a motion sensor into an existing lighting circuit, as long as you have access to the wiring. Adding a motion sensor is just like adding a switch – it will break the circuit until the motion is detected.

So let’s dive into this a little further and explore:

• The benefits of adding motion sensors to outdoor lights
• Whether it’s possible to add motion sensors to porch lights
• How to wire motion detectors to existing light fixtures.

Are There Any Benefits to Motion Sensors for Outdoor Lights?

Many people prefer to add motion sensors to their outdoor lights rather than indoor ones since you tend to move around a lot indoors and may trigger lights that you didn’t intend to.

Whereas usually, whenever you’re outdoors, you want to have the area well-lit regardless of how long you spend out there.

And yes, there is a rather large natural bulb in the sky called the Sun.

But it’s not there at night.

Don’t worry about wasting electricity either – you can always get dusk to a dawn motion sensor that only triggers when there isn’t natural light.

So you aren’t having your lights switched on unnecessarily during the day.

There are many benefits to having motion sensors added to your outdoor lights.

Security

Motion sensor lights on the outside of your home aren’t just so that you can see where you’re going – they’re also a security feature that can help to ward off potential invaders or burglars.

Criminals are smart enough to know that the light is being triggered automatically, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less put off.

Having the lights triggered by a motion sensor can put criminals at risk of being seen more easily on any security cameras.

It also makes it easier for you or your neighbors to spot the intruder.

Here is a little example that has happened to me recently.

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The intruder has been checking if any of the parked cars in the neighborhood were unlocked during the night.

Luckily, there weren’t, and we managed to spot the intruder due to the nicely lit-up area.

A light being triggered in the middle of the night could be spotted by yourself or someone living nearby, leading to the invader being spotted and the police being called.

So, adding motion sensors to your outdoor lights is a great security benefit.

Safety

Safety is also an important consideration for outdoor lights.

Because, generally, there are more potential hazards for you outside than indoors.

These could include uneven paving or steps that are harder to see.

Coming home from a late day at work, the last thing you want to do is twist your ankle due to an unseen danger.

Having automatically triggered lights on your return home will keep you safer.

Wildlife Deterrent

Many people in the US live in areas with an active wildlife population, many species of which can be a nuisance either by targeting your garbage or, worse, your own pets.

Not all species of wildlife are spooked by lights, but some are, and so adding a motion sensor (as long as you make sure it’s one that will trigger for animals) could help to keep your garbage secure and your own animals alive and well.

Can I Add A Motion Sensor To A Porch Light?

You can add a motion sensor to pretty much any light. For the reasons stated above, adding one to porch lights absolutely makes sense.

In fact, porch lights are some of the best candidates for motion sensors because how often do you want to switch them on manually?

It’s much more likely that you’ll want your porch light to be triggered automatically when needed.

The only thing that could stop you from adding a motion sensor to a porch light is if you aren’t able to access the wiring.

You need to identify where you want the motion sensor to be placed to see the area you want it to cover.

Then determine how you will wire the motion sensor into the circuit.

If you’re adding a small motion sensor unit to the light, that’s easy because the wiring is already there.

You can remove the light fixture and wire the motion sensor alongside it before you replace it.

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But if you want the sensor to cover a different area, you’ll need to locate the wiring and then run a cable from that to the place where you want the sensor installed.

Related: Can You Wire Two Motion Sensors In A Circuit?

How Do I Wire Motion Detectors To An Existing Light Fixture?

A motion sensor works like a switch defaulted in the ‘off’ position.

Here’s how you install a motion sensor where you’re attaching it to an existing light:

• Switch off the power
• Remove the exterior light fixture, exposing the junction box and wiring behind.
• Disconnect the wires and then connect the hot wire to the motion sensor
• Connect the switch live wire on the motion sensor to the light’s terminal that previously held the hot wire
• Install the motion sensor onto the wall following the manufacturer’s instructions
• Mount back the light fixture
• Turn on the power and test it

Those steps about installing the motion sensor onto the wall and placing the light fixture may swap, or could vary if it’s a sensor designed to clip onto the light itself.

The process is similar if you’re installing a separate motion sensor away from the light fixtures.

The only difference is that you need to make sure that you run the wires to the place where you want your motion sensor to be placed.

In terms of writing in the motion sensor itself, you’ll just need to ensure that the hot/line wire is coming into the sensor, either directly from the power supply or from a light switch.

Then the load wire will run from the sensor to the lights.

Make sure the neutral wire is connected to the neutral wire in the cable.

Here is a diagram to make it easier to visualize. If your lights have one, this one is with the light switch, but the connection is very similar without it.

That should be it – the actual wiring of the sensor is straightforward. After that, it’s just ensuring you have the cable to wire it into the circuit, which can be tricky.

Related: Does A Motion Sensor Light Need A Switch?

Final Words

Motion sensors are a great addition to your existing lights, especially outdoor ones.

If you want to add one, it doesn’t have to be a complete reinstallation project.

Provided you’re competent at home DIY and don’t maul your home’s facade, installation is relatively simple.

If you aren’t confident, hiring a professional to do it for you shouldn’t cost you huge sums.

Have you added a motion sensor to your own lights after installing them, for security reasons or even just to save money?

Or maybe you’ve had to replace or relocate one?

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor