How to Connect Motion Detectors

Locate the proper breaker in your breaker box that controls the light fixture you want to replace with the motion sensor light. Turn the breaker off as well as the light switch that controls the light fixture.

Place a step ladder below the light fixture and remove any glass cover that surrounds the light bulb. Unscrew the light bulb from the old fixture. Unscrew and remove all screws and bolts that secure the light fixture to the house. Use the tip of a flathead screwdriver to pry the light fixture away from the house.

Pull the entire light fixture away from the house to expose all wires that are connected. Cut the end of the wires as close to the light fixture as possible with the wire cutters. This will leave enough slack in the wires to connect the wires to the new motion light fixture.

Set the old light fixture to the side. Unpack the new motion light sensor kit; it should include the motion light fixture with timer, light bulb, mounting bolts and screws and the plastic twist caps for the wires. Read installation instructions that come with the kit before starting your project.

Clean the area behind where the old light fixture was mounted. This will help the new motion light sensor seal to the house.

Climb back up the ladder with the new motion sensor light fixture in hand. Twist the wires of the new motion sensor fixture to the corresponding color wires that are coming out of the house. For example, black wire connects to black wire, green wire to green wire, etc. Screw plastic wire caps onto each wire until the caps have fully covered exposed wires. Position the wires into the back of the motion light fixture and position the motion light fixture against the house.

Install all necessary mounting bolts or mounting screws through the new motion light fixture and into the house. Tighten the bolts or screws to secure the light to the house. Remove the cover to the motion light fixture and screw the new light bulb into the socket. Secure the cover back over the front of the fixture.

Go inside the house and turn the breaker back on to the light fixture. Turn the light switch back on as well. Test the new motion sensor light by turning the timer on the motion sensor fixture to "0" minutes. Walk in front of the motion fixture to ensure that the light comes on when you are within the proper distance from the sensor. Set the timer on the fixture to the desired time you want it to begin working.