Connecting and setting the motion detector - instructions

• Material and preparation
• Connect motion detector
• Set motion detector

Motion detector installations are becoming increasingly popular as a replacement for the classic light switch or for an alarm system. Prerequisite for a perfect functionality is a professional connection and optimal settings. With the right guidance, anyone can connect and set a motion detector and save money on commissioning an electrician's handyman.

Motion detector versions are available as surface-mounted or flush-mounted versions. In addition, a distinction is made between a motion detector model for light and a motion detector for triggering an alarm system.

Craftsmen are usually expensive and often aggravating added that due to the all-day absence by the profession, appointments are difficult to reconcile.
Particularly when it comes to motion detectors, which are coupled with alarm systems, especially foreign companies can pose a risk potential if they get an insight into the functionality and the alarm range of alarm systems when connecting and setting.

With a little manual skill, the right tool and a detailed guide, the self-connection and setting of motion detectors is done quickly.

Material and preparation

Different models are available in surface-mounted and flush-mounted versions and are to be attached differently.

In the flush-mounted version, the motion detector can be installed in a switch box, replacing the switch. This is mainly used for light switching, because they only turn on the light when there is movement in the room, or even someone is in the room and turn off automatically when no movement is perceived.

The same principle applies to the coupling to an alarm system, but connection is made to the alarm system instead of to a light source.

For outdoor use only waterproof motion detector models should be used.

Flush versions:

• Pliers / wire strippers
• screwdriver
• phase tester
• optionally a distributor can lid
• if necessary, insulating tape for two-phase motion detectors

Surface finishes:

• Pliers / wire strippers
• screwdriver
• phase tester
• The can cover
• if necessary, insulating tape for two-phase motion detectors
• hammer
• chisel
• cement

In preparation, the surface mounted motion detector is held in the desired position and its outlines marked. From here either the cable duct is connected to the socket or the ground is opened so far with a hammer and chisel that a flush-mounted channel is created for the cables.

For motion detectors as a replacement for switches this is dismantled and the existing cable solved. With the phase tester, the black, live cable is checked to see if electricity arrives.

Tip: It looks professional when the cables of the motion detector models in the surface-mounted version are plastered on their way to the socket. Alternatively, a special plastic cable duct can be purchased for a few euros, which usually has a firm hold through the wall mounting with screws. In damp-free rooms can be used instead of screws double-sided adhesive tape for attachment. Cable ducts integrated with adhesive tape can be bought ready for purchase in well-stocked specialist shops for electrical equipment.

Wireless wireless motion detectors are ideally suited for which no cables have to be routed to the switch box. Here, only the electrical system is connected to the radio and the device is then suspended in signal range.

Connect motion detector

There are two types of motion detectors, the two-phase and the three-phase.

1. For both types of motion detector, the black, live cable is inserted into the terminal labeled L using a pair of pliers or insulated pliers and tightened with the screwdriver.

2. The brown cable comes from the lighting or the alarm system. This is done in the same way in the terminal marked lamp / arrow as described in step one.

3. The blue cable is the neutral conductor that is inserted into terminal N and tightened. In the case of two-phase motion detectors, the neutral conductor will fall away and, if it is present in the switch box, should be insulated with special adhesive tape at the end of the cable and plugged backwards into the switch slot.

4. If a green-yellow cable is present in the switch box, then it is a protective conductor, which is plugged into the ground terminal of the electrical panel and screwed.

5. After the electrical connection, the motion detector is mounted on the wall socket, mounted on the wall or suspended within range of the radio signal. If this or the radio sensor is not placed on the switch box instead of the switch, the switch box must be closed with a distributor socket cover.

6. In the case of surface-mounted versions, the cable duct is closed, either with the attachment for the overpurple cable duct or with cement in the case of cabling under the plaster.

Tip: If a motion detector is used on a multiple switch box, all other switch functions should be disabled and all light sources switched on or off via the device only.

Set motion detector

One of the most important details for optimal functionality are the settings of the motion detector. Depending on the model, different variants are available here.

1. The detection range is usually set via a rotary knob. Motion detector versions have different detection ranges, which results in an angle measurement. When setting up, it should be noted that with large range settings, the close detection range on many models automatically decreases. Therefore, some tests are required for this setting so that the detection range meets the requirements.

2. With the time setting, the duty cycle of the electrical switching contact can be determined and lamps burn for a few seconds or longer.

3. The timer function can be used to set times when the detector should switch on the light. This is advantageous, for example, for entrance areas in which the outdoor lighting is to start automatically in the dark at 6 pm.

4. As an alternative to the fixed timer circuit for the daily commissioning of light motion detectors, some versions have twilight settings. They include a light sensor and automatically switch the motion detector sensor to active as soon as dawn breaks. Some variants also react to other light sources. If, for example, a table lamp burns in the room independently of the motion detector and somebody enters the room, the unit does not react by switching on additional light sources, as it finds the burning of other light sources sufficient for the room lighting. This saves unnecessary energy costs.

5. With the time delay setting, delay times can be set, which only reacts the switching contact after a few seconds. This prevents that in the smallest movements, such as those caused by flies or birds, the detector is not triggered, which otherwise can quickly lead to problems with neighbors, especially in alarm systems.

6. Pulse circuits are usually useful only in a staircase timer circuit. In this case, only impulsive switching occurs in the case of perceived movements.

7. Some motion detector models, especially those linked to alarm systems, have a dog and cat setting. This can be selected and set in their sensitivity so that motion detector systems do not respond to animal movements and unnecessarily trigger light or alarms.

8. Modern motion detectors for lighting systems have a dimmer function with which the brightness of lamps can be adjusted. This setting can be made individually according to personal needs.