Outdoor motion sensor lights serve a crucial role in deterring criminally-inclined folks from pushing through with their schemes. When activated, the lights can startle burglars and intruders and warn unknowing occupants. Motion sensor lights also come in handy for illuminating outdoor spaces to improve accessibility during the night. Also, they only switch on when needed, so you can minimise your energy consumption, especially if you have a spacious outdoor area.
However, while motion detector lights are designed to work smoothly, they can fail sometimes. They also have a limited lifespan. Some models can last up to 100,000 hours, while others may have a shorter lifespan. If you notice anything wrong with your sensor lights, it’s best to call in an expert to lend you a hand.
Common Motion Detector Light Problems
A motion detecting outdoor light is specifically designed to turn on and off when it detects changes in the immediate surroundings. However, if the sensors get dirty or if one or more of its components break, the device will malfunction. A lot of things can go wrong with a motion detector light. Some of the common issues include:
- Lights that won’t turn on
- Lights that stay on even without motion detected
- Too short or too long light duration
- Sensors that can’t detect movement at all
To fix motion sensor light problems, you must identify what type you use. This will help you test for issues and discuss them with the specialist you will hire.
Generally, you can find three types of sensor lights in the market. The first type is referred to as active sensors, which actively scan the room to detect changes. It is equipped with sensors designed to detect fluctuations in radio waves, sound waves, and microwave pulses. There are also passive infrared sensors that scan heat, radiation, and infrared changes in a room. You can also shop for dual tech sensors that combine the technologies used in PIR and active sensors.
Troubleshooting a Faulty Light Sensor
Oftentimes, the root cause of a faulty motion detector light is a dirty sensor. Quickly check the sensor and see if they’re grimy or filled with debris. Use a soft and clean rug to tidy up the sensor. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then you will need to manually turn it off and on. By doing so, you can recalibrate the settings and hopefully get it running normally again.
If the problem persists, try changing the batteries or the bulb. Alternatively, you can contact a technician. This will help you avoid guessing what went wrong and ensure that your light sensor gets fixed or replaced, depending on the situation.
Choose from a Variety of Outdoor Light Sensors
For lighting fixtures beyond repair, it may be better to have them replaced with a newer and more up-to-date model. It’s the practical option, especially for extremely worn out They come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, perfect if you’re keen on the exterior design of your home. Here are some of the most common brands of light sensors you can find in New Zealand:
- Mercator Lighting
- Telbix
- Martec Lighting
- Domus Lighting
- Eglo Lighting
- Superlux
- Sunny Lighting
- CLA Lighting
Trust a Local Expert to Help you!
Motion sensor lights definitely make a great addition to your home, and they don’t cost that much to install. They’re also quite inexpensive to repair or replace. If you notice issues with your motion sensor lights, feel free to approach a local expert near you. This way, you can get them repaired in no time. In case the fixture is beyond repair, you can consult with a local expert to know which brand and model would best suit as a replacement.
FAQs
To reset most motion detecting lights, shut off the power supply at the switch for at least 30 seconds, making sure there's no motion in front of the sensor during this time. Then turn the light back on and test it to ensure proper function.
How to fix motion sensor lights? ›
To reset most motion detecting lights, shut off the power supply at the switch for at least 30 seconds, making sure there's no motion in front of the sensor during this time. Then turn the light back on and test it to ensure proper function.
How do you reprogram a sensor light? ›
Turn your light switch on and off quickly, hitting each position four times. When the light comes on, turn the switch to the off position and wait five to seven seconds before turning it on again. The light should remain off and the motion detection unit should be reset.
What can cause a motion sensor light to go off? ›
Small animals, insects, or even the wind can potentially trigger an active motion sensor.
What are the three settings on a motion sensor light? ›
Most Motion sensors will either have LUX , TIME and SENSITIVITY some only have LUX and TIME.
How to override motion sensor light? ›
Yes, most sensors will have the ability to override the sensor function altogether and operate the light manually, as necessary. This is done by turning the light switch OFF – ON – OFF – ON in quick succession. The light will then remain ON and will not go OFF until you manually turn it OFF at the switch.
How do you reset the sensor light after power failure? ›
Turn off the circuit breaker that goes to your light fixture for at least 30 seconds. You want to give sufficient time for the breaker to reset before trying the light again. If your fixture has a switch, turn it off for roughly two seconds, and then on, and then off, ensuring the light is working properly.
How long does it take for a motion sensor to reset? ›
Motion Detectors have a built-in function called "dwell time." Dwell time means that after the device is tripped it will need a three-minute period in which it detects no motion in order to "reset" back to its default detection mode.
Do motion sensor lights need to be hardwired? ›
Battery- or solar-powered motion lights are easy to install and require no wiring. However, installing hard-wired motion lights requires you to work with electricity.
Can a sensor be reset? ›
Push through the label to make a hole and depress the reset button. You'll feel it 'click' when it is depressed (you should not have to press very hard). After pressing the reset button, you should see a light flash on the back of the sensor. The color will depend on the version of your sensor.
Standing up is a great way to trigger the light switch. And it's a great reminder to get up out of the chair occasionally. IR LEDs are Near Infrared, but PIR sensors are usually Long-wave Infrared.
How to repair motion sensor light? ›
How Can You Fix Motion Sensor Lights?
- Turn It Off and Back On. Believe it or not, sometimes all your motion sensor lights need is to be manually switched off and on again! ...
- Replace the Batteries. If neither of the previous two attempts worked, you may have a battery problem. ...
- Replace the Bulb.
The sensors can go bad, and movement detection will no longer work. The bulbs might stop working and no longer emit light even though the device works properly. Electrical issues, such as a damaged power cord or faulty battery from solar motion lights, can prevent the device from working correctly.
How do you fix a movement sensor light that won't turn off? ›
The Solution
All you need to do is turn the switch completely off and wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute before turning it back on again. This should reset the sensor so it functions based on motion detection once more.
Why do sensor lights stop working? ›
The sensors can go bad, and movement detection will no longer work. The bulbs might stop working and no longer emit light even though the device works properly. Electrical issues, such as a damaged power cord or faulty battery from solar motion lights, can prevent the device from working correctly.
Do motion sensor lights wear out? ›
However, while motion detector lights are designed to work smoothly, they can fail sometimes. They also have a limited lifespan. Some models can last up to 100,000 hours, while others may have a shorter lifespan. If you notice anything wrong with your sensor lights, it's best to call in an expert to lend you a hand.
How do I keep my motion sensor light from going off? ›
To keep a motion sensor light on, you can add a bypass switch to independently power the light, quickly switching the motion sensor ON&OFF to get the sensor stuck at ON position, or use a motion sensor light switch with an ON/OFF feature to keep indoor lights ON.
