Installation of motion sensors can help you prepare to keep your family safe. If midnight trips around the house extend further than the bathroom, make sure your motion sensor is set to switch on the lights all the way to the kitchen (if that's where your night-time wanderings end). Once your motion sensor light is installed and activated, leave the light switch in the on position and the lights will come on automatically when the sensor detects movement. The sensor will have a rather wide field of view, so you can angle it … homesecuritystore.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Walk in front of the light several times, and readjust the range frequently until its at your desired level. While motion lights are typically outdoor lights, you can also use motion lights inside your home. When adjusting motion sensor lights, make sure the sensor is at least 2 inches away from the light bulbs, and that it has a coverage zone that's free of potential triggers. Simply unplug the power of your light and leave it unplugged for a few seconds. Switch the light off at the wall and count off four seconds for Defiant's models and one second for a typical Heath Zenith, then switch it back on. Look for the "Sensory Adjustment Dial," located on the bottom of your motion light fixture. The switch is what sets the motion detector's light and how long it stays on once activated; the dial is what controls the sensitivity. The sensor works by detecting motion in its field of vision, which will cause the light to turn on. Otherwise, install it in a height that would serve you best. Best Home Security Systems, Cameras and Alarm Systems. It should be placed in areas where it can get a lot of coverage and should be away from trees, plants, or other things that might block its detecting mechanism. Position the sensor so it is extended forward as far as possible. They are good at alerting you when someone has arrived at your property as a guest or an intruder, and they are also good additional lights when you come home. Set a motion sensor light by turning the head of the light in the direction of your choice, then set the “On-time” switch to “Test” before adjusting the range. Step 2: Check your motion sensor lights. What is a Dusk to Dawn Light Sensor Switch? Use your hand to adjust the motion light sensor so it points in the direction you want. Test your aim by walking in the area where you want the motion detector light to detect movement, and then see if the lights turn on. Repeat your tests, walking in front of the sensor and setting the dial back as needed by twisting it counterclockwise toward the "Min" mark, until you are satisfied with the responsiveness of the unit. Normally false alarms are mostly caused by but are not limited to faulty equipment, lightning, poor application engineering, power surges, user error, and electrical failures. They are good at alerting you when someone has arrived at your property as a guest or an intruder, and they are also good additional lights when you come home. Troubleshoot an Outdoor Motion-Sensor Light, Be Jane: How to Install Motion Sensor Lights. Place a step ladder under the motion light sensor so you can reach the bottom of the unit. If you use your outside lights all the time, you would like to have the light stay ON when you’re outside entertaining or you’ve heard noises and want the light to remain ON for the rest of night, there is a special switch you can change to which will make overriding the sensor really simple if the method mentioned above is not suitable. There are two controls on this panel: Manual On/Off: This control turns your motion detector on or off. You might also consider positioning outdoor lights with motion sensors along pathways to help you see better in the dark. Turn the light switch that powers that fixture to the "On" position to send power to the fixture and stand out of the way of the motion sensor. She has a decade of experience and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcasting. Rotating the dial to the "High" position means your motion sensor will detect movement at greater distances than your original test. The sensitivity of motion sensors in motion detector lights varies, and there's a good chance yours aren't set exactly how you want them right out of the box. However, if you are reading this, you are concerned about how to adjust motion sensor flood lights. That's why manufacturers allow you to adjust motion lights, so you can set the sensor to read movement at the direction and in the area where you want. Now, you may be asking yourself what exactly is a dusk to dawn light sensor switch. Adjust the switch controlling the motion sensor light to have it stay on full brightness for one full night. You can make your flood lights multi-faceted if you can add motion sensors to it. Step 2 However, you have to bear in mind that motion sensors, regardless of how perfect they are being advertised, are not error-proof; and there are instances where they can send false alarms. The time period adjustment control allows you to set the duration that your motion sensor light will stay illuminated when it is triggered by movement. Ideally, it’s best to mount motion sensing lights six to 10 feet above the ground and positioned so that most movement will occur across the sensitivity zone, rather than directly toward the detector. Adjust the sensor again as needed. Have someone else walk in front of the light while you are still on the ladder to test if the sensor is at the sensitivity you require. For your system to last, maintenance plays a very important role. To return the motion lights back into the automatic mode the controlling switch is again turned off, wait six seconds, then turn the switch back on again. So if you happen to own a screwdriver and know how to use it, you do the job in no time. In darkness, they automatically switch on the connected lights as soon as someone is in the detector’s sensor zone. Turn the sensor so it is pointing in the direction where motion should be detected. Where to Put Motion Lights. Motion Sensors Lights for Outdoor. door and motion detector image by Larry Roberg from Fotolia.com. If the sensor detects motion, the lights will stay on as long as they detect motion. Motion lights are generally used as a security feature on or in a home. Take time to test your motion sensor lights before you finish installation and you'll find that with proper adjustments, your motion sensor lights work just the way you want them to. STEP 1 Move the LUX stetting to day mode being the sun … A motion detector light is a security device that can be installed outside any home. Do you feel annoyed at times when you have to look for the light switch in the dark? Begin with the switch set to "Medium." When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Adjust the angle of the sensor. After the set time, the light goes out again. Step by step instructions for replacing the sensor control on a motion activated light control. Test your aim by walking in the area where you want the motion detector light to detect movement, and then see if the lights turn on. If your sensors can pan and get a wider coverage or range, you can mount it higher. A motion sensor placed in the hallway connecting the bedrooms ensures a safer trip to the toilet in the middle of the night. Step 5 Have someone else walk in front of the light while you are still on the ladder to test if the sensor is … By doing so, you would know what type of adjustments you can make in your property to avoid such. Home Security Store is reader-supported. However, if you are reading this, you are concerned about how to adjust motion sensor flood lights. Leave it off for 30 seconds to one minute before flipping it on again. SENSITIVITY: Sensitivity can be identified by SEN in the sensor and will adjust the distance and how big the object will need to be to activate it this is also controlled by a adjusting to the plus and minus sign. Knowing what's inside the package is very important. To make the head stay put, you may have to tighten screws or ring nuts (Photo 2) … Sometimes it can also be triggered by foliage, animals, and insects. For some models, resetting the breaker is … After that, plug it back in and turn the light back on. Sometimes the device also has a second switch that lets you test the sensor out.You can select the number of minutes you prefer the light to remain on when triggered, with most time lengths ranging from one minute up to ten. Motion Sensor Lighting. Motion sensors keep lights turned off unless something moves nearby. Because photocell-activated dusk to dawn lights sense natural light, they automatically adjust for extended and shorter nights. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the motion sensor light for a minimum of 30 seconds, then turn it back on. They also accommodate seasonal shifts in daylight. How to Reset a Motion Sensor Light First, aim the detector. If you happen to be working with a professional, make sure to guide him of where you need to have your sensors installed. A motion detector light bulb is a worthwhile addition to any home. Kristan Hart is an award-winning journalist in Springfield, Mo., who provides SEO web copy as a freelance writer/editor. The Ultimate Solution. Adjust the sensor from side to side so it is level. For maximum effectiveness, position a motion sensor light to cover the walks leading to your front and back doors and the driveway. Find out more about Motion Sensor Flood Lights. To optimize the use of your motion sensors, you need to ensure that your motion sensors are set up correctly. 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