The perfect guide on LED spotlights with motion detectors

Outdoor lighting is sometimes not enough light in our blog. We will change that today. Below you will find the best advices for LED floodlights with motion detector. You'll learn everything you want to know about sensor types, positioning, hookup and more.

The advantages of a motion detector

Combining outdoor lighting with a motion detector is obviously a good idea, for the following reasons:

• You save energy because the light only comes on when someone passes by.
• There is no need to manipulate a switch, which is very convenient when you enter the loaded arms.
• Lighting the light as a result of movement can deter burglars.

Luminaires with or without integrated sensor

We can divide outdoor LED projectors into two groups. On the one hand there are luminaires with an integrated motion detector. And on the other standalone models for which you must install a motion detector apart. If you are interested to learn about the Best Outdoor Projectors i recommend you to visit bestvela they have written great guide about them

Integrated sensor

These lamps are equipped with an internal sensor. To buy a motion detector is therefore useless.

The limited choice is the disadvantage of this type of outdoor lighting. You can add an external sensor to each fixture, while only a few models have an integrated motion sensor.

This solution offers two important advantages. On one hand, the installation is a little easier. On the other hand, the creations are a little more stylish, as the luminaire and sensor are perfectly matched.

External sensor

It goes without saying that you can always combine an LED floodlight (or other wall lamp) with a self-contained motion detector. This is possible with all types of luminaires, regardless of the light source. So you have a lot more choices in terms of style and style.

What's more, it's possible to connect multiple lamps to a single sensor. One, two, three exterior lamps, everything is possible. However, make sure that the total consumption of all lamps does not exceed 1,000 watts.

The disadvantage of an external sensor is that it requires an additional operation for the connection. Finally, the acquisition of a LED projector with separate sensor can be a little more expensive than a luminaire with internal motion detector.

LED projector and sensor installation

Positioning a LED floodlight and motion detector is more important than you think. A misplaced sensor will cause a lot of frustration, for example if the light comes on at the wrong time or not at all.

It is for this reason that performing some tests beforehand is a good idea. Draw a 220 ° angle on a piece of paper (this is the average opening angle of a sensor) and use it to estimate the detection radius. Consider a detection distance of about 8 meters. Is too little? In this case, buy a more powerful sensor.

Which sensor do you need?

When buying a motion sensor, you need to consider positioning. There are, for example, models that detect at 360 °, but also sensors that have only a range of 120 °. The opening angle therefore plays a role.

PS: Some motion sensors are supplied with covers to adjust the detection range.

Also examine the detection distance. Standard sensors range up to 8 meters, but there are also variants that can see up to 16 meters. This is a factor to consider in terms of positioning.

Wiring and connection

Let's start at the beginning: plan the wiring. New construction obviously has an advantage here. As you can easily drown the cables, you can choose where you will place your LED projector and sensor.

Some planning is sometimes necessary here. For example, if you want to install a lamp on a flat-roofed extension, place the cable in the inclined fork roof. It will be totally invisible.

You often do not have that luxury in the case of an existing home. You may need to attach an external cable to the facade.

The connection diagram

The wiring is quite simple. For a LED floodlight with internal or external sensor, you need a 3-core cable (1.5 mm²).

In the case of a built-in LED motion detector, connect the three wires (phase, neutral and earth) in a conventional manner. With a separate motion sensor, you must first connect the wires to the sensor and then extend them from the sensor to the lamp (s). You can optionally also provide a switch inside.

Tip: Do not forget to turn off the power when you connect the lamp and the sensor!

Sensitivity to light and duration

LED projector and sensor are installed? In this case, you still have to adjust the light sensitivity and the lighting time. This is usually done via a small wheel on the sensor, even if there are models remote control.

The sensitivity to light determines when the lamp will turn on (based on the amount of light). The duration of ignition determines the time during which the light will remain on. 3 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds ... it's up to you. It is best to test the settings for a few evenings and then program them.

The orientation of the LED floodlight

Almost all LED projectors can be oriented vertically. It is here that many people make a mistake. They direct the LED projector off. This can cause blindness. If you have placed a motion detector LED floodlight above the garage door, aim the garage door down. You will have a light towards which you can go. It is more pleasant and safer.

The alternative: a timer

A timer is an interesting alternative to the motion sensor. Especially since LED lighting consumes little energy. You can set the timer so that the light comes on when you leave the morning at work and come home at night. It's handy during the dark winter days.