RAB Lighting SmartBox User manual

Installation Manual
SmartBox
Outdoor Motion Sensor
It’s easy
to add
motion detection
to outdoor
lights!

Smaller is better!
SmartBox uses state-of-the-art surface mount technology (SMT), just like cellular phones
and beepers. SMT gives you more reliability, greater RF immunity, and a compact sensor
that can fit neatly where others cannot.
Wider is better!
The wide 180º view detects movement along the entire side of a building with only one
compact sensor. It will detect people as they exit or enter. It takes several conventional
sensors to get the same coverage.
Molded is better!
No leaky gaskets or bug hotels with SmartBox. The hard lens is molded as part of the case.
It’s vandalproof, rainproof, bugproof and absolutely sealed.
Contents:
Built for Severe Conditions:
Double weatherproofing for long life.
Photoelectric Control:
Deactivates lights during daylight.
Fully adjustable for 24 hour operation or
custom applications.
Vandal Resistant Lens:
Hard lens resists casual vandalism.
Case Construction:
Precision molded Lexan®
Color Matched Lens:
Dark lens with black units.
White lens with white units.
Surge Protection:
Withstands up to 3000 Volts
Manual Override:
Double flip wall switch logic prevents
activation by short power outages. Resets
to auto at dawn. No extra wiring needed.
LED Detection Indicator:
Glows red day and night for
“on-guard” deterrence.
RF Immunity:
Circuits fully shielded for maximum radio
frequency immunity.
Why RAB Sensors are BEST for You?
Specifications:
Model:
120 VAC, 60 Hz
500 W Incandescent
600 W Electronic Ballast (LED)
Voltage:
120 Volts AC
Power Consumption:
One watt
UL Listing:
Raintight Photoelectric Switch
Suitable for wet locations.
Time Adjustment:
5 seconds to 15 minutes
Quick Test Time:
5 second test time for fast installation.
Works day or night.
Detection Zone:
Full 180° by 30’
“No Hands” Auto Testing:
Auto mode starts after 3 minutes of testing.
No adjustment needed.
32
Smart Box
Hex Wrench
Adjustment Tool
Wire Nuts (3) Gasket
Lens Mask
Mounting Screws (2)

Caution
•All wiring MUST comply with local
electrical codes and should be installed by
qualified electrician.
•Read entire Installation Manual before
proceeding.
TURN OFF POWER BY REMOVING POWER
FUSE OR TURNING OFF CIRCUIT BREAKER
BEFORE INSTALLATION.
• Total lighting load must not exceed:
5 Amps, 500 Watts incandescent quartz
when sensor is used remotely (250 Watts
when floodlights are mounted to sensor)
or 100 Watt fluorescent at 120 Volts or 5
Amps, 450 Watts LED at 120 Volts with
0.8pF driver or 5 Amp, 300 Watts LED
at 120 Volts with 0.5pF driver. To switch
more wattage, an electrician can install an
additional relay.
• Line Carrier Remote Control Systems
such as X-10, Leviton or Radio Shack are
incompatible with sensors and cause false
activations.
• Do not install on circuits feeding motor
loads such as kitchen appliances, HVAC
equipment, washer/ dryer or garage door
openers.
• Sensor functions best when movement is
across its detection pattern, not towards
the sensor.
• Mount 3’-6’ high for optimum range and
direction.
Less Sensitive
More Sensitive
Assembly and Wiring
1. SmartBox requires a vertically mounted
single gang, full size outlet box.
2. Position gasket on back of switch plate.
3. Bring power leads and sensor leads into
box.
4. Attached ground wire(s) to outlet box
grounding screw.
5. Strip 1/2” of insulation from all leads.
Connect as shown in Wiring Diagram.
6. Twist on wire nuts. Secure with electrical
tape.
7. Align gasket to insure proper seal.
Fasten SmartBox to outlet box. Use
silicone sealant around all openings.
8. Adjust tilt angles of the sensor. Tilt
down if necessary to limit range, tilt up
to increase range. Tighten tilt set screw.
9. SmartBox may be painted to match the
building, if desired. Mask the lens area
carefully with the lens painting mask
provided or with masking tape.
10. Turn on power.
11. Conduct Walk Test to adjust sensor
response.
Basic Wiring Diagram
54
Tilt Set Screw
Turn with
Hex Wrench
(supplied)
Outlet Box
Note: The SmartBox time control is factory set
for 5-8 minutes and for night only operation.
For other settings, see “Aiming and Walk
Testing” section. It is easier to set the time
control on the sensor prior to installation.

The SmartBox infrared sensor “sees”
small temperature changes caused by
the motion of people or cars within
its detection zone and turns on lights
automatically. It welcomes visitors and may
deter intruders.
How long do the lights stay on?
Lights remain on as long as there is
movement within the Detection Zone.
Once the zone is vacated, lights can be
adjusted to remain on approximately 5
seconds up to 15 minutes.
Will the sensor detect animals?
SmartBox may detect large animals.
Having animals trigger the sensor can
give property a “lived-in”look. You can
limit animal detection by placing opaque
weatherproof tape on the lower part of the
lens or using the bottom mask on the Lens
Mask Kit provided.
What does Manual Override do?
Keep lights on by flipping the wall switch
two times within 5 seconds. Sensor resets
to auto mode at dawn. No extra wiring
needed.
Wiring Diagrams
Sensors should not be installed on a circuit
that also feeds motor loads such as HVAC
equipment, kitchen appliances, or garage
door openers. If voltage varies significantly
from 120 volts, sensors may malfunction.
How Does RAB’s SmartBox Work?
How are the Time, Sensitivity and
Photocell adjusted?
TimeControl: Sets the time that lights
will remain on after the Detection Zone
is vacated from approximately 5 seconds
to 15 minutes. Use the adjustment tool
provided to turn clockwise to increase the
time. Factory Setting: 5-8 minutes.
Photocell Control: For night only
operation, use the tool provided or a small
screwdriver to turn the Photocell Control
all the way counter-clockwise (to the moon
symbol). For operation in low level lights,
turn the knob all the way clockwise (to
the sun symbol). Adjust counterclockwise
to have the sensor come on later at dusk,
clockwise to have it come on earlier.
Turning photocell control will show when
the sensor “thinks”the current ambient
light level = night, because the lights will
turn on. Factory setting : Night Only
Sensitivity: Increases or decreases the
responsiveness and range of the sensor.
Control Panel:
Turn controls gently using adjustment tool
provided. Do not force past stops.
S T
Sensitivity Time Control
Photocell
Power Quality:
Wiring more than one sensor together is
recommended only for the experienced
installer because it becomes difficult to
troubleshoot. Single sensors that control
their own lights pinpoint movement more
accurately and operate better.
Multiple sensors:
To switch more than rated load
To override sensor with a manual switch
Masking the
lens
76

Location Considerations:
• Choose a location from which the sensor
can “see”all the paths of movement that
will be illuminated by its lights.
• SmartBox may be painted to blend in
with walls. Carefully apply masking tape
to the sensor lens or use the Lens Mask
Kit provided before painting.
• Sensor functions best when the direction
of expected movement is across its
detection pattern, not towards the
sensor.
• If wall mounting, locate 5-8’high for
optimum range. Lower mounting height
will reduce range.
Test Period:
The sensor has a 3-minute Test Period
which allows it to be aimed and walk
tested day or night.
• For the first 30 seconds, the lights will be
turned on. During this time, test that all
fixtures and lamps function properly.
• For the next 3 minutes, the sensor will
keep lights on for 5 seconds each time
it detects movement in its Detection
Zone. The sensor will change to
Automatic Mode after the 3 minute Test
Period.
• If another 3 minute Test Period is desired,
turn the power off for at least 10
seconds and back on again.
Walk Test:
The purpose of the Walk Test is to check
and adjust the coverage pattern.
1. Aim the sensor approximately to cover
the area you desire.
2. Start outside the Detection Zone and
walk across the zone until the lights
go on. As distance from the sensor
increases, it will take more movement
to be detected. For instance, at 10 feet, a
half step will be enough, while at 30 feet,
several steps will be necessary.
Picking A Location
Detection Pattern:
• The sensor has a “Double Look Down”
Lens with one“Look Out” zone and
two “Look Down”zones, for excellent
detection both at long and close range
• Detection extends out a maximum of 40
feet and is 180º wide.
• To reduce the Detection Pattern length,
adjust the tilt set screw underneath the
sensor using the hex wrench provided.
• To reduce Detection Pattern width, mask
the sides of the lens with the Lens Mask
Kit provided or opaque weatherproof
tape.
• If sensor is mounted by a doorway at the
top of stairs, be aware that the elevated
mounting height may extend the
sensors range.
Aiming and Walk Testing
S T
8’
Side View 30’
Double Look Down Lens
60’
30’
Photocell
Turn to moon
symbol for night
only
Turn to sun
symbol for 24
hour operation
(lights turn on
night and day)
3. To reduce range, use the lens masks
provided or tilt sensor down.Repeat
steps #2 and #3 until you are satisfied
with the coverage.
4. The Time Control is factory set between
5-8 minutes. This period starts after
the movement in the Detection Zone
ceases. If less time is desired, turn the
time control counterclockwise. For
more time, turn the control clockwise.
5. The sensor is factory set for night only
operation. To obtain full operation
24 hours per day, turn the Photocell
Control fully clockwise to the sun
symbol. Intermediate settings will allow
the sensor to operate earlier or later at
dusk.
6. Your sensor is ready for operation. See
the Technical Tips pages if additional
help is needed.
Control Panel:
Turn controls gently using the adjustment
tool provided. Do not force past stops.
Top View
98
Start Finish

