120v motion sensor to receptacle for 12v landscape lighting

[gulf0927]

Hey all,

I installed 6 LED landscape path lights at an apartment building last month from a 12v transformer. The landlord liked the dusk to dawn sensor for about a week, but then decided he would rather have it motion activated to save energy.

I then installed a standard 3-wire security light motion detector about 15 feet high on the wall of the building which would then switch the receptacle that the transformer is plugged in to. I wasn't thinking enough about it at the time though, as a transformer is an inductive load, not a lightbulb, which the sensor is rated for. It worked intermittently during testing, and then the landlord called the next day to confirm it wasn't working.

Are there any motion sensors that could control a transformer this way? Any other way to wire this that would work?

 

[LarryFine]

I bet it would be able to handle a small relay. A landscaping transformer is a relatively large inductive load.

 

[hillbilly1]

Maybe use one rated for LED’s or ELV transformers.

 

[tthh]

To save money? I mean 6 LED lights are probably not drawing much.

If you want a relay, this will work:

Salesforce B2B Commerce

www.functionaldevices.com

 

[gulf0927]

To save money? I mean 6 LED lights are probably not drawing much.

If you want a relay, this will work:

Salesforce B2B Commerce

www.functionaldevices.com

A motion detector will respond to a solid state relay? Or should it be an ice cube?

 

[ptonsparky]

A motion detector will respond to a solid state relay? Or should it be an ice cube?

The one pictured has a "Dry contact input". That one may be difficult to link with a motion detector unless you can find one that only has isolated contacts for an output.
The RIB would be the simplest installation, just need a different Model.

 

[brantmacga]

Here is a 12v inline motion sensor

VOLT® 12V Inline Motion Sensor

Expand your home security with motion-sensing landscape lighting - designed and engineered exclusively by VOLT® Solid cast brass construction PIR Motion Sensor Designed for use with VOLT® low voltage systems 1-Year Warranty UL & cUL Listed

www.voltlighting.com

I haven’t used it, but this is the brand of landscape lighting i have around my house. The biggest complaint in the reviews seems to be that it’s a 15 second timer. Idk if it resets on motion or what, but i remembered seeing it when i ordered my lights and thought I’d share.

 

[Kansas Mountain]

To save money? I mean 6 LED lights are probably not drawing much.

This

Can't imagine customer will EVER see a ROI against the additional material and labor costs. And if the customer is just environmentally concerned, I would bet the additional material/labor expend more energy and resources than simply letting these 6 high efficiency lights run a bit more.

 

[d0nut]

Are the lights part of the emergency egress path to the public way? If so, that adds a level of complexity to the decision to have them controlled by an occupancy sensor.

 

[synchro]

This

Can't imagine customer will EVER see a ROI against the additional material and labor costs. And if the customer is just environmentally concerned, I would bet the additional material/labor expend more energy and resources than simply letting these 6 high efficiency lights run a bit more.

Are the lights part of the emergency egress path to the public way? If so, that adds a level of complexity to the decision to have them controlled by an occupancy sensor.

Agree. Even if allowed by regulations, I think having the lights on motion sensors could potentially compromise security and lead to safety issues.

 

[Amps]

Perhaps an astronomical timer will work. Can be set to turn on at sunset and off at whatever time you set it. Has battery backup too.

 

[gulf0927]

This

Can't imagine customer will EVER see a ROI against the additional material and labor costs. And if the customer is just environmentally concerned, I would bet the additional material/labor expend more energy and resources than simply letting these 6 high efficiency lights run a bit more.

I agree. Some people are just oddballs, but explaining this reality to them doesn't work. In my case, work is money, so I'll make it work for a check $.

 

[gulf0927]

The one pictured has a "Dry contact input". That one may be difficult to link with a motion detector unless you can find one that only has isolated contacts for an output.
The RIB would be the simplest installation, just need a different Model.

Yeah I have a Stealth 200 LED laying around that may work. Can't use it for motor loads, but a transformer may be ok. Otherwise, I'm thinking I can just wire nut the "switch" leads together and when the motion sensor closes, it transfers power to the transformer. That door switch is rated for a 1/2 hp motor, so I think it can handle a 60w transformer.

 

[gulf0927]

All worked out. RAB sensor to the rescue. Has an internal relay, much better quality than the Home Depot special.

 

[tom baker]

Ring makes a lighting transformer that can be controlled by Alexa.