| Motion-Sensor Light Switch |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-413 |
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Q: I often find myself fumbling for the light switch in the garage. Is there a timer or something I could try? A: (DIY electrical expert James Young) A motion-detector switch will automatically turn on the lights whenever anyone walks into the room. The motion-sensor switch simply replaces one of your standard light switches (figure A). It also has a time-delay feature, so that when you leave the room, the lights will turn back off after a pre-set time interval. The degree of motion sensitivity is adjustable also. This switch is actually a relatively simple device that's easy to operate as well as install. Here are the tools and materials (figure B) that you'll need: Sensor-switch (available from home centers or lighting stores)
Circuit tester
Cordless drill with screwdriver attachment
Wire stripper
Screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted)
Wire connectors Note: Installing a motion-sensor switch is a job that a do-it-yourselfer can accomplish in a fairly short time, but remember to use extreme caution when working with electricity. If you have concerns about doing an electrical installation yourself, contact a qualified electrician. Safety Alert: Whenever working with electrical wiring, always turn off the power to the circuit where you are working using the circuit-breaker switch in the circuit box. Steps:
- Identify the circuit to the light switch you'll be replacing, and turn the power off at the circuit breaker (figure C).
- As an extra precaution, place a "Do Not Touch!" sign on the outside of the circuit box (figure D) so that someone else doesn't unwittingly restore power to the circuit while you are working.
- Remove the wall-plate from the existing switch, and test the wires using a circuit tester -- such as the audible-alarm tester used in our demonstration (figure E ) -- to be absolutely sure there is no power flowing to the wires you'll be removing. With our audible tester, a continuous beep would indicate that there is still power. The tester verified that the power was off.
- With the power turned off, remove the screws that hold the old switch in place.
- The old switch has three wires connected at the back: a black wire, a white wire, and a bare ground (figure F). The black and white wires will be connected to the new motion-sensor switch, but the ground will not be used.
- Cut the wires at the back of the old switch.
- With the old switch removed, strip the plastic insulation off the ends of the black and white wires using wire strippers (figure G).
- With the ends of the wires stripped, they can be hooked up to the new switch. Wrap the end of the black wire around one of the wire connections on the back of the switch. Repeat with the white wire. Secure the wires with wire-connectors (figure H).
- Note: With the particular sensor-switch used in our demonstration, it made no difference which power-supply wire went to which connection on the back of the switch. Either wire could go to either connection. Follow the wiring instructions that come with the switch you purchase.
- Tuck the excess wire into the back of the switch box (figure I).
- Position the connected motion-sensor switch into the switch box (figure J).
- Secure the switch with the mounting screws provided (figure K).
- Note the customizing controls for adjusting the sensitivity and timing of the light activation (figure L). On our switch, the bottom adjustment controlled when the lights come on after someone enters the room. The bottom determines how long the lights stay on after everyone has left the room. Set these controls to your liking before installing the wall-plate.
- With the switch installed and adjusted, reinstall the switch wall-plate (figure M).
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
The Art of Illumination: Residential Lighting Design
Model: 0070329591
Author: Glenn M. Johnson
$49.95
Paperback - 224 pages 70 edition (November 20, 1998)
McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing
Replacing Light Fixtures (Fix It Maps)
Model: 0376070064
Sunset Pub Co., January 2000
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com
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