4. Check that movement is not directly
towards sensor. Sensor will see
movement across its pattern more
quickly. To fix, move the sensor.
5. Check that movement far away and
directly towards sensor is not entirely
within one Detection Pattern finger.
Problem: Sensor will not detect until
movement crosses from one finger into
a second finger.
Solution: “Micro Adjust” sensor
by tilting sensor 1/16”. This small
adjustment may move the zones to
allow earlier detection.
1. Check that the sensor is level from side
to side and pointed at the area you
desire. If unit is tilted, part of the Detec-
tion Zone may be high in the air over
people’s heads.
Solution: Position sensor exactly level
from side to side.
2. Check that the sensor is not mounted
too high. If mounted above 20 feet,
much of the usable range will be lost.
3. If sensor is painted, make sure there is no
paint on the lens and that the lens paint
mask is removed.
Problem: Passing cars activate sensor.
Solution: A 30’ safety zone between the
sensor and road is recommended to
avoid activation from passing cars.
6. Make sure heat from lights is not
triggering sensor. Make sure the sensor
is below and as far as possible away
from lights.
1. Make sure sensor is not aimed at
something that would move or change
temperature such as waving branches,
water, air conditioners, windows or
heating vents - even on neighboring
property. You can test for infrared
sources in the area by placing a box or
bag over the sensor. Put sensor into Test
Mode. After the initial 30 seconds of the
lights being on, lights should stay off.
Wave your hand inside the bag in front
of sensor. Lights should go on and then
time out. If sensor operates properly
when covered, check items 2-6.
Problem: Sensor is triggered by
unwanted movement or heat source.
Solution: Tilt sensor (Pg.8) or mask lens
in the direction of the source. Move
sensor or source.
2. Make sure sensor is mounted firmly and
does not move even slightly when
touched. If it moves, tighten all screws.
3. Make sure that SmartBox is not mounted
on an unstable object such as a tree or
a pole that will move in the wind.
4. Was sensor wired hot? If so, circuitry may
have been damaged.
5. Make sure sensor is not aimed within 30
feet of a road.
Branches
blowing may
activate
sensor
You may tilt sensor to not aim in the
direction of the street or mask top of
sensor lens to reduce range (Pg. 8)
Technical Tips:
Lights Do Not Turn Off
Technical Tips:
Range appears limited
20’
No detection until here
1110
Less Sensitive
More Sensitive
Solution: Mounting at 4’ to 8’ allows
maximum range.

