We are often asked whether two Motion sensors can be used in a single lighting circuit to control lights on a drive or along a pathway in a garden. It seems that a lot of people want to mount a motion sensor at the beginning of the drive and another one by the front door. This way the lights will turn on when you walk out of you house and when you walk or drive onto the drive. The same scenario it true for the back garden, when you have rear access that is used regularly. The short answer is no, not on one circuit. The motion sensor is simple switch that is movement operated so it will therefore switch on all the lights connected after it in circuit once it is triggered. Putting two on the same line would not work.
We have devised a way that this can work. Yes, it requires more cable and you do have to split the lights over two separate circuits, but it is an option. As you can see from the plan below we have a suitably sized transformer to run the six lights, a 3 way divider plugged directly into the transformer and from here we run out 2 different circuits, each one having three lights on each and a motion sensor.
If you walk in from the left, the motion sensor will pick you up and the top row of three lights will illuminate. If you approach from the right the right-hand motion sensor will pick you up and illuminate the bottom row of three lights. Of course, all the lights can be arranged in a straight line and you can put more, or less lights in depending on the length of the drive or pathway.
Please note that the motion sensor model 6156011 has a maximum rating of 60w each.
If you need any more help/advice, feel free to send us a message through our contact form or give us a call on 01276 903 228 .