BLOG

How to Install a Motion Sensor Light Switch

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

how-to-install-light-switch

Motion sensors are great at saving energy and bringing convenience. They can automatically turn on the light for us when detecting motion from a person and turn off the light for us when no motion is detected. Whether it’s outdoor or indoor usage, a motion sensor light switch is better than a mechanical light switch in most cases.

Contents

Motion sensor light switches are great at saving energy and bringing convenience to our home. The motion sensor detector can automatically turn on the light for us when we enter the room and turn off the light after we leave. A motion sensor light switch is more preferred than a motion sensor light for home use because we need to manually take control of the light most of the time. And it’s easier to simply upgrade the traditional wall switch with a motion sensor light switch than to replace the light fixture.

It’s never too late to replace your manual mechanical light switch with a smart, motion-activated one, and wiring and installing a motion sensor light switch can be fast and easy.

You don’t need to call an electrician for the job. All you need is some common tools like a screwdriver that every home has (you don’t own a screwdriver?) and within 30 minutes, you can get the job done even for beginners with no electrical knowledge.

Check the video version of installing a motion sensor light switch.

If you want a step by step instruction to follow, keep reading.

Step 1. Prepare tools for the installation

Before we install a motion sensor light switch, prepare these tools first so we can speed up the process.

  • A motion sensor light switch
  • Screwdriver
  • Optional
    • Wirecutter: to cut wires if necessary
    • Wire connectors: most motion sensor light switches would include wire connecters by default in the accessory pack
    • Voltage tester: to identity the hotwire and ensure the voltage is off
    • Electrical tapes: to mark the hotwire

Step 2. Remove the Old Switch

Turn off the breaker to the light you want to replace the switch of and turn on/off the existing switch several times to ensure there is no power.

Now we can safely remove the old switch. Suppose you have absolutely no electrical knowledge and worry about the wiring. In that case, you can take a picture of the existing wiring to apply similar wirings to the motion sensor light switch or even restore the old wiring and the switch.

Looking For Motion-Activated Energy-Saving Solutions?

Contact us for complete PIR motion sensors, motion-activated energy-saving products, motion sensor switches, and Occupancy/Vacancy commercial solutions.

Mark the hot wire(the black wire) with electrical tapes if necessary.

If you do not know which is load wire or hot wire, use the voltage tester to confirm with the following process:

  1. Turn on the breaker
  2. Move the voltage tester near each black wire
  3. The hotwire has power and the load wire does not have power
  4. Turn off the breaker
  5. Use the voltage near the hot wire to ensure the power is off
  6. Mark the hotwire with electrical tapes

Step 3. Wire the Motion Sensor Light Switch

First, make sure the breaker is turned off and there is no power with a voltage tester.

Get Inspired by Rayzeek Motion Sensor Portfolios.

Doesn't find what you want? Don't worry. There are always alternate ways to solve your problems. Maybe one of our portfolios can help.

Now we start wiring the motion sensor light switch to the light by connecting the wires with the same color.

  • Hotwire(black) to the light switch’s hotwire(black)
  • Load wire(black or red) to the light switch’s load wire(red)
  • Connect all neutral wires together (white)
  • Connect all ground wires together(green or bare copper)

Now we partially screw the motion sensor switch into the wall box and test the wiring.

Turn on the breaker and the motion sensor light switch needs some time to warm up and will automatically turn on the light if the wiring is correct.

Maybe You Are Interested In

rz021 us occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy mode
  • 100V ~ 265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Mode: Auto/ON/OFF
  • Time Delay: 15s~900s
  • Dimming: 20%~100%
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the UK Square backbox
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
rz036 occupancy sensor switch ceiling mounted
  • Occupancy mode
  • 12V ~ 24V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Day/Night Mode
  • Time delay: 15min, 30min, 1h(default), 2h
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the European round backbox
rz021 us occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Requires Hot wire, Load wire
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
rz023 uk occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the UK square pattress box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Hot Wire, Load Wire Required
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the European round backbox
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Requires Hot wire, Load wire
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 10A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 10A
  • Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box

Press the buttons on the light switch to see if you can successfully control the ON and OFF of the light.

Step 4. Fix the Switch Into the Wallbox

Strengthen the screws, install the cover plates, and adjust the switch to a straight position.

Now you can adjust the functions of the motion sensor light switch to a proper setting according to the user manual, such as occupancy sensor and vacancy sensor motion detection mode, time delay, and ambient light sensing.

Leave a Comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

en_USEnglish