Overriding the motion sensor on a outside light

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danickstr

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If I run a hot conductor to a motion sensor, it seems I would violate code by running another hot from a switch, since the motion sensor would be trying to feed it each time someone walks by, from the same breaker leg, but off of another hot.

I was thinking of a double pole switch that turns off the motion sensor feed, when it is turned on, or a relay, but not sure if anyone has already worked this out.
 
I guess there's a question in there someplace?

If you want to over-ride a motion sensor, why not run the over ride swich from the same ckt that's feeding the sensor? :-? Plus, you can "flash" the switch for most sensors to over ride them.
 
Most motion detectors have it built in. Turn the switch on for 10 seconds then off and on again immediately and it bypasses the motion.
 
if the motion sensor has it built in, that is great...I never thought to read the instructions for such an idea, but who likes reading them anyway.

The reason I was hesitant was because I was afraid the phase difference from the two feeds (even on the same leg) might be a problem, even though at 60 hz and the speed of light, I guess it isn't a big deal over 5 feet:smile: . I just haven't fed anything with a forked feed before, and wasn't sure it was allowed. I looked at 210.70 but saw nothing about this.
 
I may do it with the forked feed, since no one has said I can't, just didn't want the inspector making me take it out.

My fear about the motion sensor override is that it will outsmart the customer, who forgets how to run it in six months, and then call me to re-explain it. With two feeds that come from a nearby box, the thing requires no thinking.

although the override would probably go back to normal after a time period, whereas the switch could be forgotten about...

Trying to outthink the customer is a tricky business.:smile:
 
Dan, almost all motion sensors have no problem with bypassing the sensor, but keep the hot feed going to the electronics, rather than cutting it.

Your simple, single-pole switch and 3-wire cable from the same switchbox is perfectly legal. It's no different than split-wiring a duplex receptacle.
 
A long time ago I once wired a motion detector with a 12-3 up from the switch box and used the switch leg to feed the light. The motion detector worked normaly with the switch off, and the light stayed on when the switch was on. That was years ago, I don't know if it had the newfangled by-pass features of today.
To give you an Idea of how long ago it was, I remember the motion light going on whenever keying up on my CB. :D
 
danickstr said:
If I run a hot conductor to a motion sensor, it seems I would violate code by running another hot from a switch, since the motion sensor would be trying to feed it each time someone walks by, from the same breaker leg, but off of another hot.

I was thinking of a double pole switch that turns off the motion sensor feed, when it is turned on, or a relay, but not sure if anyone has already worked this out.
Click to expand...


How about a (single) 3 way switch feeding the light?
When the switch is in one position, it powers the light directly.
In the other position, it powers thru the motion detector.

Just a thought.

steve
 
S'mise said:
A long time ago I once wired a motion detector with a 12-3 up from the switch box and used the switch leg to feed the light. The motion detector worked normaly with the switch off, and the light stayed on when the switch was on. That was years ago, I don't know if it had the newfangled by-pass features of today.
To give you an Idea of how long ago it was, I remember the motion light going on whenever keying up on my CB. :D
Click to expand...

Did that CB have a built-in 8-track player? :-D
 
Steve that seems like a pretty good idea. I was trying to come up with that kind of a solution, but couldn't get my brain in gear.
 
hillbilly said:
How about a (single) 3 way switch feeding the light?
When the switch is in one position, it powers the light directly.
In the other position, it powers thru the motion detector.
Click to expand...
The only concern here is that the few units I've installed that specifically tell how to bypass them, such as a pair that can trigger each other, always say the line wire (black) should be energized when the load wire (red) is.
 
Before I realized that motion lights had their own ability to bypass the motion I would run a 3 wire and use two switches. One would turn it on motion and the other would bypass motion. This way you could at least turn the power off to the light.
 
Keep it simple

Keep it simple

It does not have to be a 3-way switch Hillbilly, just a single pole. or wire like Dennis and use two switches to shut off the light if needed.
Long story short, its better to wire it so you dont confuse your wife.

Yes lawnguy, I had an 8 track player too. I looked prety snazy with my tie-dyed shirt and cororoy pants back then.:)
 
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