Motion Sensors, or more specifically passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, use infrared light to detect large moving objects (like a person) in the interior of your home. These are usually mounted in the corner of a room near the ceiling in living areas of your home. Most motion sensors installed for security  systems operate on 12V DC power and are connected to four wires: two for power and two for the motion signal. Red and black wires are usually the positive and negative power wires respectively. The other pair of wires could be any color and carry the motion detection signal. These operate like a Normally Closed (NC) switch: When no motion is detected, the signal circuit is closed. When motion is detected,the signal circuit is open.

Identify Wires for your Motion Sensor

  1. If you’re re-wiring an existing alarm system, your motion sensor power wires (red & black wires) are most likely already connected to the power output of your alarm panel. If these are working correctly, you should see an indicator light on the motion sensor when it detects your motion. Leave the power wires connected and follow the wiring instructions below for motion sensors with external power.
  2. The other pair of wires for the motion detection signal are most likely connected to one of the zone inputs on your existing alarm panel. They may be wired with end-of-line resistors at the alarm panel. Disconnect this pair of wires from your existing alarm and remove and discard the resistors (or save them for a different project). 
  3. If you’re wiring a new motion sensor, or one without an existing power, follow the wiring instructions below for motion sensors without external power.

Wiring Motion Sensors 

If your motion sensors need power, you can draw power from the Konnected device base as long as you are powering thedevice with the correct voltage. Most motion sensors and alarm system components operate on 12V DC, so in that case,power the Konnected device with the 12V DC power adapter. Then you can draw power for your motion sensors from the AUX and - AUX on the bottom left of the device base. 

 Always verify the voltage before connecting electrionics!

Once you’ve connected the motion sensor power wires, connect the signal wires to G(round) and Zone 1-5 on the bottom right side of the board.

Motion Sensors with Configurable Contacts

Most alarm system motion sensors are hard-wired to be normally closed (NC). Some motion sensors have both NC and Normally Open (NO) contacts. If your hardware has this option, use the NC contact.

 Next Step: Wiring your Alarm

Did you find it helpful? Yes No

Send feedback