I've learnt more reading your responses than anything I've ever read on the subject.

That's IF I'M RIGHT! I've been wrong before. Best to research the manuals and then ask questions. Don't just take some silly old man's word for it.

 

Just a point about motion sensors pressed into service as occupancy sensors.

PIR and other motion sensors require motion (no surprise) to detect the presence of what might be a human occupant. Since people often stop moving after they arrive in an area, the timeout included in the sensor will elapse, and the light (or other device) will turn off.

This is because a motion sensor is not an occupancy sensor, it's just used in place of one. A true occupancy sensor is not a trivial undertaking and until recently, faking one with a PIR or similar was probably the best we could do. But recently (last year or so) there have been some pretty impressive developments combining increasingly capable edge computing using MCUs with FMCW Radar.

The result is a range of cheap modules that are actually capable of acting as true presence sensors. This blog post covers the basics, but things have developed since them with even more variety and lower cost. If you are looking for a presence sensor, forget PIRs and look at these modules instead.

 

That's IF I'M RIGHT! I've been wrong before. Best to research the manuals and then ask questions. Don't just take some silly old man's word for it.

If I hear from a silly old man, I'll be sure to do that ;-)

 

Sure

Thank you, I'll be in touch about the other LED thing but in the mean time what power supply do I need? Is it more Amps?

 

Take the Watts needed by the LED strip. Divide by 12 because it is 12V. Now you know the current you need. Choose a power supply capable of 50% more current than needed.

 

Thank you, I'll be in touch about the other LED thing but in the mean time what power supply do I need? Is it more Amps?

Correct more amps. At 10 watts per meter x 5 meters = 50 watts / 12 volts = 4.2 amps.
Power supply rated 6 amps or more will suffice, something like this

 

Take the Watts needed by the LED strip. Divide by 12 because it is 12V. Now you know the current you need. Choose a power supply capable of 50% more current than needed.

Hello Bob, thank you for stopping by and the useful equation

 

Correct more amps. At 10 watts per meter x 5 meters = 50 watts / 12 volts = 4.2 amps.
Power supply rated 6 amps or more will suffice, something like this

So I've seen 6 amp transformers but there's a 5 amp one that's nearly half the price. Is that too close to my needs? Is it safer to get the 6A or will the 5 suffice?

 

5 amp is 20 % more than required so I would think OK as the LEDs are only on for a short time correct?
Post a link to this supply please.

 

5 amp is 20 % more than required so I would think OK as the LEDs are only on for a short time correct?
Post a link to this supply please.

Exactly, just open the door, take out a hammer, take out a towel etc. Very short open and shut times and usually no more than 4 times a day on average.

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/gp/product/B0CBQ5KDQL/ref=ewc_pr_img_3?smid=A1NTYC6TCYTB9B&psc=1

 

That supply is rated 6 amps, is that the one you want?

 

That supply is rated 6 amps, is that the one you want?

It is? It says
Retoo LED Power Supply Power Adapter 12 V Transformer DC Maximum Power Supply for LED Strip 5A Stripe Charger Adapter Power Supply Driver Converter EU Plug Black

But if it's actually 6 amps then that's all good. Also, I forgot to ask, how am I wiring this up with two motion sensors please?

 

Also, I forgot to ask, how am I wiring this up with two motion sensors please?

Besides cutting and splicing cables use Adaptors wired like this:

 

Thank you and great find on the adaptors! I didn't see this deal so I've snapped them up. Thank you. I'll be in touch soon about the other LED thing and also to let you know how this went. Should have it up and running by the end of the week.

 

Besides cutting and splicing cables use Adaptors wired like this:
View attachment 336653

Dear Sghioto, unfortunately this isn't working, partly because I don't have the flexibility to use these adapators with everything.
My power source has a male connector, my motion sensors have two jacks, out which is a male jack and in which is female. My LED strip has a male jack at one end and pig tails (red and black wires) which could be wired into this adaptor. I also have a female/female adaptor as I thought that might be necessary and by the way the PIRs don't have a power connector (I assume you mean the input?)

I tried to wire this up with the motion sensors as shown here (connected the outputs with the female, female adaptor) and all that happened was, was that the lights came on. The motion sensors did nothing, I covered them to be sure.

Do you mind helping me a bit more? Thank you.

 

Post photos of the actual components you have on hand.
Need to see power supply, PIR and LED wires and/or connectors.

 

Post photos of the actual components you have on hand.
Need to see power supply, PIR and LED wires and/or connectors.

Thanks Sghioto, I think I've solved it. I am using a splitter from the power source and powering the LED strip from either end of the strip via the sensors. Seems to be working! I'll fit it up finally tomorrow and report back. Appreciate your help.

 

Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that I managed to get this working with two motion sensors and I am very happy with how it's turned out. I appreciate all of your input in getting this up and running. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year