Adding External PIR lights to existing wiring

[600rob]

Hi,

I have a non PIR lantern light in my garden operated by a single gang single way switch and I want to do a couple of upgrades.

Firstly i want to replace the exisitng lantern with a PIR operated security light

Secondly id like add another PIR light around the side of the house to cover that area. i would like to run both lights off the existing switch and wiring.

The easiest way, i think..... is to replace the exisitng light with the new PIR Light.

In order to power the second PIR light that will go on the side of the house i would run a wire from the existing wiring at the first light unit, along the brickwork to the second unit. using an appropriate cable for external use.

Before doing so I wondered if someone could advise whether

A) this idea is feasible?

and B) If the first security light in the circuit is activated would it automatically power up the other security light and vice versa or would they activate independently?
(id like for each light to switch independantley if possibe)

Thanks for your help

 

[deadshort]

Hi, A = yes if the correct cable is used. B the lights will electrically operate independently , but if they are within the sensor pick up range of each other they may trigger each other.

Regards,

DS

 

[600rob]

Thanks DS,

Re the cable choice, i was looking at something such as hituf or swa as i read they are both suitable types to use for exterior lighting however im not sure if they will be more than required as the cable will be mounted 10 ft up on the wall hence i dont see there being any factors that would cause damage to the cable.

Are there any otther types worth considering

 

[JohnW2]

B) If the first security light in the circuit is activated would it automatically power up the other security light and vice versa or would they activate independently?

With most PIR lights, you can wire them to either activate (in response to PIR-detected movement) independently, or for both to light up if either PIR detects movement - the former needs 2-core (plus earth) cable between the lights, the latter 3-core (plus earth). One possible complication of 'independent' triggering is that if the PIRs are configured to not activate the lights during daylight, if one PIR can 'see' the other, one lamp coming on may fool the other into thinking that it's daylight, so that it will not respond to PIR-detected movement.

(id like for each light to switch independantley if possibe)

If, when you say 'switch', you mean activate in response to PIR-detected movement, then see above. If you mean 'manual' switching, that would require more extensive wiring.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

Re the cable choice, i was looking at something such as hituf or swa as i read they are both suitable types to use for exterior lighting ...

You would not usually be able to terminate SWA directly into a PIR/light, and hituf is so stiff that it is (IMO) a pain to do anything with! Others will probably have recommendations - maybe in terms of black tough rubber cable.

Kind Regards, John

 

[600rob]

If, when you say 'switch', you mean activate in response to PIR-detected movement, then see above. If you mean 'manual' switching, that would require more extensive wiring.

Thanks john, yes, that's what I was referring to

 

[JohnW2]

If, when you say 'switch', you mean activate in response to PIR-detected movement, then see above. If you mean 'manual' switching, that would require more extensive wiring.

Thanks john, yes, that's what I was referring to

You're welcome - but which of the two are you saying 'yes' to?

Kind Regards, John

 

[600rob]

If, when you say 'switch', you mean activate in response to PIR-detected movement

opps,

I was referring to your first comment.

 

[JohnW2]

If, when you say 'switch', you mean activate in response to PIR-detected movement

opps, I was referring to your first comment.

Fair enough - I guessed that, but thought I should get confirmation. That being the case, I've given you the answer - that functionality would be achieved by simple connection of just L & N (and earth, as appropriate) between the two PIRs/lights.

Kind Regards, John