How to Install Motion Sensor Lights

Our step-by-step photos and tips from our experts provide a general guide of how to install motion sensor lights around your home. In most cases, you’ll simply replace an existing light fixture with the new one. Make sure to turn off the power to the fixture at the main panel before removing it.

However, if you have to run a new electrical line and install a switch, the job can get much more complex. Outdoor electrical lines must be encased in approved conduit and weatherproof electrical boxes. If you’re not familiar with conduit or the rules for running new electrical circuits, call in a licensed electrician.

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Safety Notes:

Get an electrical permit from your local department of inspections. Check for special local rules and have your work inspected when finished.

CAUTION: Don’t let your ladder or your body touch lethal overhead power lines while you’re working.

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CAUTION: Aluminum wiring requires special handling. If you have aluminum wiring, call in a licensed pro who’s certified to work with it. This wiring is dull gray, not the dull orange that’s characteristic of copper.

Motion detector lights are easy to install, but each brand has a few different details, so read the instructions. You’ll find the basic information printed on the outside of the box. Read the box before you buy the unit so you know what you’re getting. You’ll find more detailed instructions inside the box.

How Do Motion Detectors Work?

Motion detectors are small electronic eyes that detect infrared waves, i.e. heat waves that radiate from moving objects. When the detector senses an object moving across its field of view — especially warmer objects such as people, animals and cars — it electronically turns on the lights.

Nuisance Trips

An outdoor motion sensor light will react to the movement of your dog, an approaching person, a passing car or sometimes even wind-blown leaves. Nuisance “trips” occur when things like that fool the detector and activate the motion-sensing lights.

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These can be annoying to you and your neighbors, and some homeowners won’t install motion detector lights for this reason. However, you can solve most unwanted switching-on by adjusting the distance-range setting and carefully aiming the sensor to limit its field of view.

• • Pro tip: You can narrow the field of view even more by applying tape to the sensor.

Where to Put Motion Lights

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. This project walks through the installation of hard-wired lights, so you’ll have to take into account access to electrical outlets or wires. There are wireless options available too. One key advantage of hard-wired lights is that you’ll have a steady, reliable source of power and won’t have to worry about changing batteries or having ample sunlight to charge solar-powered lights.

How Many Security Lights Do You Need?

There’s no magic number. The best way to figure out how many security lights you need is to determine which areas around your house you want to light. For maximum effectiveness, position a motion sensor light to cover the walks leading to your front and back doors and the driveway. That way the lights will come on when you come home at night. You can also use them to light up decks, patios and potentially hazardous locations such as around stairways and swimming pools.

If improved security is a priority, position the motion sensor lights to cover all the approaches to your house, including fence gates, the patio door, the darker areas of your yard, and around trees and bushes. Good lighting can’t guarantee security, of course, but it’s one of the best low-cost ways to discourage intruders.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor