Things You'll Need:
- Motion detector add-on with mounting hardware
- Electric drill and drill bits
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
- Wire caps
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Step 1
Turn off the power to the light fixture at the circuit breaker.
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Step 2
Remove the light fixture by unscrewing it from the wall.
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Step 3
Disconnect the black and white wires from the light fixture by unscrewing the screw posts.
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Step 4
Locate a spot near the light fixture to install the motion detector.
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Step 5
Drill two holes for the mounting screws for the motion detector and a third hole to route the wiring into the wall next to the light fixture.
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Step 6
Use the knock-out plates in the old light fixture wiring box to route the wires from the motion detector. The knock-out plates are round, pre-cut metal about the size of a quarter that can be tapped out with the handle of a screwdriver.
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Step 7
Secure the motion detector to the wall with the mounting screws.
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Step 8
Identify the three wires from the motion detector: black, white and red.
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Step 9
Connect the white wire from the motion detector to the white wire from the wall and the white wire from the light fixture. Use the wire strippers, if necessary, to remove insulation to expose the wires. Twist the three wires together and place a wire cap over them, twisting tightly and adding a strip of electrical tape, if necessary, to secure the connection.
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Step 10
Connect the black wire from the motion detector to the black wire from the wall box, adding a wire cap to the ends to secure the connection.
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Step 11
Connect the red wire from the motion detector to the black wire running from the light fixture.
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Step 12
Reattach the light fixture to the wall and screw in a floodlamp or other bulb rated for the fixture.
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Step 13
Set the delay time on the motion sensor to the time you wish the light to be activated.
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Step 14
Turn on the power at the circuit breaker.
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Step 15
Test the motion detector by walking in front of the device. The light should turn on immediately.
