RAB SL500 User manual

SmartLantern
Outdoor Motion Sensor
Installation Manual
RAB
It’s easy
to add
motion detection
to your
lantern!
2
Specifications
Switching Capacity:
Relay On/Off Model:
SL500
500 watts Incandescent or
250 watts Fluorescent @120 volts
Hi/Lo Model:
SL180HL
Runs at 20% lamp wattage from
dusk to dawn. Brightens to full
wattage upon sensor detection.
180 watts Incandescent maximum.
Voltage:
120 Volts AC
Power Consumption:
One watt
UL Listing:
Raintight
Photoelectric
Switch
Time Adjustment:
5 seconds to 15 minutes
Quick Test Time:
5 second test time for fast installa-
tion.Works day or night.
“No Hands” Auto Testing:
Auto mode starts after 3 minutes of
testing.
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.
Color Matched Lens:
Dark lens with black units.
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.
Contents
Poly Bag Contents

Why RAB Sensors are Best for You
Smaller is better! SmartLantern 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 with only
one compact sensor.
Molded is better! No leaky gaskets or bug hotels with SmartLantern.
The hard lens is molded as part of the case. It’s vandalproof, rainproof,
bugproof and absolutely sealed.
3
Sensor
180º
4
Cautions
• All wiring MUST comply with local
electrical codes and should be
installed by a 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:
Relay On/Off Model: 5 amps,
500 watts incandescent quartz or
250 watts fluorescent at 120 volts.
To switch more wattage, an electri-
cian can install an additional relay.
Hi/Lo Model: 180 watts quartz
and incandescent only.
• 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 appli-
ances, HVAC equipment, washer/
dryer or garage door openers.
• Sensor must be below and as far
as possible away from lights.
• Sensor functions best when
movement is across its detection
pattern, not towards the sensor.
• Mount 5-8’ high for optimum
range and direction. Lower mount-
ing height will reduce range
(which may be desired).
• Turn controls gently. DO NOT
force past stops.

5
Assembly and Wiring
1. Choose the clapboard or straight
wall mounting plate.SmartLantern
may be painted to match the wall
finish, if desired. Mask the lens area
carefully with the Lens Mask provided
or with masking tape before painting.
2. Measure the length of sensor
extender needed to give the sensor
a clear view below all parts of the
lantern. Use hacksaw to cut off
excess extender length, if necessary.
Once the proper length of the
extender has been determined,
drill through two holes to line up
with the wall mounting plate. Note
that there are drilling guides to
make drilling easier.
3. Bring wires from sensor up
through the wireways in the extender.
Keep wires in place by press fitting
the plastic wire retainers provided
onto the posts of the wireways.
4. Fasten the sensor extender to the
wall mounting plate with the two
screws provided.
5. Bring power leads, light fixture and
sensor leads into box.
6. Attach ground wire(s) to outlet box
grounding screw.
7. Strip 1/2” insulation from leads.
Connect as shown in Wiring Diagram.
8.Twist on wire nuts. Secure with
electrical tape.
9. Fasten lantern and mounting
plate to box using lantern mounting
nipple and crossbar provided.
Use silicone sealant around all
openings.
10. Screw in light bulbs.Turn on
power.
11. Conduct Walk Test to adjust
sensor response.
Hacksaw
Wireways
Wire
Retainers
Drilling
Guides
Insert screw
into wall to
hold extender
stationary These 2 holes
will be drilled
by the installer
Mounting
Nipple
Mounting
Plate
Extender
Tilt Set Screw
6
Wiring more than one sensor
together is recommended only for
the experienced installer because
it becomes difficult to trobleshoot.
Single sensors that control their
own lights pinpoint movement
more accurately and operate
better.
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 signifi-
cantly from 120 volts, sensors
may malfunction.
Black
Red
White
White
White
Power In
Power In
.1µF
400V DC
Capacitor
Black
Wiring Diagrams
Basic Wiring Diagram
To switch more than rated load
(Relay model only)
Hi/Lo sensors can not accept an
auxiliary relay to increase their
switching capacity.
Multiple Sensors:
Power Quality:
Relay rated to
handle load
required

7
How are the Time, Sensitivity and
Photocell adjusted?
• Time Control: 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 counter-clockwise to have the
sensor come on later at dusk,
clockwise to have it come on earlier.
Hi/Lo Model:Turning photocell
control will show when the sensor
“thinks” the current ambient light
level = night, because the lights will
turn on low at 20% wattage.
Factory setting: Night Only
• Sensitivity: Increases or decreases
the responsiveness and range.
Control Panel:
Turn controls gently. Do not force
past stops.
How Does SmartLantern Work?
Sensitivity Time Control
Photocell
The SmartLantern 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.
In Hi/Lo Model, lights revert to dim.
Once the zone is vacated, lights can
be adjusted to remain on approxi-
mately 5 seconds up to 15 minutes.
The Hi/Lo Model will keep lights on at
20% wattage from dusk until dawn
and then brightens to full wattage
when movement is detected.
Will the sensor detect animals?
SmartLantern 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.
8
Choosing A Location
Location Considerations:
• Choose a location from which the
sensor can “see”all the parts of
movement that will be illuminated by
its lights.
• SmartLantern may be painted to
blend with existing house color.
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.
• The sensor has a “Double Look
Down” Lens with one “Look Out”
zone and two “Look Down” zones for
excellent detection at both long and
close range.
Top View
Look Down 30’
Zones
30’
8’ Side View
60’
Detection Pattern:
• Detection extends out a maximum
of 30 feet and is 180º wide.
• To reduce the Detection Pattern
length, adjust the tilt set screw under-
neath the sensor using the hex
wrench provided.
• To reduce Detection Pattern
width, mask the sides of lens with
opaque weatherproof tape or lens
mask kit.
• If sensor is mounted by a doorway
at the top of stairs, be aware that
the elevated mounting height may
extend the sensor’s range.
Tilt Set Screw
Mounting Plates:
To order mounting plates without arm
extender and sensor:
Catalog # Description
DUM1 Straight wall mounting plate
DUM2 Clapboard cut mounting plate
If clapboard or straight mounting plates
are used without arm extender and
sensor, use the white plastic mounting
plate cover to close up the opening on
the bottom of the mounting plate.

