Two way switching with PIRs?

[nebless clem]

I would like to instal a series of 5 or 6 low wattage recessed spotlights along the soffit to one side of the house to provide lighting on the path between the drive and house entrance (and also act as security lights). I would like to have them all switched together via a PIR at either end of the run, so that they come on as we approach from either end of the path, and are deactivated during the day.

I haven't had much luck trying to find out info on this option, but feel that it should be possible to just have the two PIRs wired in parallel. Anyone tried this successfully or know of any technical reason why PIRs should not be wired in parallel?

thanks in advance,

Nebless Clem

 

[breezer]

i don't know any one who has done it, try it and see and let us know.

the only "problem" is that of backfeeding, which ever pir trips it will feed back to the other pir. the question is will it affect the other pir?

you could have each pir operate a relay and the relay switch the lights, or you could have just one pir at the far end, or instead of stand alone pir's have master slave ones, racal used to make them. (but i never liked them)

 

[supersparks]

if they are on asme circuit thay will not back feed.....
yes it will work, but keep em on same circuit and you will be fine
done it a few weeks ago, no problems

 

[breezer]

i beg to differ, if one pir is off and the other has its "out put" on, then it will feed back into the pir which is off, since the switched live (output) is now live because one pir trips which makes it live, so the switch wire at the pir which is off is now live (backfeeding)

i never said it wouldn't work just that i do not know if the pirs will be ok, and YES i must agree both pirs MUST be fed from same fuse

 

[supersparks]

well wen you say backfeed i would normaly think of back feeding another circuit, and since you said 'trip' i thaught you ment fault on one circuit and would backfeed across the circuits, anyway, a pir 'switches a load' it dont trip a load...whic is ware you confused me....

 

[breezer]

sorry i meant the pir itself trips, as in switches on, my fault for not being clear enough

 

[supersparks]

its easy to confuse simpletons breezer!

 

[nebless clem]

Many thanks for the replies.

I think I'll give it a go once I've found some suitable lights and the weather improves a bit! Will post again with results in due course.

Thanks again,
Nebless Clem