Pr511

[Maloco]

I want to use only the sensor unit of the PR511, to turn on a light (using its secoundary light turning on capibility) that is already working with x10 switches. It seems to work OK with a load between the blue and white wires. (I used a pigtail and bulb on a temporary basis). Am I able to directly connect the blue wire to the white wire in order to bipass the primary function of the sensor, or must there be a load between them to prevent damage.?

[HA Dave]

...or must there be a load between them to prevent damage.?

Do NOT connect the blue wire to the white wire. If I remember correctly... the blue wire goes to the light bulb(s) along with a white wire (actually I checked the online manual). Those wires are powered when motion (or dusk) is detected. Without a load (light) wiring them together would be a dead short.

If you're not going to be using a light.... cap the blue wire with a wire nut. Then cap the extra white wire with a separate wire nut.Then use electrical tape on each wire nut to be extra sure the wire nuts stay secure.

I've never used the floodlight (PR511) "wired" without a bulb. But I have had a bulb burn out. And the sensor functioned fine without a light. I added a modified image that shows the blue and white wires (separate with wire nuts). If you don't feel comfortable and knowledgeable with wiring... get a more experienced friend to give you a hand.

[Maloco]

Excellent, all now works fine. I had not run into the house to look fast enough to see that the sensor WAS working without the blue and white connected.

[HA Dave]

all now works fine.

Thank you for the reply. Sometimes we don't get replies to the simple one post answers. It's always nice to know things worked out well. I use and really like those PR511's. Just don't point them into the sun and they will serve you well for many years.