Front door light

wallofbeans

Hi All,

I am going to replace the light outside my front door. I've not been in the house long and it was here when I bought it. I don't like the look of it and the motion sensor on it doesn't work very well, so needs replacing.

I'd like a motion sensor to activate the new light though, as the only reason to have it is so the light comes on when someone approaches the door at night - it would be especially helpful for me when trying to put keys in the keyhole as it's too dark otherwise.

The problem is, there aren't many lights with built in motion sensors, and I don't like the look of the ones I've seen. I've just seen that motion sensors can be bought separately and wanted to ask advice here on whether this means I can buy any outside light and then just connect it to a motion sensor I have hidden higher up. How does this work, how simple is it to connect them, can any recommend motion sensors to get? Any advice from experience would be really helpful!

Thanks all!

GDB2222

Are you planning to fit this yourself?

wallofbeans

GDB2222 said:

Are you planning to fit this yourself?

No. I'd get an electrician, but the guy I have used before said he can fit it but I'd need to supply the lights etc. So I'm trying to get a sense of what is possible...

pramsay13

Any PIR light will do. 
There are 96 available here from Screwfix https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/outdoor-lighting/cat8370001?sensortype=pir

wallofbeans

pramsay13 said:

Any PIR light will do. 
There are 96 available here from Screwfix https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/outdoor-lighting/cat8370001?sensortype=pir

Thanks for that, but as I said I don't like any of the lights with built in sensors. I looked at Screwfix and all the DIY stores, and a few specialist lighting places online. So I'm trying to figure out if and how I can use a light without a sensor and connect a sensor seperately that is hidden above.

pramsay13

wallofbeans said:

pramsay13 said:

Any PIR light will do. 
There are 96 available here from Screwfix https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/outdoor-lighting/cat8370001?sensortype=pir

Thanks for that, but as I said I don't like any of the lights with built in sensors. I looked at Screwfix and all the DIY stores, and a few specialist lighting places online. So I'm trying to figure out if and how I can use a light without a sensor and connect a sensor seperately that is hidden above.

By its very nature a sensor can't be hidden. It needs to be able to see you so you will need to be able to see it.
If you are desperate to have a separate sensor you will need to speak to your electrician as it can be done, but makes everything quite complicated as you will need to add the sensor inline and make everything waterproof so you will be paying much more for the same job. 

Ajmason42

wall or ceiling light loads of wall on a tropical rainforest site starting with A. 

Plenty of very good looking modern lights you must be very fussy if you cannot find one please post what you are looking for it’s got me intrigued 

[Deleted User]

Ajmason42 said:

wall or ceiling light loads of wall on a tropical rainforest site starting with A. 

Plenty of very good looking modern lights you must be very fussy if you cannot find one please post what you are looking for it’s got me intrigued 

Hi,

got it, Amazon, do I get a prize?

theoretica

Most lights can be wired to a motion sensor and timer - think about if you also want the ability to switch the light on from inside the house and whether that would bo on on the timer too, or until switched off.  But if you want the motion sensor higher up you might need to look into that part of the system carefully - you want something which can have its sensitivity and area set and not something that has a broader area of action just because it is higher.  Having your light come on when a neighbour walks on their path may irritate the neighbour, or someone on the pavement.  It will depend on the layout around your door.

wallofbeans

pramsay13 said:

wallofbeans said:

pramsay13 said:

Any PIR light will do. 
There are 96 available here from Screwfix https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/outdoor-lighting/cat8370001?sensortype=pir

Thanks for that, but as I said I don't like any of the lights with built in sensors. I looked at Screwfix and all the DIY stores, and a few specialist lighting places online. So I'm trying to figure out if and how I can use a light without a sensor and connect a sensor seperately that is hidden above.

By its very nature a sensor can't be hidden. It needs to be able to see you so you will need to be able to see it.
If you are desperate to have a separate sensor you will need to speak to your electrician as it can be done, but makes everything quite complicated as you will need to add the sensor inline and make everything waterproof so you will be paying much more for the same job. 

When I say hidden, I mean under the top of the little porch area outside my front door. I don't want the sensor to activate the light until somebody is right at the door (and under the sensor) so I assume it would work and yet not be able to be seen unless you look up. But maybe not...

What is a sensor inline? And aren't all these things made to be waterproof?

wallofbeans

theoretica said:

Most lights can be wired to a motion sensor and timer - think about if you also want the ability to switch the light on from inside the house and whether that would bo on on the timer too, or until switched off.  But if you want the motion sensor higher up you might need to look into that part of the system carefully - you want something which can have its sensitivity and area set and not something that has a broader area of action just because it is higher.  Having your light come on when a neighbour walks on their path may irritate the neighbour, or someone on the pavement.  It will depend on the layout around your door.

The current light is connected to a switch in the hallway of the house. I've got it turned off because the sensor comes on every time a car passes and adjusting it makes no difference.

But yes, having something that just comes on when someone is a foot from the front door is what I'd like. The door has a porch area around it. I'm not sure how to describe it - a porch with a roof and sides but no front. It's a victorian terrace and they all have them on the street.