How to Install a Ceiling Mount Motion Detector

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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With a few tools and a little planning, you can install a ceiling mount motion detector capable of triggering an alarm system, signaling a security camera, or just turning on a few lights. A ceiling mount motion detector looks down at the room, enabling it to “see” around obstacles that confound a wall-mounted detector.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

ceiling mounted motion detector
tools

Step1

Find the range and coverage angle for your ceiling mount motion detector. Compare these specs to the dimensions of the room to plan out the best place to install the detector.

Step2

Determine if your ceiling mount motion detector is meant to install flush with the surface of the ceiling, which will require you to cut out a piece of the ceiling material.

Flush Mount

Step1

Measure the outside dimension of the part of the detector that will go inside the ceiling. Transfer this measurement to ceiling.

Step2

Cut away the ceiling material with a saw or electric cutter.

Step3

Place the motion detector against the ceiling and screw into place. Turn on the system and test.

Not Flush Mount

Step1

Transfer the relative location of the screw holes on the back of the ceiling mount motion detector to the surface of the ceiling. Drill pilot holes. You may have to install drywall anchors for a strong, secure attachment.

Step2

Make the attachment. Turn on the system and test.

Tips & Warnings

Although a ceiling mount motion detector is able to get around some obstacles by looking down into a room, partial walls and larger pieces of furniture can still create blind spots in coverage.
You may be able to install a ceiling mount into a drop ceiling tile. Some motion detectors will require an adaptor that distributes the weight of the detector across a larger area of the tile. Simply cut out an opening, install the adaptor and snap or screw in the ceiling mount motion detector.
Beware of using passive infrared motion detectors in a room with lots of glass furnishings. Glass does not allow infrared radiation to pass through readily, and the detector may not register changes in heat that happen behind a window or sliding door.