How to install a motion sensor light?
Question:I picked up a motion sensor from the store, opened it expecting to see a normal electrical plug on the end and found a bunch of wires instead. The instructions (for easy install! haha) keep talking about removing the existing light. There are no instructions if you didn't have a light there before. So two parts to this question - 1. do they make a kind that has a normal plug on it? and 2. how much should I expect to pay an electrician to install the one I have?
Answers:
I'm a electrician and to answer your 2 questions they do make a motion light with a cord on it, just the majority of them you can't put a high watt bulb in it. And 2 it will cost you around 75$ an hour for a electrician to come and hook it up, plus the material costs.
you have to have someone who knows how to install this type do it. It will need to be hard wired to install.
or take it back and look for one that has a plug.
OK, if you don't have a light to replace, you can go a couple of ways.
Do you want it permanently installed? If so, you have to run wires to it some how. I am assuming this will be outside. You can do this, Its not hard.
first determine where you want it. this might be difficult, so you can buy some wire nuts and an extension cord, cut of the end of the extension cord you plug things INTO. use the wire nuts to make a temporary connection to the light. I like to wrap the wire nuts with electrical tape just to be sure. Wait until dark, plug in the light. use a screw or nail to hang the light in the likely places. mark the spot, then wait for daylight.
test the spot. you need to be between studs. tapping gently with a hammer, or using a stud finder will tell you where they are.
Now comes another decision. do you want to recess the box you will need for the connection into the wall or not? I would recommend not, just get a weatherproof box to mount the light in, if this the case, you nee do mount it on the stud..
Oh jeez send me an email including your addy and I will give you complete instructions that way, its too long to post here.
my best advise is to find an alternate place to install your light which already has an existing fixture...then installation is simple and you can do it yourself...if that isn't possible be sure to hire an experienced electrician because it needs to be hard wired. If your need to hire, get references from people you trust.
You'll have to pay someone to hardwire it for you, unless you are placing it where an existing outdoor fixture was. DO NOT follow that other poster's instructions! That is not safe. You will wind up electrocuting yourself if you try that.
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