How To Install A Motion Sensor Light

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When it gets dark, it's important to have your home safe and secure. Installing a motion sensor light will help let you know if an intruder is on your property.

You'll need to determine where you want to install the motion sensor light. You could replace an existing outdoor light with the motion sensor or you could mount it to a different location on the exterior of the house. The instructions below will cover the procedures used in replacing an existing outdoor light with a motion sensor light.

Before you do anything, turn off the power source to the existing light. Find the circuit at the panel and turn the breaker off.

1. Use a ladder, if needed. Remove light bulb and the cover from the existing fixture. Loosen any mounting screws or bolts and carefully lower the fixture from the wall. Before you go any further, use a voltage tester to make sure the power supply is off.

2. Remove the wiring by unscrewing the wires at the terminals or twisting the wire connectors off, depending on how the fixture is wired.

3. Using a wire stripper, cut enough insulation off the wires to leave about 3/4" of bare wire exposed.

4. Drill the holes into the wall needed to mount your motion sensor light. Before installing it, you'll need to wire it in.

5. Place the waterproof gasket at the base of the fixture. If your fixture has terminals, attach the wires securely with a screwdriver. If it is wire to wire installation, connect the wires with a wire connector of the appropriate size. Line up the wires evenly, place the connector over the bare portion of the wire and twist. You should be able to hear or feel a snap when it's twisted into place. Make sure the wiring colors match. The red or black is hot. The white wire is neutral. The green or bare wire is the ground.

6. Carefully place the excess wiring into the wall cavity. Mount the fixture onto the wall using a screwdriver. If it has one, attach the face plate. Place the bulb in the socket.

7. Your motion sensor lighting is now installed. Turn the power supply back on. Turn the switch on and test the light. Use the manufacturers instructions to get the correct settings and angle for the motion sensor.

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