[Ctsparky93]

What is your application? Wiring multiple motion sensors in parallel won’t work? Are the motion sensors on the floods or separate?


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[atonalpanic]

Thank you. Currently, I have them wired to trigger independently, i.e. one sensor to one light, basically one circuit to the breacker. The problem I have with wiring them in parallel is that the floodlights are 500+watts depending on location, so running several in parallel is a hail mary option. Its not so much a wiring problem as it is, what products exist that help me do this to break the circuits apart for amperage. Though, I guess the trade off of higher gauge wiring with bigger breakers does exist--just doesn't seem safe.

 

[LGLS]

Wire all the motion detectors to a multi-pole contactor, like an ASCO.

 

[atonalpanic]

Wire all the motion detectors to a multi-pole contactor, like an ASCO.

If this is a real thing and not like that retro encabulator,thank you. I'll take a look.

 

[telsa]

Retros are not used for new builds.

 

[HackWork]

If this is a real thing and not like that retro encabulator,thank you. I'll take a look.

No, a multi-pole contactor is definitely not real.

 

[MikeFL]

As long as you don't exceed the load rating of the motion sensor you can parallel your lights.
If you have more lights than the motion sensor is rated for, you have 2 options:
Use a relay at each motion sensor to control the parallel lighting circuit, or,
Find motion sensors with sufficient rating.

 

[Kawicrash]

How many lights is several? Could you use LED lamps to reduce the load? What type of fixtures are they now? You say 500W, are they halogen T3? Terrible lifespan.
A multi-pole contactor or two, or however many you need with the sensors paralleled to the coils seems simple enough if the power wiring is all accessible at a common location.

 

[MikeFL]

How many lights is several? Could you use LED lamps to reduce the load? What type of fixtures are they now? You say 500W, are they halogen T3? Terrible lifespan.
A multi-pole contactor or two, or however many you need with the sensors paralleled to the coils seems simple enough if the power wiring is all accessible at a common location.

@Kawicrash thanks for mentioning the load. I had missed that part when I trippped up on "breacker" which inspired me to check OP's profile to see if he's a bona fide sparky.

Multi-pole contactor for sure, unless as you say, lighten up on the load.

I think part of his question is, though, if he can parallel motion sensors, and the answer is yes, as long as they're on the same branch circuit.

This thread should probably go over to DIY.

 

[emtnut]

Retros are not used for new builds.

Good point ! You'd just use a regular cabulator contactor :biggrin:

 

[emtnut]

No, a multi-pole contactor is definitely not real.

I remember seeing one with all 4 poles on it.

N, S, E, and W

the N and S contacts would repel each other thou ! :vs_whistle:

 

[HackWork]

Good point ! You'd just use a regular cabulator contactor :biggrin:

There is no regular encabulator, the original is a turboencabulator.

 

[emtnut]

There is no regular encabulator, the original is a turboencabulator.

I stand corrected ... I thought the turboencabulator was just faster :biggrin:

 

[MikeFL]

I stand corrected ... I thought the turboencabulator was just faster :biggrin:

Only the twin turbo

 

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