![]() The wattage rating of the sensor must be at least as high as the total watts of the fixtures.įor example, if you have two fixtures, each rated to hold a 100-watt bulb, the sensor must be rated to handle at least 200 watts. Theyre usually labeled as replacement sensors for floodlight fixtures, but you can attach one to a mounting plate and use it as a remote sensor.īefore you buy a replacement sensor, add up the wattage ratings on the fixtures it will control. If new wiring isnt an option for you, consider sensors that give you similar results but with little or no rewiring.Ĭhoosing a sensor Home centers and hardware stores carry motion sensors (20) that look like the ones you see mounted on floodlights. In some situations, you can fish wires through finished walls.īut in many cases, this project is only practical where you have open studs, as in an unfinished garage (as we show), or during a major remodeling project. The toughest part of this project may be running the wires that connect the sensor to the light fixtures. We wont detail the most basic aspects of electrical work, so you may need to do some further reading.Īpply for an electrical permit at the local inspections department so an inspector can check your work. The wiring is a little more complicated than it is for most electrical projects, but even a novice can handle it by following the wiring diagrams we provide. You can connect it to any type of decorative fixtureeven existing onesand mount it discreetly off to the side. #Intelectron Motion Detector Security Light Manual installIntelectron Motion Detector Security Light Install A Remoteīy the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine You might also like: TBD Time One day Complexity Moderate Cost 20 100 Step 1: Getting started A gangly-looking motion detector floodlight is fine for scaring off a backyard intruder, but it doesnt look good on your house. ![]() To test further, switch off the circuit breaker for the security lights. You can check this by simply replacing the light, or maybe you want to make certain before buying some expensive halogen or LED replacement light, test the fixture socket with a multimeter. No Power If your security lights simply wont work, it might be because theyre not receiving power. Sensitivity If your motion sensor security lights keep coming on for every passing thing, you need to adjust the sensitivity or slightly change the direction of the sensor or even a combination of both to eliminate the problem.Īlso, check that the light has a proper view of the area its covering. Try covering part of the sensor with black electrical tape or reposition the security lights to a position where the other lights wont interfere. Lights Dont Come On If the security lights wont come on at night, the problem could be that another light is turned on in the vicinity, fooling the sensor into believing its still daylight. If your inspection doesnt lead to anything conclusive, however, you may need to have the wiring inspected by a qualified electrician. If it doesnt, turn the breaker off for that circuit and inspect every electrical box along the line for damaged wires or loose connections and fix it. ![]() If it is secured tightly in place, try replacing the bulb because flickering lights can be a prelude to the bulb burning out completely. If a single bulb is flickering, you will need to climb up and check that the bulb is securely fitted in the fixture. The light will reappear but should go off after a few minutes.įlickering Lights If the light from your security lights is flickering, the course of action depends on whether the problem lies with single or multiple lights. If nothing obvious turns up, try turning the lights off at the breaker (or unplugging) for around 20 seconds.Ĭonfirm visually that the security lights have gone off and then turn the breaker back on. The best course of action is to see first if something has changed in the immediate environment.įor instance, a tree close by that didnt affect the security light last year would have grown since and extended its branches now causing the wind to rustle through the leaves, constantly moving them in front of the sensor and tripping it. This could be attributed to an electrical failure, lightning, power surges, or even user error. Therefore, motion sensor security lights are meant to come on only when they detect motion, but sometimes for various reasons, they can remain on all the time. Lights Stay On When you turn on the power to your security lights system, the motion sensors are activated and once they warm up, they can detect heat and movements in the surrounding area creating a protective grid.Ī movement sensor is tripped when too many grid zones are blocked by moving objects consequently changing the infrared energy levels. ![]()
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