replacing a light switch with a sensor

[chris788]

Hi I am trying to replace a light switch in my garage with a pir. The problem i have is that is a 2way switch. got common L1 and L2 going into switch, on the pir i have N L and L1. I can not seem to get it to work. tried all combinations of wiring but no joy? And ideas pls?
Chris

 

[davy_owen_88]

Are you trying to fit the PIR in the same place as the switch using only the cables available at the switch? If you are the problem you are having is that there probably isn't a neutral at the switch but you require a neutral for the PIR. Do you still require a switch in the garage? Do you have easy access to the cables? Are you confident working with electrics?

Anyway, here's a quick run-down if you don't require a switch:

You want to take a feed from the lighting circuit and put phase (brown) into the L terminal of the PIR and neutral (blue) into the N terminal. Then connect the phase conductor that is going to the light fitting to L1. Connect the neutral conductor to the neutral terminal at the PIR and obviously connect up all the earth's (remembering to sleeve them with green + yellow sleeving.)

Davy

 

[chris788]

Davy,
Thanks, Thought I would have to start again. The problem being the other 2 way is inside the utility, don't need it once pir is on and did not want to lift up floor boards to get to wiring. Oh well will have to stay as a switch.
Chris.

 

[securespark]

You can get switch-replacement PIR's that do not need a neutral. Whether they can be used on two-way circuits, I'm not sure.

 

[chris788]

Thanks,
The only problem with those is that they cannot be used with floresent lights
Chris.

 

[chris788]

Found one!!

http://www.diyses.co.uk/energysavingequipment/pir2.htm

 

[securespark]

You may have to ditch the two-way, though.

 

[stevesey]

Found one!!

http://www.diyses.co.uk/energysavingequipment/pir2.htm[/QUOTE]

Nice price!!

I went for the simpler approach of a 150W garden floodlight used as an uplighter - works fine for poping out for wine/beer etc (when working I turn the 4 flourescent tubes on).