Recently I decided to replace my
home’s exterior lights with new motion activated exterior lights. Motion
activated exterior lights look exactly like traditional exterior lights, except
that they come with motion sensors and control switches to program their
sensitivity and use. The benefits of motion sensor lights include safety,
security, energy savings and convenience. Motion activated exterior lights are
available in numerous styles and finishes so your choices are nearly unlimited.
At the heart of a motion activated
light is an infrared sensor that detects infrared waves, or heat waves, that
radiate from moving objects.
When the infrared sensor detects
movement it turns on the light for a period of time. The length of time the
light remains on can typically be adjusted from 1 to 20 minutes.
Depending upon the particular
model, most motion activated exterior lights have detection angles that
range from 180 to 240 degrees, and detection ranges of 30 to 70+ feet.
During daylight hours a photocell prevents the light from turning on.
The only knock on motion
activated exterior lights is that nuisance events can trigger the infrared
sensor and cause the exterior light to turn on.
Photo by Mark Donovan
Windswept leaves, passing small
animals and even passing cars can sometimes trigger the light to turn on.
Fortunately, with most models you can adjust the field of view, including the
detection angle and detection range, to mitigate these types of nuisance
triggers. In some cases you can also improvise by applying a piece of electric
tape over a portion of the infrared sensor to reduce the field of view. In
addition, depending upon the particular light model, you may be able to adjust
the angle of the sensor altogether.
In addition to being sensor
activated, motion activated exterior lights can also work in the conventional
mode by simply toggling the wall light switch off and on. By toggling the light
switch off and on, the light will remain on regardless of whether or not it
senses motion. Some models also support the ability to turn on at dusk, and
remain on until dawn.
When installing a motion activated
exterior light it is best to locate it approximately 6 to 10 feet off of the
ground and in locations that are near egresses to your home, for examples
walkways, patios, garage doors.
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As for actually installing a motion
activated exterior light make sure to first read the instruction manual
carefully. Most are installed exactly as a conventional light. They typically
have three wires that are designed to tie into your existing home’s wiring. The
wires include a black wire (hot), a white wire (neutral), and a green or bare
copper wire (ground).
When replacing a conventional
exterior light with a motion activated exterior light, make sure that you first
turn power off at the main circuit breaker box. In addition, use wire nuts to
connect the house wires and light wires together. Also make sure that the light
is properly grounded to the electrical box. Lastly, make sure you seal around
the light fixture with a waterproof caulk.
Photos by Mark Donovan
After installing a motion activated
exterior light expect to spend a couple of evenings adjusting it for your
personal preferences.
So if your home’s exterior lights are
looking a little worn and you want to replace them, consider motion activated
exterior lights. Besides providing additional home security, motion activated
exterior lights can also provide you with added convenience and energy saving
benefits.
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Motion Activated Exterior Lighting
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