What to Look for in Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
Sensor and Light Range
Range is an important consideration because a motion sensor light can’t do its job if it isn’t able to sense the movement of an approaching intruder, or if the light it casts is too dim to illuminate anything. Each motion sensor light has a range rating, which refers to the distance at which it is able to sense motion. The minimum useful range is about 20 feet, but some situations call for a longer range sensor. Light range is a function of the brightness of the light, and it’s also important as a sensor with 80 feet of range won’t do much good when paired with a light that’s too dim. Our top pick for most brightness is the SANSI 45W Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight, which has a detection range of 72 feet and enough light range to actually reach that far.
Placement and Angle
Before you buy an outdoor motion sensor light, it’s important to consider where you’re going to place it. According to Hooman Shahidi, Vice President of Product from SimpliSafe, which specializes in home security systems, “It is best to direct the line of sight towards the entry and points of your home, such as your driveway, front porch or backyard. That way, if someone steps into the line of sight, the light will automatically ignite thereby deterring unwanted visitors.” To achieve that sort of placement, some lights can only be wall-mounted, while others can be mounted on a soffit or eave, a pole, and other locations.
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Angle refers primarily to the detection angle, which is the field of view that the sensor can cover. A motion sensor light with a detection angle of 180 degrees can sense movement anywhere in front of it, so placement isn’t a big concern. If a sensor has a lower detection angle, then you need to consider placement more carefully. Shahidi recommends mounting motion sensor lights angled 30 degrees down to ensure optimal visibility around the perimeter of your home. Larry Campbell, licensed electrical contractor and The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board member, additionally recommends mounting the lights 8 to 12 feet above the ground, noting that, in his experience, 6 feet seems too low.
Power Source
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Outdoor security lights can be hard-wired into AC power, powered by batteries, or powered by a combination of solar-charged batteries.
Security lights that run on AC power are wired just like any other light in your home, which means that an electrician may need to perform the installation if you aren’t replacing an existing light fixture. These lights are reliable because you don’t need to worry about batteries, but they don’t function during power outages.
Battery-powered security lights run on either disposable or rechargeable batteries. They’re very easy to install because there isn’t any wiring involved, but you do need to either replace or recharge the batteries on an ongoing basis. If that sounds like a hassle, solar-powered security lights also have batteries, but they charge automatically each day when the sun is out.
Durability
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Durability is a concern because these lights are left outside and exposed to the elements all the time. The housing should be made of a corrosion-resistant metal like aluminum, or a high quality plastic that’s capable of withstanding that constant exposure. You can check the ingress protection rating too, which is a good indication of how well it can handle an outdoor environment. Our top overall recommendation, the LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Flood Light, has a solid aluminum construction and an IP65 rating that means it’s totally sealed against dust and other small debris, and it can stand up to even the heaviest of rain.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Jeremy Laukkonen, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. Laukkonen has hands-on experience with dozens of both residential and commercial motion sensor lights over the years, and his own home is protected by an array of smart sensors and lights. His work has appeared in other outlets like Lifewire and Digital Trends in addition to The Spruce.
To prepare for this piece, Laukkonen performed in-depth research on dozens of outdoor motion sensor lights, focusing on factors like ease of installation and use, range, angle of detection, along with more advanced features like built-in cameras and smart home connectivity. Laukkonen also reached out to several experts, and interviewed Leroy Lo and Carlos Pereira, Product Managers at Lorex, and SimpliSafe Senior Vice President of Product Hooman Shahidi, for their insights.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
