How to Install Cheap Motion Sensor Lighting Indoors
Exterior motion-sensor fixtures are great outdoors for security. They also are GREAT indoors for safety, convenience, and electricity savings in the basement, attic, shop, laundry room, workroom, dark stairways, and other locations where motion-activated lighting is desired.
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Steps
- Turn off electricity to light fixture(s) being replaced.
- Remove existing ceiling fixtures.
- Replace fixtures with motion-sensor fixtures, installing junction boxes if needed.
- Turn electricity back on and test/adjust direction of the light fixture(s).
- Adjust the motion-sensor direction and sensitivity and time controls.
Tips
- Use standard light bulbs or fluorescent bulbs instead of flood/spot lights.
- Add clip-on or hanging lamp shades, if desired.
- Most motion-sensing light fixtures have controls to adjust sensitivity (how much motion is needed to turn on the lights) and light duration (how long the lights stay on after motion stops). (I tune ours to MAXIMUM sensitivity and duration, so I don't have to wave my arms around in the dark to turn the lights back on if I stand still too long.)
- Screw-in taps can be substituted for one or both bulbs in cases where an extension cord(s) under motion-control is desired (i.e. table/floor lamps, alarm bells, remote lights/alarms, etc.).
- If using fluorescent bulbs, make sure the motion sensor you purchase is rated for fluorescent bulbs.
Warnings
- Turn off and test fixture circuits before each installation, unless you are experienced working with live current or enjoy being shocked/electrocuted!
- On circuits controlled by wall switches, quick on/off switching may cause the lights to stay on. Similarly, power "failures" that cause lighting to flicker may cause "constant-on" lighting. Fixture electronics can be reset by opening the circuit (wall switch or circuit breaker off) for 30 seconds.
Things You'll Need
- Common sense and a working knowledge of home electrical repairs/modifications.
- Cheap motion-sensing, outdoor floodlight fixtures WITHOUT the flood lights (ours come from K-Mart or Wal-Mart for under $10 each).
- Tools required to remove/install ceiling fixtures (ladder, circuit tester, pliers, screwdrivers, wire nuts/electrical tape, wire stripper, etc.).
- A worklight plugged into a circuit SEPARATE from the fixture being replaced.
- One or two light bulbs or taps for each fixture.
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