Outdoor motion sensor lights provide an added sense of security for the home. They are a great deterrent to potential burglars and will help you see in the dark. If you arrive home late at night regularly, you should consider getting motion sensor lights.
With so many products on the market, it may seem impossible to choose the best one. To help you decide which outdoor motion sensor light is right for your home, we have put together this handy buying guide.
Continue reading to find out more.
Why use outdoor motion sensor lights?
There are many reasons why someone would benefit from a motion-activated light.
You want a futuristic style for your home
If you want to add a futuristic style to your home, a motion sensor light can make you feel like you’re living in a genuinely modern-looking abode.
You like convenience
Motion sensor lights turn on when there is movement, so you do not need to turn on a switch. As such, you no longer need to walk up to your pathway in the dark. Don’t worry - the light will turn off again automatically once your outdoor space is empty. So, if never flipping a switch again sounds appealing, motion sensor lights are the technology for you.
You want to save energy
Motion-sensitive lights turn on automatically when they detect motion and turn off automatically when there is no longer any stimulus. This means you will never accidentally leave your lights, saving energy and money.
You want to discourage thieves
Outdoor motion sensor lights will deter criminals, especially when combined with CCTV. Without the cover of darkness to hide their faces, they will probably flee from your home.
What sensors are used in outdoor motion sensor lights?
There are several types of sensors used for motion sensor lights.
- Passive infrared (PIR) measures infrared light radiating from objects in its view. Active infrared (sometimes also called area reflective) sensor works by shooting infrared light at an object bounced back into a receiver.
- Photoelectric sensors, similar to active infrared sensors, use a light transmitter and a photoelectric receiver.
- A microwave sensor emits microwave signals and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce back to determine whereabouts an object is.
- Dual technology sensors use a variety of the sensors listed above.
Things to consider when buying outdoor motion sensor lights
To choose the right motion sensor lights, we recommended learning about the numerous features of the technology. If you want a quality set of outdoor motion sensor lights, we suggest keeping the following considerations in mind.
Bulb type
Different motion sensor lights use different bulbs. As such, there are pros and cons to each bulb type you may wish to consider. Therefore, you must check what kind of bulb your chosen motion sensor lights accept and ensure they are readily available and affordable to you.
LED (light-emitting diode):
Diodes are components with electrodes that electricity passes through to produce light. They are more expensive than incandescent lights, but they last longer.
Incandescent:
Light is produced by a heated wire filament. Although these bulbs are cheaper, they may cost more in the long run than LED bulbs because you will need to change them more often.
Fluorescent:
These bulbs produce light by a chemical reaction. Some older models of the light motion sensors will only accept fluorescent bulbs with a magnetic ballast.
Light pattern
A light pattern describes how intensely the light from your motion sensor lights will shine in a particular area. You will generally have three options of light patterns to choose from on any given sensor. The best light pattern for you will depend on what kind of outdoor space you have. A typical light pattern disperses evenly throughout your yard and doesn’t focus on a particular spot. This may be your light pattern of choice if you think that any kind of bright illumination could disturb neighbors etc.
A floodlight will illuminate a large space brightly, and a spotlight will focus on whatever moves in your garden. Spotlights and floodlights tend to be more common in outdoor lights, possibly because they seem brighter and would be more off-putting to any possible intruders.
Power source
Motion sensor lights are usually powered by one of three different power sources. Motion sensor lights are generally either battery-operated, wired, or solar-powered. When buying a motion sensor light, you will need to make sure you have access to the appropriate power source.
There is no point in buying a wired product if you plan on placing it away from a viable power source, and there is no point in purchasing a solar-powered product if you are putting it in the shade.
Outdoor motion sensor lights price range
The average price of an outdoor motion sensor light is somewhere between $15 and $70. When planning a budget for your motion sensor light, you should also consider any extra batteries, battery chargers, and spare light bulbs you might need.
FAQs
Why do my motion sensor lights stay on all the time?
There are various reasons why your motion sensor lights might stay on all the time. These include storm damage, age, a power surge, improper installation, and improper settings. When in doubt, try turning your sensor lights off and on again.
How do I clean a motion sensor?
To clean a motion sensor, use a clean damp cloth to remove mildew and other surface dirt. Next, rinse the fabric and use it to clean the sensor with a glass cleaner. Your sensor should be perfectly clean when you are finished.
Do motion sensor lights only work at night?
No - outdoor motion sensor lights work 24/7. However, the lights only come when they detect motion at night. Some sensors let your set the lights to stay on all day, but this may seem like a waste of electricity to certain people.