4-Way Light with Motion Detector?

[captainkirksdog]

Hi,
Shown below is a layout map of an existing 4-way lighting circuit. I would like to put a motion-detector switch in it to provide timed lighting for the driveway. Can I do this and still have full 4-way control? Thanks.

 

[arcom]

Hi,
sure you can!

I suppose that you have factory assembled motion sensors (PYRs perhaps?). In that case, just connect the sensor's relay in parallel with the switch.

 

[captainkirksdog]

Hi,
Your answer won't work. A 4-way lighting system is comprised of two SPDT switches and one DPDT switches. If I parallel the motion-detector switch, most likely a SPST, then turn off the circuit, it will never be able to turn it on again automatically. It would work perfectly if I could get a motion-detector with a 3-way (SPDT) output. Below is a generic wiring diagram for a 4-way lighting circuit. Maybe you can give me an idea of what I need to do. Thanks.

 

[Roff]

Why can't you do it like this? You obviously can't turn the light off until the motion sensor times out, but that shouldn't be a problem. Am I missing something?

 

[captainkirksdog]

Hi Ron H,
Technically, you are correct. I failed, however, to stipulate one essential criteria: The wiring between the house and shop is underground! Is there anyway to do it without digging up my driveway and patio? RF relay, perhaps?

 

[Roff]

If an SPDT will work, simply use the motion sensor to control an SPDT (form C) relay.

 

[Dean Huster]

Ron's first idea is the only decent way to work out the problem, using the motion detector output to jumper around the circuit. However, no matter how you use the motion detector in this circuit, you'll have to have it permanently connected to the 120v and have the output drive a relay that's connected between the source and the load. Reason? The motion dectector derives its power from the source and if you're always using the other switches to control the light, you'll interrupt power to the motion detector, either rendering it inoperative or in the case of some models, resetting them to some default mode of operation (like, ON all the time).

Even using relays and constantly powering the motion detector, you CANNOT just substitute the relay output for one of the switches in the lighting system. For the same motion detector that turns on the extinguished light when activated will also turn off the "burning" light when activated!

Dean

 

[Phareodus]

Is there a way to make it so when the motion sensor is tripped, that it could turn on lets say a lamp, wirelesly? But the sensor and the lamp for a example, had there own power source. i was looking at

 

[Phareodus]

Could i incorporate this for my idea?