1. Check if sensor is being “tricked”by
reflected light. If lights shine or reflect
into the photocell, (located behind the
lens), the unit will go on briefly and turn
off thinking it is daytime.
Problem: Lights reflect into photocell or
lights shine directly into photocell.
Solution: Adjust Photocell Control
slightly clockwise, toward the sun
symbol. This allows the sensor to
function in brighter ambient light
conditions. Alternatively, move the
lights or mask the lens in the direction
of the lights or reflections. If the
problem persists, it may be necessary to
increase the lenth of the sun shield over
the sensor using weatherproof tabe or
some other material.
Technical Tips:
Lights Do Not Turn On
Lights Turn Off
Too Quickly
1. Check that lamps and fixtures work.
Compare wiring to the Wiring Diagram
in this manual. Check that the power
is on.
2. If installing during daylight, remember
that the sensor will provide a 3 minute
Test Period after power is turned on.
After 3 minutes, the sensor will switch
to Automatic Mode and will not work
during daylight if the Photocell Control
is turned to or near the night only
position (fully counter clockwise to the
moon symbol).
If you require another 3 minute Test
Period, turn the power off for at least 10
seconds and back on again.
If you require the sensor to operate
both in low level light and at night, turn
the Photocell Control knob clockwise to
the sun symbol.
3. Check that lights from other sources,
such as adjacent porch lights, garden
lights, streetlights or lights from inside
the house are not in the sensor’s view.
See #1 under “Lights Turn Off Too
Quickly”.
4. Was sensor wired hot? If so, circuitry may
have been damaged.
5. If sensor is painted, make sure there is no
paint on the lens and that the lens paint
mask is removed.
5.Make sure lights are not visible from or
reflecting back into sensor. Check for
white or reflective surfaces close to the
sensor.
Solution: Aim sensor away from lights
and reflective objects or mask the lens
in the direction of the light or reflection.
6. Heavy rain, snow or high winds may
activate the sensor occasionally.
Solution: Reduce sensitivity control set-
tings, mount in a more protected area
and/or mask the lens if this is a constant
problem.
7. Make sure sensor is not aimed within 30’
of a road or sidewalk. Passing cars will
activate sensor.
Solution: Mask the top of the lens to
reduce Detection Pattern Length.
8. Self ballasted PL lamps may cause
cycling (on-off ).
9. Check solutions 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 under
“Lights Do Not Turn Off” (Pg. 10).
1. Make sure the sensor is installed on its
own dedicated circuit free of motor
loads such as HVAC equipment, kitchen
appliances or garage door openers.
2. It is not recommended to wire sensors
in parallel. More than one sensor
wired together makes them difficult
to troubleshoot. Disconnect multiple
sensors and test separately.
3. Keep all people completely out of the
detection pattern to make sure the
sensor is not detecting them.
4. Make sure sensor is located below and
as far as possible from its lights. Heat
from the lights may trigger the sensor.
Solution: Move sensor below and away
from the lights.
Technical Tips:
Lights Turn On and Off Incorrectly
1312

