alarm
Are there any exteriour security lighting systems via sensor or light you can connect to your exterior home lights for security..
For example if there are sensors I could buy and put around my big yard and if these sensors were to be set off by an intruder is it possible to somehow have all the exterior lights on my house by this sensor or have it wired to do so.
Is there a product like this on the market?
This is actually relatively easy - many hobby shops (eg Maplin in the UK) have kits which require very little technical know-how.
I guess the pre-requisites are:
Understanding your perimeter -
Control requirements -
Compatibility requirements -
Most security system have a minimum of 9v DC, but I've seen up to 60v AC or DC, running to the sensors. The concern here is voltage drop as these are extremely low current devices. If you are using magnetic/reed switches, which it sounds like you are, they are unpowered digital switches (either on or off). Digital logic circuit typically require >50% of the feed voltage to trigger as high (on) and anything else is low (off); however, you always want more than the minimum so any interference and such doesn't affect you.
VD = Voltage drop (conductor temp of 75°C) in volts
L = One-way length of the circuit's feeder (in feet)
R = Resistance factor in ohm/kft
I = Load current (in amperes)
Let's assume the wire is going to a back-lit keypad and draws .5A (trying for worst case scenario)
VD(100ft, 28ga) ~= 6.5V. 9v source means 2.5v at the end which won't work
VD(100ft, 24ga) ~= 2.5V. 9V source means 6.5v, a reed switch should work fine, a keypad or motion sensor may not.
VD(100ft, 18ga) ~= .64. 9v source means 8.36v, almost anything will work.
Now that is the worst case scenario (within reason). Most modern security systems are 24v so 28ga is pushing it for keypads/motion sensor (depending on what they actually need) but 24ga should be fine for everything. It really depends on what your trying to hookup for each stretch of wire, the length, and the input voltage.
If this breaks any Low-Voltage NEC, someone please add details.
*Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_drop, http://amasci.com/tesla/wire1.html
Best Answer
Several companies make separate Passive Infrared (PIR) detectors that could be used for your purpose. Or you could just mount motion detector lights in chosen locations or on the outside of the house. That is what most people opt for. Tying the whole thing together could be done but at an added cost that most people don't want to spend for what they get out of it.
Half of solving all design problems is getting familiar with the available products. This comes from experience and research. Spend some time browsing the net for motion detector type lights and sensors. You will find lots to choose from.
Good luck!