I'm thinking of installing led deck lights in my garden, I don't want them on all the time though. I want to rig up a motion sensor which will turn the lights on when the gate is opened.

I've been looking on Ebay for some sort of plug in unit that you then plug the lights transformer into, thus when the sensor is triggered it switches power through to the lights. It appears no one has invented one of these yet (well no one who sells stuff on ebay:D )

Anyone have any ideas how I can carry out this task? Hopefully i've explained it in an understandable manner!

There is such a thing, i think you can get them in B&Q, Argos etc, basicly a motion sensor on its own

Yeah you buy a PIR to run a seperate light and get it to supply power to the regulator for the LED floor lighting.

Just don't get blue :P

EDIT:

Here is a link, hope that helps

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If you search for PIR (on ScrewFix, TLC Direct etc.) you should find stand alone ones like what you need - or as ^ a lot of external PIR lights have facility to connect additional loads. Probably heading towards dodgy ground where the Part P police are concerned (if you care).

Yeah you buy a PIR to run a seperate light and get it to supply power to the regulator for the LED floor lighting.

Just don't get blue :P

EDIT:

Here is a link, hope that helps

'+alt+'

Already dismissed the hundreds of blue kits out there!

Cheers for the link, the top product seems like the best bet, means I have to mess about with wires rather than just plugging something in though :eek:

Just cut the plug off and wire straight in i think.

Only thing to be careful about is that the thing doesn't pull more than the PIR can deliver (doubt it will) or the lighting circuit can take.

If you are using a plug then you can just cut the mains lead, wire a plug into the PIR for supply and wire the transformer out of the PIR so it is exactly as before but with a motion switch .

I have done a very similar thing.

Except I used a day/night sensor, so that the lights come on when its dark and go off when the sun comes up.

If you are going for the PIR being outside that top one will be no good as it is only interior grade. There are a few external ones on there , including a 2 part one that looks very suitable to what you would need:

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If you are going for the PIR being outside that top one will be no good as it is only interior grade. There are a few external ones on there , including a 2 part one that looks very suitable to what you would need:

'+alt+'

Cheers for this it looks spot on for what I need, still not 100% on how it will wire up though.

This is the sort of kit I was looking at:

eBay.co.uk: LOW VOLTAGE DECK LIGHT SET - 6X14MM WHITE LED LIGHTS (item 130066509897 end time 17-Jan-07 15:49:25 GMT)

The PIR seems to have two cables for control of lighting, would this fit in line to the live cable of the lighting kit? So when the PIR is activated it completes the circuit?

Notice all the question marks? That's how clued up I am on this sort of stuff!

That ebay kit has an all in one moulded plug/transformer, I was envisaging a transformer with a flying mains lead (plug to be cut off). Anyway I assume the transformer is only rated for indoor.

I'm not familiar with the type of PIR indicated above - looks a bit flimsy & can only switch 100W - probably enough though??? I'd use something like this Stand Alone Pir - Screwfix Direct, Everything for the Trade, Next Day! mounted on exterior wall.

Mains power to PIR via suitably rated exterior grade cable through wall from new indoor switched FCU spur (3A fuse probably) from ground floor ring?, or a 3A fused plug in an existing socket for a temporary job.

Switched mains power cable back from PIR through wall to indoor single socket (or flex outlet box as required) to connect transformer.

Low voltage cable back through wall (not same hole/conduit as mains cables) to LEDs etc.

Make sure rain water can't run down cables through wall.

I'm not sure if above is to regulation & unsure if mains side needs separate RCD protection (if circuit you spur off isn't already protected), I think not but could be wrong - hopefully Bengie will be along shortly, or you could try a PM!

Edit: There are wireless PIR kits available which would simplify wiring but cost more.