1. Lights may turn on occasionally during
rain, snow and windstorms because
the sensor is detecting changes in
temperature. If this is a constant
problem, mount the sensor in a more
protected area.
2. Tilt the sensor lower - it may be seeing
distant objects moving.
3. You may not be aware that animals have
triggered sensor. Check sensor aiming
to reduce nuisance triggering or mask
the lower part of the lens with opaque
weatherproof tape.
4. The sensor may turn on occasionally
during voltage surges.
5. A possible source of“mysterious”sensor
activations are strong local radio signals.
Check for nearby CB, Ham, VHF radio
transmitters or Cellular telephones. The
sensor may be activated, but will not be
permanently impaired by these signals.
6. Check other solutions mentioned under
on pages 12 &13.
Toll-Free Technical Assistance
If you need technical assistance, please do
the following:
1. Re-read the Technical Tips sections of
this manual.
2. Call the Tech Help Line at 888 722-1000,
8AM to 6PM Eastern Time M-F and we
will be glad to help you. Before you call,
please have the following information
handy:
The RAB SmartBox will be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of five (5)
years from the date of delivery to the end-user.
Sensors must be installed by a properly insured
and licensed electrician or under the supervision
of a licensed electrician and the product must be
in its original, unopened and new condition at
the time of installation. The information provided
in the RAB Sensor Owner’s Manual is critical in
determining the location, conditions, intended
use and other requirements with respect to
the use and installation of a sensor product.
Using a sensor product in any manner other
than as disclosed in the RAB Owner’s Manual
automatically voids the warranty.
Exceptions. The above warranties shall not apply
and RAB makes no representations or warranties
with respect to:
a. problems caused by acts of God including
without limitation lightning strikes; and
b. problems caused by any improper action or
failure to act by any person or entity other RAB,
including without limitation problems caused by
improper installation by the buyer, an authorized
RAB distributor, or any other person or entity; and
c. using or installing a sensor product in any
manner other than as disclosed in the RAB
Owner’s Manual.
d. use with Instant Start ballasts; use with Instant
Start ballasts will void the RAB warranty.
Out of warranty sensors replacement program.
If your sensor is out of warranty or if damage is
unrelated to its original manufacture, return your
sensor (freight prepaid and insured) directly to us
(at RAB Lighting Inc. 170 Ludlow Ave. Northvale,
NJ 07647) with a check for $20.00 made payable
to RAB Lighting Inc. We will repair or replace your
sensor promptly.
14 15
Note: These instructions do not cover
all details or variations in equipment
nor do they provide for every possible
situation during installation operation or
maintenance.
a) Catalog number of your unit;
b) Wattage, types and locations of lights
connected to the sensor;
c) The electrical circuit on which the
sensor is installed. What else does
it feed? How is the sensor power
switched?
d) Serial Number (4 digits) on the back
of the sensor.
e) This installation Manual
RAB Lighting cannot give electrical wiring
instructions by phone. Please consult a
qualified electrician
The following warranties apply to RAB Lighting, Inc. (“RAB”)
products that meet all of the following conditions: (a) the
product was purchased by the contractor or end-user from an
authorized RAB distributor who purchased the product directly
from RAB and from no other source; (b) if the product has been
installed, the entire installation was performed by a licensed
electrician or under the supervision of a licensed electrician
and the product was in its original, unopened and new
condition at the time of installation. RAB LIGHTING DISCLAIMS
ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO
ALL OTHER PRODUCTS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION
PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN PURCHASED FROM ANY PERSON
OR ENTITY OTHER THAN AN AUTHORIZED RAB DISTRIBUTOR,
OR INSTALLED BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY OTHER THAN A
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN OR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN, AND ALL PRODUCTS THAT ARE USED
OR ARE OTHERWISE NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL RAB LIGHTING
PACKAGING AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION.
Remedy. RAB’s obligations for breach of warranty shall be
limited to repair or replacement, at RAB’s option, of any
products or parts which prove to be defective, provided that
buyer gives RAB written notice and returns the defective
product to RAB in accordance with RAB’s return material
authorization (RMA) policies, and RAB confirms the defect.
Buyer is responsible for all costs to de-install defective products
and re-install replacement or repaired products and RAB shall
not be liable for labor or other costs related to de-installation
or re-installation.
DISCLAIMER. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE IN
LIEU OF, AND RAB EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS, ALL OTHER
REPRESENTATIONS, GUARANTEES AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED IN FACT OR BY LAW, INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE. THE
FOREGOING WARRANTIES STATE RAB’S ENTIRE AND EXCLUSIVE
LIABILITY, AND BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCTS AND ALL PARTS, THEIR
DESIGN, SUITABILITY FOR USE, INSTALLATION AND OPERATION.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. RAB shall not be liable under
any theory of relief, including without limitation breach of
warranty, breach of contract, tort (including negligence), strict
liability, or otherwise, arising out of or related to any breach
of warranty, any RAB products and the use thereof, or any
other acts or omissions of RAB for: (i) any indirect, incidental,
special or consequential damages, whatsoever (including
without limitation, loss of anticipated value of a business or
its reputation) or (ii) any damage or loss in excess of the price
actually paid by buyer to the authorized RAB distributor for
the products that caused the damages. Any action by buyer
must be commenced within one year after the cause of action
has accrued.
Miscellaneous. These product warranty terms shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York. Buyer consents
to the personal jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the
State of New York. Any legal or equitable claim of any nature
arising hereunder shall be filed and maintained in the state or
federal courts in the State of New York and buyer agrees that
such courts are a convenient forum for adjudication. In the
event that suit is necessary to recover amounts owed RAB,
RAB Lighting
Product Warranties
Technical Tips:
Lights Turn On For Unknown
Reasons
Masking the lens
buyer shall be liable for reasonable attorney’s fees, interest and
costs of collection. No agreement or understanding varying
the terms and conditions hereof shall be binding upon RAB
or buyer unless in writing and signed by duly authorized
representatives of both parties. These product warranty terms
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
RAB Sensor Warranty

SB500W-IN-0519
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