Could anyone point me to a wiring diagram for the following setup?

Surface mount PIR in garage ceiling and 2 light fittings. Double switch on the wall where 1 switch turns on/off both lights together, and the second switch turns on/off the PIR sensor.

Plan is for the sensor to be left on permanently so both lights come on when someone enters garage. If work to be done in garage, PIR sensor can be turned off and lights operated manually via the other switch.

Can anyone advise on the best way to wire this. Garage is newly built and no wiring present, so assume a 'clean slate'

Thanks

Lucy

hi lucy to the forum.

instead od trying to do it like that, look for a sensor that has the "double switch" action. all you do is switch it on once, lights operated by sensor only. then all you do for switched operation to work in the garage is turn the switch on/off/on and it overrides the sensor.

usually the wiring diagram is on the fitting instructions.

Thanks for that one....good idea. The outside light has this function, but it tends to be unreliable. Sometimes it works..sometimes it doesnt and you have to go back into the house and switch it again.

I thought that something 'hardwired' to switch sensor in and out of the circuit would be a more reliable approach.

Understand what you mean Lucy.

Ideally what you want is a DPDT centre off switch but I am not aware of any manufacturer; they tend to be available for electronic applications rather than electrical.

So failing that use two switches mounted in a dual back box. Make sure that you use the same phase and live in both cases -

Connect a permanent live to COM of switch 1

Connect the switched live out of the PIR to COM of switch 2

Connect L1 and L1 of switch 1 and switch 2 together and take this to the light fittings live supply.

So -

Switch 1 ON lights are on all the time (switch 2 can be in any state ON or OFF).

Switch 1 OFF Switch 2 ON lights powered by PIR.

Both switches OFF lights stay off.

It would be worth labelling the switches accordingly.

I will carry on searching for a DPDT centre off switch and id I come across one will let you know.

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Old Gits Know Best ... I think

It could also be done with bog standard 2-way switch -

COM to light fitting(s) live

L1 to permanent live

L2 to switched live of PIR

BUT this does not provide a means of totally isolating the light fitting(s) for maintenance purposes.

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Old Gits Know Best ... I think

i'd go with the 2-way switch idea too. probably the easiest to do. less wiring, less connections, easier to get into the light etc etc.

you see, IDBI isn't just a grumpy old face

Cheeky fella!

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Old Gits Know Best ... I think

Thanks so much guys for the feedback on this one...I really appreciate it!!

Will get a look at it this weekend...

Ya welcome Lucy. Nice place Belfast, only been there 3 or 4 times (during the 'troubles' in the 80's) but I think it's a great place.

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Old Gits Know Best ... I think

Yeah..its getting better now that things are settling down a bit. Lots of nice places to eat out ...and bars opening.

...now all we have to do is agree with each other!!

Time is a great healer Lucy, always has been.

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Old Gits Know Best ... I think