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Too many sensors

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hi guys iv been asked to help with a lighting sollution at this large family home 


They currently have 2 sensors (x2 and x3) connected in parallel controlling 2 lights (□1 and □2) - they would however like to add an additional 2 sensors (x1 and x4) and also a switch (● 1) to bring on the lights as when required (but not to switch the circuit off)


Adaptable box (■ 1) currently have the L - N - E - SW 


I would like to bring 3 individual switch wires from the 2 new sensors and 1 new switch back to the adaptable box 


We will then have the following number of cables in each connector block 


L - 4 wires

SW - 5

N - 4

E - 5


LIght 1 - 100w LED Flood

Light 2 - 200w LED Flood


Can anyone suggest a better way of doing this or is this method acceptable?


I feel a little apprehensive about all the cables in together but also don't feel it would be unsafe - just not ideal.


Any input winputted greatly appreciated.


I will also try add a picture of the plan.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    20201010_011635.jpg
  • 0
    I am struggling to envisage the layout. I think that what you are trying to achieve is possible.

    Hopefully this is all on one circuit. Note that security lights and/or seperate sensors fall into two types - 1/ those that can be paralled up and / 2those that can not (although using relays you can get around that).

    Also watch the total load that any sensor can switch.


    It might prove more prudent to use a different system for security lighting control such as the GJD system using 12v detector heads (Opal) and one or more controllers such as Emerald/ Saphire etc.


    If there is more than one circuit then interlinking via relays or better still radio links ("wireless" technology) is achieveable
  • 0
    I suggest a programmable relay controller listening to all the switches (inputs) and power to the lights (outputs). You can then make any complex logical switching you like, and even if 2 switches are pushed at once, make the lights flash or respond to music. Then you provide a "random" function that confuses everyone occasionally on a timer, which changes all the logic to "now for something completely different" (Monty Python). You will only have very simple wiring, and the coding can be done at leisure, filling as much spare time as you have available!


    There, I have achieved exactly what you want, and you have the opportunity to learn a new skill!
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    ebee:

    I am struggling to envisage the layout. I think that what you are trying to achieve is possible.

    Hopefully this is all on one circuit. Note that security lights and/or seperate sensors fall into two types - 1/ those that can be paralled up and / 2those that can not (although using relays you can get around that).

    Also watch the total load that any sensor can switch.


    It might prove more prudent to use a different system for security lighting control such as the GJD system using 12v detector heads (Opal) and one or more controllers such as Emerald/ Saphire etc.


    If there is more than one circuit then interlinking via relays or better still radio links ("wireless" technology) is achieveable


    Thanks Ebee - much appreciated - I uploaded a picture of the plan (if thats any use) 


    I will look into the other method suggested, however, I was wondering if in your opinion my original plan is acceptable if all else fails?


    Basically multiple sensors connected to 1 connection point and acting individually to switch the feed to the lights on - 


    And yes mate just 1 circuit ( 1feed)


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    davezawadi (David Stone):

    I suggest a programmable relay controller listening to all the switches (inputs) and power to the lights (outputs). You can then make any complex logical switching you like, and even if 2 switches are pushed at once, make the lights flash or respond to music. Then you provide a "random" function that confuses everyone occasionally on a timer, which changes all the logic to "now for something completely different" (Monty Python). You will only have very simple wiring, and the coding can be done at leisure, filling as much spare time as you have available!


    There, I have achieved exactly what you want, and you have the opportunity to learn a new skill!


    Thanks Dave - Appreciate your input mate, this sounds interesting - Would you be able to post a link of what you have in mind please - Had a quick Google and not quite sure what I'm looking for from the options that came up


    Out of curiosity did you fully understand what my initial plan was and are you also suggesting that if 2 sensors are trigger at the same time the lights may flicker and behaving unpredictability?


  • 0
    Just loop a three core and earth to every point and add switches or sensors as required between the live and switched live.


    You can add a photo cell and timer configured to turn the lights on at as it gets dark and off at a certain time.


    No coding required 


     Andy Betteridge
  • 0
    Sparkingchip:

    Just loop a three core and earth to every point and add switches or sensors as required between the live and switched live.


    You can add a photo cell and timer configured to turn the lights on at as it gets dark and off at a certain time.


    No coding required 


     Andy Betteridge 




    Or on on a winter morning and off as it gets light.


  • 0
    The simplest solution would be to connect all the sensors in parallel and the lights between SwL and N. The last lot I put up had 3 sensors and 6 lights. with a 1ganged 2way overide switch installed in plastic conduit. No relays required for this setup.

    Note the lights are 15W each to provide pathway illumination and not flood illumination.

    IMO, many cheap sensors do not like to switch more than a couple of amps on a continual basis.

    Legh

  • 0
    Standalone microwave detectors are the preferred choice, though not so readily available as PIR.
  • 0
    What I have done in the past (if the Sec Lights are ok in para - some are not) is to bring em all out to a ganged switch to common them up ie if switches are all off each one can be tested individually but those switched on form a common trigger for all lighting) say 2,3,4,6 gang

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