Adding Security Light To Existing Wiring

BF · 30 Nov 2008

Hi,

I have a PIR activated security light in my garden and I want to add another to cover the side of my house.

The easiest way, in my mind, to power the new light is to run a wire from the existing security light to the new one.

Before doing so I wondered if someone could advise whether A) this would work and B) if the garden security light is activated would it automatically power up the new security light and vice versa or would they activate independently?

Thanks for your help

electronicsuk · 30 Nov 2008

Both lights, if they each have their own built in PIRs, will operate independently from each other.

If you were planning on bringing another cable out of the JB on the back on the first floodlight then I wouldn't even bother, the terminal enclosures tend to be very small and only have space for one cable gland.

You could fit a weatherproof junction box + glands to split the power to both lights. However, as it seems likely their will be an exposed cable run to the new light, you need to make sure the lights are RCD protected.

electronicsuk · 30 Nov 2008

EDIT: Ignore this one, somehow posted twice!

BF · 30 Nov 2008

Thanks for your reply.

Any chance you could post some links to the weatherproof junction box and glands that I would need to buy?

Taylortwocities · 30 Nov 2008

Just type in "weatherproof junction box " into google and you'll get a selection

BF · 30 Nov 2008

Thanks - just seen some.

The purpose of the glands? Is it to stop water getting into the junction box?

Presumably I take the wire from the mains supply into the junction box then feed the two security lights from the junction box?

Steve · 30 Nov 2008

BF said:
The purpose of the glands? Is it to stop water getting into the junction box?

Presumably I take the wire from the mains supply into the junction box then feed the two security lights from the junction box?

Yes. They tighten to the box with a seal, and then tighten to the cable with a seal.

Yes. Most even come with terminals built in.

BF · 30 Nov 2008

Cheers - Thanks

BF · 7 Dec 2008

Got round to fitting extra security light and the junction box / wiring.

Now await darkness to see if garden and side gate will shine in 150w light or whether my house will ignite in one big explosion!!

FourFootMedia · 7 Dec 2008

electronicsuk said:
Both lights, if they each have their own built in PIRs, will operate independently from each other.

Unless light from one "overspills" into the area covered by the other light, in which case it'll think it's daylight and not operate until the other light has extinguished.

BF · 7 Dec 2008

Just returned from the hospital. Roads now back open and Fire Brigade just finishing off.

Only Kidding. They work!!

Now when Im looking for the bins down the side Im no longer going to end up walking into them!!

Of course, as with every DIY project I take on, it didn`t go smoothly.

First off I cut the wire from the first PIR to the junction box too short!

Then after wiring the junction box and just about to put the lid on I realised that I hadn`t put the nut to the gland on the side of the wiring so had to disconnect it all!!

Still, job done and works.

Thanks to those who replied to my original post.

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Adding Security Light To Existing Wiring

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