9
3.To shorten the range, use the lens
masks provided or tilt the sensor
down to reduce coverage.
4. Repeat step #2 until you are
satisfied with the coverage.
5.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.
6.The sensor is factory set for night
only operation.To obtain operation in
low level light, turn the Photocell
Control full clockwise to the sun
symbol. Intermediate settings will
allow the sensor to operate earlier or
later at dusk.
7.Your sensor is ready for operation.
See the Technical Tips pages if
additional help is needed.
Control Panel:
Turn controls gently using adjust-
ment tool provided.Do not force past
stops.
Aiming and Walk Testing
Sensitivity Time Control
Photocell
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.
Technical Tips:
Lights Do Not Turn Off
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: 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 SmartLantern is
not mounted to an unstable surface
that may 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.
Problem:Passing cars activate sensor.
Solution: A 30’safety zone between
the sensor and road is recommended
to avoid activation from passing cars.
You may also mask top of sensor
lens to reduce range or simply rotate
sensor so it is not aimed in the direc-
tion of the street.
6. Make sure heat from lights is not
triggering sensor.Make sure the
sensor is below and as far as possible
away from lights.
7. Hi/Lo Models only:
Remember
that the lights will stay on in low
mode at 20% wattage from dusk to
dawn.This is normal operation.If the
Photocell Control is turned to the
sun symbol, the lights will stay on in
low mode in low level light and night.
If you desire low mode from dusk
until dawn only, turn the Photocell
Control fully counter clockwise to the
moon symbol.
Tips 1-6 above apply only if the
lights are staying on in high full
wattage mode.
Branches
blowing
may
activate
sensor
10

Technical Tips:
Range appears limited
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
Detection Zone may be high in the
air over peoples 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.
Solution: Mounting at 4’to 8’allows
maximum range.
3. If sensor is painted, make sure
there is no paint on the lens and that
the lens paint mask is removed.
4. Check that movement is not direct-
ly 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 tilt-
ing mounting plate 1/16”.This small
adjustment may move the zones to
allow earlier detection.
11
Lights Turn Off
Too Quickly
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.
Problems:
Lights reflect into photocell or lights
shine directly into photocell.
Because the SmartLantern can fit a
wide variety of lanterns, it is possible
some lantern’s shiny metal or glass
surfaces will allow reflections to be
seen by the sensor.
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 direc-
tion of the lights or reflections.If the
problem persists, it may be necessary
to increase the length of the sun shield
over the sensor using weatherproof
tape or some other material.
Technical Tips:
Lights Do Not Turn On
1. Check that lightbulbs and fixtures
work. Compare wiring to the Wiring
Diagram in this manual.Check that
the power is on.
2. If installing during daylight, remem-
ber 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 minuteTest
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 fully
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.
12

13
Technical Tips:
Lights Turn On and Off Incorrectly
6. Heavy rain, snow or high winds
may activate the sensor occassionally.
Solution: Reduce sensitivity control
settings, 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” (Page 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 trig-
ger the sensor.
Solution: Move sensor below and
away from the lights.
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.
14
Technical Tips:
Lights Turn On For Unknown Reasons
1. Lights may turn on occassionally
during rain, snow and windstorms
because the sensor is detecting
changes in temperature.
2.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.
3.The sensor may turn on
occassionally during voltage surges.
4. 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 perma-
nently impaired by these signals.
5. See pages 12 and 13 for
additional sensor troubleshooting.

15
Limited Warranty
Your SmartLantern will be promptly
replaced or repaired, at our option, if
it proves to be defective in workman-
ship or materials within 5 years of
manufacture.
For repair or replacement, please call
the Tech Help Line at 888 RAB-1000
for instructions.
If the sensor is out of warranty or
damage is unrelated to its original
manufacture, return your unit freight
prepaid to the address below. Please
include a description of the problem
and a check for $20.00 (made out to
RAB Electric).We will repair or
replace your unit promptly.
Under no circumstances shall RAB
Electric be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages arising out
of or in connection with the use or
performance of this product or other
indirect damages with respect to loss
of property or revenue or cost of
installation, removal or re-installation.
This warranty gives you specific legal
rights and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
SmartLantern is designed to detect
people or cars in the detection area.
It should not be construed as a theft
or crime prevention device. RAB
does not accept responsibility for any
damages resulting from intrusion or
other crimes.
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 RAB-1000, 8AM to 4PM
Eastern Time M-F and we will be glad
to help you.Before you call, please
have the following information handy:
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
Note: RAB Electric cannot give
electrical wiring instructions by
phone. Please consult a qualified
electrician.
RAB ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, INC.
170 Ludlow Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647 USA
Over 25 warehouses nationwide.
Tech Help Line Fax Back Website e-mail
888 RAB-1000 888 RAB-1236 www.rabweb.com [email protected]
©RAB Electric, 9/01