How To Wire A Motion Sensor To An Existing Light

There may be some beautiful outdoor light fixtures that you don’t want to change when you spruce up the outside of your home or purchase a new home. It’s highly unlikely that they have motion sensors attached. A motion detector can be wired to an existing light if that is the case.

Making your motion light setup doesn’t require you to be an electrical expert. The process is fairly straightforward. Motion sensor switches can be installed on existing light fixtures without an electrician or to pull the lights apart.

Benefit Of A Motion Sensor On Your Outdoor Lights

You can get many benefits from outdoor lights with motion sensors. If you arrive home late at night, you may need an outdoor motion light. Did you forget to turn on the outdoor lights? Motion sensor lights turn on when you pull in, walk up and walk out.

There’s no need to hunt for your keys in the dark, step over the kids’ toys, or balance groceries as you try to get to the door. The porch light provides some much-needed illumination. A motion-activated light increases security around your home or business. Security signs and cameras deter many burglars, but they also tend to back away when motion sensors are present.

They scare away people who shouldn’t be there and light up areas for security cameras that may not be able to see at night. Any additional signage that warns of security measures is also highlighted. 

Steps – How To Wire A Motion Sensor To An Existing Light

If you are wondering how to wire a motion sensor to an existing light, you can follow these easy steps:

• Before you start anything, make sure the power to the light is off.
• Make sure the wires are dead by using a volt detector and then remove the cover.
• Make sure the motion sensor is installed where you removed the insert.
• Install the motion sensor on the light fixture and run the wires to the fixture.
• Connect the hot wire to the black wire of the motion sensor from the house – the other wire goes to the light’s hot wire and connects the neutral wires.
• Adjust the sensor sensitivity to the desired level once this is completed.
• Turn on the power again after closing everything up.

Integrating Motion Sensors With Existing Lights

Technological advances in security are always making strides forward. It’s no longer necessary to have a big sensor on a chunky outdoor floodlight to detect motion. Various solutions exist to solve this problem. The following are some practical solutions to your how to wire a motion sensor to an existing light issue.

Motion Sensor Light Bulbs

A simple solution to having motion detectors in outdoor lighting fixtures is to install these outdoor sensor bulbs. On the top of the glass part of the bulb, you will find what is called a passive infrared sensor. This sensor will detect any heat signature. The heat signature can be from a person or animal.

As a result, this sensor will be able to detect body heat as infrared light. The light will turn on when someone passes within the designated range of the bulb. They work like conventional bulbs. You won’t see any changes to your light fixture.

Motion Sensing Security Cameras

If you don’t want to invest in a full security system, this combination of camera and motion-activated light can be a great choice. The light can be adapted to match your existing fixture if you wish. This product gives you a camera and a USB power adapter that plugs into the outdoor light socket just like any other light bulb.

The camera and light are powered by it. Several great features are available on this motion sensing light, including motion-activated illumination. This camera can offer live HD video feeds, a two-way intercom, a siren, cloud storage, and notifications to your mobile device. Moreover, it can withstand all kinds of weather and is easy to install. It’s a smart light, so it can be set to turn itself on automatically when motion is detected, or you can turn it on from your phone.

Motion Sensor Socket

This item is ideal for those who wish to keep their regular lightbulb in their fixture. It screws into the socket as any lightbulb would, and then the other bulb goes into it. The light fixture and bulbs are kept the same, but a motion detector is added.

Light Fixtures

Smart-looking fixtures also come with built-in motion sensors if none of these options work with your current fixture. As a result, some wiring work will be needed to install a new fixture, but the top is built with sensors, so it looks great. This stylish light fixture blends beautifully with almost any outdoor décor. Depending on what you want, you can use different modes in the sensor.

Final Thoughts

These motion sensors are rated for outdoor use, which is an important consideration. A problem with indoor sensors is that they may become damaged and useless quickly in bad weather. The ones deemed for outdoor use will keep working for a longer period, so make sure you choose them wisely.

You should know how rewiring works before working with electricity if you are working with the motion sensor. Choose the most convenient method for your needs and budget if you prefer an easier method. The installation of motion sensors on existing lights is a simple way to enhance security and aesthetics at the same time.Are you interested in learning about different security solutions you can employ for your safety? Check out the rest of Be-Safe’s resources today!