A passive infrared (PIR) sensor detector looks for changes in the heat signature of an area before reacting. Set up a PIR sensor detector that has a security light attached to it so that the light is activated when heat is detected. Instructions for setting up the PIR are similar to setting up a security light by itself, except for those differences peculiar to the PIR. Use basic tools along with a basic understanding of electricity to perform the installation safely.

  • A passive infrared (PIR) sensor detector looks for changes in the heat signature of an area before reacting.
  • Use basic tools along with a basic understanding of electricity to perform the installation safely.

Decide on the location for the PIR sensor detector. Locate the nearest wall fixture. Use a ladder if necessary.

Trip the appropriate circuit breaker at the fuse box to disconnect the electric power to the installation area.

Unscrew the light bulb from the light fixture's bulb socket and place it aside. Remove the screws surrounding the light fixture using a Phillips screwdriver.

Pull the fixture off the wall. Twist off the screw-tab connectors from the twisted pairs of wires pulled out of the hole in the wall. Separate the wires from each other. Put the fixture away.

  • Trip the appropriate circuit breaker at the fuse box to disconnect the electric power to the installation area.
  • Twist off the screw-tab connectors from the twisted pairs of wires pulled out of the hole in the wall.

Wind the already-stripped end of the black wire attached to the base of the PIR around the end of the black wire coming out of the hole. Wind the already-stripped end of the white wire attached to the base of the PIR around the end of the white wire coming out of the hole. Twist a screw-tab connector over each pair of twisted wires.

  • Wind the already-stripped end of the black wire attached to the base of the PIR around the end of the black wire coming out of the hole.

Push the wiring into the wall. Place the base over the hole, against the wall. Insert a wood screw into each hole in the base. Tighten the screws using a Phillips screwdriver.

Loosen the set screw that allows the PIR sensor module to be rotated -- use your fingers to loosen the screw. Angle the sensor module toward the area you want protected so that it faces a 40-degree angle. Tighten the set screw with your fingers.

  • Loosen the set screw that allows the PIR sensor module to be rotated -- use your fingers to loosen the screw.

Insert a floodlight into the bulb socket on the front of the PIR. If there are two bulb sockets, use two floodlights. Restore the electrical power at the fuse box.

Open the battery compartment lid on the side of the PIR. If a screw must be removed first, use a Phillips jeweller's screwdriver to remove the screw.

Place the tip of a flat-edged jeweller's screwdriver against the jumper tab inside the battery compartment. Push the tab to the side that reads "SS" for detection attempts every five minutes. If a different name is used to set the tab against, the instructions that come with the PIR will provide details.

Insert compatible batteries into the battery compartment. Close the lid and reattach the screw, if there is one. Put the ladder away.

TIP

An electric screwdriver will speed up the removal and insertion of the wood screws.

WARNING

Do not wire an electric line without ensuring that the power has been discontinued first. Check this by plugging a wall lamp into an outlet in the same area as the light fixture to verify there is no power.