Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 23 replies
  • Subscribers 32 subscribers
  • Views 2423 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

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.
  • 0
    As others have said, put all the switches in parallel. If luminaires have built in sensors, 'tis very easy - just link them with 3-core & earth. What I also like to do is have a key operated switch for isolation for re-lamping or any other reason.
  • 0
    These days it will be for any other reason rather than re-lamping and using the circuit MCB or RCBO is acceptable.
  • 0
    Speak for yourself!
  • 0
    ebee has mentioned the following at least twice now; some sensors are not designed to essentially have a back feed on their switched live circuitry. So a generalised "parallel them up" will work short term, but not long term, with all sensors. The arrangement can bob along for a fair while, maybe a year before someone notices things are not working as they used to do, but eventually it will end up all pete tong with everyone scratching their heads as to whats gone wrong.
  • 0
    That is quite important - the ones that can pretty much always be wired in parallel are the sensors with a relay contact as the output (listen for the tell-tale 'click') - some designs where the switching is a semiconductor (Triac) can also be wired in parallel. Other designs that have complex zero-voltage switching (instead of just an R-C suppressor ) to minimise EMC can end up failing spectacularly if mains appears on the output when it is supposed to be off.

    Of course even the ones that can be wired in parallel can come a bit unstuck if they dazzle each other's sensors and decide it is daylight when it isn't.
  • 0
    The flood lights seem a bit powerful, you won’t want one of those shining in your eyes as you drive home.
  • 0
    Powerful lighting creates shadows that people cannot see into, think of inside the night club where they are used to dazzle trouble makers.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Its a like for like replacement - Just their requirements mate
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    ebee:

    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


    Thanks ALL for your input - much appreciated


    I think if it was a fresh install it wouldn't be a problem 


    The fact that 75% of the kit / cabling is currently in and wants rejigging in order to meet the clients requirements is where I needed clarification


    I like your ideas Ebee - but unless I rewire I think they're won't work 


    Currently I have 2/4 sensors in parallel which I can probably rework to bring another sensor as well as the manual switch all on the same run back to the adaptable box - the last sensor will however have to be connected as a "spur" to the L SWl N and E - 


    Just wondered if this would cause any issues or if outside of regs- 


    I personally can't see an issue but would appreciate any further objections/ approval 


    Thanks 


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    20201012_053925.jpg

Community Rules & Guidelines