How to connect a motion sensor to a spotlight?

Spotlights are a type of lighting technique that can be used for a variety of purposes. This is the lighting of the summer cottage, garage space, the area around the country house, and so on. The modern level of technology development makes it possible to make this type of lighting as energy efficient as possible.

But for maximum efficiency, it is best to connect a motion sensor to a floodlight, which will only turn on the light when people appear in a certain area. Let's try to figure out what you need to know in order to do it yourself, and how to implement such an idea with your own hands without much work and special knowledge.

You should start considering this issue with how to properly connect the motion sensor to an LED or any other type of floodlight. After all, an incorrect connection can be the cause of a short circuit or failure of the device. Even if there is no connection diagram, even a beginner can figure out this issue.

It is required to start with the fact that it is necessary to find optimal places for placing devices... Here, the functionality of each part should be taken into account. The sensor should be mounted in such a way as to be maximally oriented to the point of expected human appearance. The maximum reaction distance as well as the viewing angle must be taken into account... A diode floodlight for lighting should be installed in such a way that it illuminates the maximum possible space.

Now let's go directly to the connection diagram. A terminal box will be located inside the luminaire body, where 4 circuits are assembled, which have the following functions and designations:

• the brown phase L cable must be connected to the sensor;

• the so-called working zero, which is marked with N, bifurcates from the block into 2 lines going to the sensor and the searchlight;

• the protection cable with PE marking is connected from the terminal to the housing;

• the phase cable from the sensor switch marked A goes through the block to the searchlight.

In order for it to start working correctly, it is necessary to supply the working and protective zeros, as well as the phase with a power supply wire from the shield in the room with cables of the appropriate colors.

Further, on the internal circuit, the phase and zero from the block go to the sensors, which are responsible for illumination and movement, preparing their executive area, power supplies and logic for use. According to the plan, when there are reasons for activating the device, an internal contact closes, which supplies the potential of phase A to the device. Because of this, it is activated.

Opening is carried out when movement in the area being monitored disappears, or a normal level of illumination occurs, which causes the searchlight to automatically turn off the light.

Protective zero with PE marking is necessary to control and turn off possible current losses in case of damage to the integrity of the insulation of the wiring in the lighting device. The protective zero can be neglected if the building will be operated according to a special system called TN-C.

It should be noted that attaching a spotlight to the surface and connecting a motion sensor to it is not enough. It is also required to adjust it correctly and efficiently so that it does its job as efficiently as possible. The following parameters are adjustable:

• illumination level;

• delay mode;

• mounting angle;

• sensitivity level.

Most often, there are models of floodlights with three controls, which are responsible for adjusting the above criteria, with the exception of the mounting angle. Although it often happens that some of the regulators are missing. But in some cases, you can find alternative solutions when setting a parameter.

You should not neglect the adjustment of these parameters, because if you correctly configure these characteristics, you can save up to half of the electricity consumed by the device. Let's take a closer look at each of the indicators mentioned.

The first important point regarding the angle of installation is the correct adjustment of the detection area. Sensors usually have articulated mounts, which makes it possible to set the required angle. The device should be positioned so that the coverage area is as large as possible. Here, not only the angle indicator will be important, but also the height level where the sensor will be located.

Often all these recommendations can be found in the instructions for the device. Their parameters will depend on the vertical view index, as well as the device model. In addition, it will be important to take into account the direction of movement, and in what plane it occurs. Taking these two criteria into account will allow minimizing the possibility of false alarms, as well as the formation of so-called dead zones.

The sensitivity parameter, which is often denoted by different models as Sens, is the most difficult to adjust.... To regulate it, there is a variable resistor from a minimum to a maximum value. The essence of this setting lies in the impossibility of the sensory equipment's reaction to any movements, except for the appearance of a person.

It will be especially difficult to adjust the sensitivity for owners of their own homes or territories where there are domestic or service dogs. Most likely, the sensor will be triggered on such animals due to the size of the animals. Therefore, in any case, the sensor will think that this is an object to which it is required to react.

Another parameter that can be adjusted is illumination. Usually labeled Lux ​​or day / night. It must be adjusted so that the light turns on at night. If this parameter is not adjusted, the spotlight will be switched on constantly.... It is best to set up your device after it gets dark outside. It is better to start from the maximum value in order to see when the device will work.

Sometimes it happens that the device does not have the ability to configure this indicator. Then it becomes necessary to additionally include a light sensor in the system circuit. This will allow you to use the spotlight only at night, which will significantly save money.

The delay period on the device is usually labeled Time on the case. This characteristic indicates how long the spotlight will give light from the moment the motion sensor is turned off, that is, from the time when there is no movement in the area of ​​the sensor until the light is turned off.

To avoid blinking the lighting fixture, it is better to simply not set any minimum value. And the setting itself varies in the range from 5 seconds to 10 minutes. The specific indicator must be selected based on personal needs and the characteristics of the illuminated area.

If we talk about useful recommendations, then before purchasing such devices as a motion sensor and a searchlight, you will need to calculate the following indicators in advance:

• the amount that a person is willing to spend on the purchase of such devices;

• determine the place where these devices will be installed;

• select the type of sensor;

• determine what area should be monitored;

• determine the goals that you want to achieve by installing such equipment.

In addition, if a person is going to carry out the installation of the entire system on his own, he will need to understand the documentation in as much detail as possible, understand the assembly diagram and the algorithm for connecting all the necessary components to the system.

Note that motion sensors that are connected to floodlights are very easy to install and will be an excellent solution for people who have no experience in this matter yet.

In general, it should be said that connecting a motion sensor to a spotlight is not something very difficult. The main thing is to clearly understand what exactly a person does, why he does it, and to have at least basic knowledge in the field of electrical engineering.

In the next video, you can visually familiarize yourself with the features of connecting a motion sensor.