How to Wire a Motion Detector to a Security System

Decide on the area that you want to protect with the motion detector --- for example, a doorway leading from the front door to the living room, or the immediate area around a door leading to an attached garage. Place the motion detector across from the area at a distance of approximately 5 feet or more. The actual distance will be determined by the sensitivity and angle of coverage of the sensor of the detector, as noted in the instruction manual. Mount the detector to the wall, if desired, using wood screws and a Phillips screwdriver; alternately, you can place the detector on a chair or table facing in the proper direction.

Open the battery compartment lid if the motion detector functions using a battery. Insert a battery and close the lid. Plug the power cord of the motion detector into a wall outlet for power if the detector works on AC power. You can connect an extension cord to the power cord if the distance between the detector and the wall outlet is too great.

Cut away 2 inches of the outer insulation at one end of the connecting cable, using a utility knife. Strip the insulation back to reveal the two wires inside. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off the ends of the two wires, using wire strippers.

Loosen the two output screws on the back of the motion detector with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Wind the exposed end of one of the two wires around one of the two screws. Wind the exposed end of the other wire around the other screw. Tighten the screws.

Run the connection cable along the baseboard of the wall until you come to the control panel of the security system. If the control panel is located inside a closet, you can drill a hole through the bottom of the wall with a drill so the cable can enter the closet. Staple the cable to the baseboard of the wall, using a stapler and U-clamp staples.

Deactivate the control panel's alarm mode by entering the proper password on the keyboard. If there is no keyboard, you can bypass this step. Open the control panel's cover by removing the screws holding it to the case, using a Phillips screwdriver. If the cover has a release latch instead, bypass the step with the screwdriver.

Run the cable from the motion detector through the wiring conduit and into the control panel's case. Repeat Step 3 at the other end of the cable so that you have two wires with exposed ends.

Locate the "Aux" or "Motion detector" input in the case. The actual name will vary, depending upon the manufacturer. Loosen the two screws on the input, using a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Wind the exposed end of one of the wires around one of the screws. Wind the exposed end of the other wire around the other screw. Tighten the screws.

Close the cover and reattach the screws, if screws are used to hold the cover to the case. Rearm the control panel if it was turned off.