Why are my outdoor motion sensor lights not turning on?
Outdoor motion sensor lights stop turning on when the switch is off, the photocell thinks it is daytime, the sensor is dirty or misaimed, the bulb is dead or the unit has failed. Check the bulb and switch first, then clean the lens and reset.
Many sensors have a daylight setting, and a bright porch can fool them into staying off. Rotating the dial toward the moon symbol makes them work in more light, and toward the sun makes them work only in darkness.
Arizona sun can fade and crack plastic housings over time, and dust or spider webs across the lens are common. Wiping the lens with a dry cloth, with the power off, is a safe fix.
Changing the bulb is a good first test. Many sensor fixtures only accept certain bulb types, and a bulb with too high a wattage can overheat the sensor head. Check the label on the fixture and use the bulb type it lists.
Why do my motion sensor lights stay on all the time?
Motion sensor lights stay on all the time when the sensitivity is too high, the timer is set long, the sensor sees heat from a vent or wall, or a switch is in a manual override mode. Lower the sensitivity and aim the sensor away from heat sources.
Heat waves off a block wall or a car in the driveway can trigger a sensor, especially in summer. Pets, palm fronds and passing cars add to the problem if the range is too wide.
Some fixtures have an override that is activated by flicking the wall switch off and on in a certain pattern. If the light is stuck on, switching off for a while and back on can clear it.
If the light turns on at the wrong times, move the sensor head a few degrees at a time. Aiming slightly downward helps cut false triggers from distant traffic. Tighten any joints that have become loose so the head stays where you set it.
How do I adjust the sensitivity and range of a motion sensor light?
You adjust a motion sensor light with the dials or switches on the fixture, usually labeled sensitivity, time and light level. Turn the sensitivity down for fewer false triggers, set the time to what suits you, and tilt the sensor head toward the area you want covered.
Make small changes and test after each one. Wait for the light to shut off, then walk through the zone at different angles, since sensors detect sideways movement better than movement straight toward them.
Turn off power before reaching up to a fixture, use a stable ladder and avoid working in the heat of the day. If the fixture is high or the wiring is loose, stop and have an electrician handle it.
Pest activity matters too. Wasps and spiders like the warm space around outdoor fixtures, and their nests can block the lens or trigger the sensor. Clear them carefully with the power off, and avoid doing so with a ladder if you are alone.
Do motion sensor lights wear out?
Motion sensor lights do wear out, because the sensor, photocell and relay inside degrade with heat, sun and moisture. If a reset, a new bulb and a cleaning do not help, the fixture itself is usually the problem and should be replaced.
Arizona fixtures take a beating from direct sun and heat on south and west walls. A sensor that works at night and fails by summer may simply be cooking.
Replacing a fixture is a quick job for a licensed electrician, who can check the wiring and the junction box at the same time. Choosing a unit rated for wet locations pays off in the long run.
If you replace the whole fixture, choose one with adjustable settings and a wet location rating. Some models include a manual override switch, which is handy when you want the light on for a party without relying on motion.
When should I call an electrician about outdoor lights?
Call a licensed electrician about outdoor lights when resetting and new bulbs do not fix them, the breaker trips, wiring is exposed, or the fixture is hot or discolored. Burning smell or sparking means switch off at the breaker and call.
Water in a fixture or box is another reason to stop. Moisture and electricity are a bad mix, and a GFCI that trips outdoors is doing its job.
Vortech handles outdoor lighting repairs and fixture swaps in Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise. It is a quick visit and an easy add to other small jobs.
When the light works at the switch but never reacts to motion, the sensor module is usually worn out. A licensed electrician can swap the fixture, confirm the junction box is dry and secure, and check that the wiring is in good shape.
More questions: Ceiling Fans and Lighting: 12 Most Asked Questions Answered