Adding a PIR to lighting around the house

[Paul winter]

I have lighting (29) around the perimeter of the house soffit , and also lighting in the garden which highlights the drive entrance also . These are run on a time switch and all are working perfectly well. However, as security is getting more important these days, I wanted to add a PIR to the lights so that anyone venturing on to the property the lights would turn on automatically . Ideally it would also be nice to have a bypass switch that I could turn on as and when for both circuits. How would I wire this if I take out the smiths time clock ? I am thinking the PIR can be fitted after a second junction box feed only before the main lights to the drive and fit a sensor downlight to the circuit for the downlightes in the soffet. This would leave both circuits live at all times …. How would the best way to include the over riding switch , and also what type of PIR would be best for the drive ? The drive lights are LED so no load issues there, the soffits are still bulb type GU10 type ( but working fine) but probably has a greater load

Any guidance appreciated

 

[sparkymarka]

Unfortunately most mains pirs are rubbish these days . I only fit GJD lighting systems now but most people don’t want to pay the price

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well - from what you say you intend to do, you just need a switch instead of the timer - and then you will need a permanent live supply to the PIR and connect its output to the lights.

Obviously a lot depends on the location of all the various parts.

 

[foxhole]

And your house will light up when it’s windy or the local Tom cat wanders into your drive .