Motion sensor lights are great around the outside of your home or business. They can make it easier to see when you get home or alert you to anything moving around outdoors. Best of all they save electricity by only being on when you need them. However, in some cases, a motion light can break and either stay on all of the time, stays off all of the time, or is unreliable in turning on and off. This can increase your utility bill as well as defeat the purpose of an outdoor motion light.
Common Issues With Motion Sensor Lighting
Both motion sensor lighting and lights on a timer can be messed up if there is a loss of power to your home. If after a power outage or an issue with your electrical systems you begin to notice that your motion lights are no longer responsive to cars or people walking within range, you should consider resetting the light. Resetting a motion sensor light usually solves the problem, but if resetting does not work, consider calling an electrician to inspect what is causing the issue.
How To Reset A Motion Sensor Light
Before you purchase and replace a new motion sensor light, you should attempt to reset it. In some cases, it is possible to fix a motion sensor light that was broken due to power loss or a power surge by following these steps.
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker. Locate your circuit breaker and turn off the switch that corresponds to your motion sensor light. Keep the switch off for at least 30 seconds before turning it back on.
- If your motion sensor light has a light switch, cycle its power for two seconds at a time. Turn the light on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds, then back on.
- Change the sensitivity options. Some lights have a sensitivity option. Consider changing the light to be more or less sensitive depending on what your issue is. If the light is triggered too often, decrease the sensitivity. If the light never comes on, consider increasing the sensitivity.
- Check the light bulbs. This may go without saying, but if your light is not coming on, it may be that the light bulb has burnt out. Try changing the bulb to ensure this is not the issue.
When To Upgrade Your Outdoor Lights
If your motion lights are still not working after cycling their power, changing the bulbs, or changing the sensitivity, it might be time to upgrade your outdoor lights and replace them with a new model. For homeowners in Massachusetts, Cardoso Electrical Services would be happy to help with installation. Simply send us a message to get started.