Exterior 3Way with motion sensor
peedee
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Is it possible to have an exterior light controlled by 2- 3way switches _and_ a seperate motion sensor? Although I am comfortable with SP, 3W and 4W, I can’t see how this will work as the fixture will not have constant power. (I have done 3w manual on/ auto off occupancy sensors so I know about those but not applicable here.) Perhaps my imagination is limited but I just can’t see how this could work… (this is spec’d by and ID who herself doesn’t know if it’s possible).
Thoughts and ideas on this matter appreciated.
Thanks,
David
Replies
I can't imagine a motion sensor light being controlled by any kind of switch, besides the motion sensor.
Now, if he wants a "manual" light as well as the motion sensor light, you can always separate the two bulbs, so that one is on the motion sensor, and the other is on the light switch. This would require you to run another wire to the fixture.
There are motion sensors that you can "program" from a switch (that is normally on). Two flicks down/up turns the lamp on solid, eg, and three flicks sets it back to "auto" mode. And some other combo will make it flash (to help someone find your house).
You could certainly put the motion "in series" with 3-way switches, and with a motion sensor like the above you might be able to get things to work, but it would be pretty confusing if you're just Joe Homeowner and not a bit of a geek.
There are motion sensor switches with 3-way switching. I don't know if there are any external ones available.
One common application for them are to put ones at the top and bottom of stairs.
Now you can use 2 3-way switches and instead of feeding the light it would feed a standard motion sensor.
And you can get X-10 and similar systems that have all kinds of capacity to be controlled by both motion sensor(s) and manual switches.
EXACTLY what are you trying to accomplish.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
If the motion sensor has a relay output you can wire it in parallel with a switch or a 3 way switch pair.
The switch would turn the light on no matter what the motion detector was doing. My post light is that way.
YMMV with triac output motion detectors but it should still work.
Thanks to all. I get the jist that it's not a simple wiring solution (no, we're not doing X10 here). As to what I'm trying to accomplish, other than make sense of this designers drawings, is to ascertain how feasible it is. At this point I need to ask the ID the same question- what does she want to accomplish?I'll see about a m/s with a relay leg but I suspect the split-light might be a/ the solution (which I just hadn't remembered though I've seen).
Thanks,
David
Depending on what you're trying to accomplish, Leviton has 3 way motion sensors with manual ON options....Cat. No. IPP15-1L
The simple solution ... eliminate the switch(es) as the only time you want the light on is at night when someone is around ... so ... you do a photocell and motion sensor. Photocell enables the light when it's dark, but the motion sensor turns it on when needed. During day, photocell locks out the light regardless of motion.
Not sure why you would need anything else (although there may likely be a reason, since I haven't given this particular application any more thought than the time it took me to write this :) ). ... OK ... now I think I get it ... read on.
I would think your approach is doable, though. Two standard 3 way switches and as standard SPST switch to control on/off. But I'm dangerous w/ electricical stuff. I'm not convinced you need manual switches.
I've wired exhaust fans to multiple switches (not 3 way), so why not yours? Just put a motion sensor in two locations to control the light if you need to sense motion in two separate locations for the same light where those two locations maybe aren't within sight of each other.
But, I can't think of WHY you might want to do it. Your client has an intent that may be clear to them, but they've also given you the way to do it ... which may not be compatible with their intent ... or the easiest way to do it, either. Ask them what they want to achieve ... then offer a solution.
Clarification ... I usually use motion sensors for exterior lighting and occupancy sensors for interior lighting ... so some of my confusion of your application is maybe due to that. (living up to my namesake?!).
"The simple solution ... eliminate the switch(es) as the only time you want the light on is at night when someone is around ... so ... you do a photocell and motion sensor. Photocell enables the light when it's dark, but the motion sensor turns it on when needed. During day, photocell locks out the light regardless of motion. "FWIW almost all external motion sensors have that built into them.And if you use the internal override, with a on, quick off, back on with a manual switch they will reset the next day..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Helps if I read the OP more carefully. Seems no real need for another switch. Seems the motion sensors I've seen don't have the PC built in; but maybe I just don't realize it.
I have about 20 motion detectors and occupancy sensors in and around the house. They all have some sort of photocell control. The motion sensors virtually all have that "smart" control Bill was talking about. A quick off on will turn them on solid and if you leave them off for around 10 seconds they reset.
I built a time delay, similar to the ones in HVAC systems, that holds the motion detectors off for 15 seconds or so on a power glitch so they won't lock on all night. It is a pretty simple deal with an SCR, an RC network and a relay. The power glitch drops out the SCR, the RC network delays it gating back on then it is on till the next time it loses power. A N/O point on the relay discharges the capacitor to rearm it.