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One of the biggest and most important parts of a security system is the motion detector lights. These are designed to come on and light up when detecting that someone or something is moving around in the area. But it’s important that they’re adjusted the right way. If they aren’t sensitive enough they may not come on when needed — and if they’re too sensitive they could come on too frequently. For example, a homeowner doesn’t really want to have their motion detector light come on every time a rabbit hops through their yard or a bird flies by their window.
But they definitely want it to come on when someone walks up on the porch — or if there’s a bear trying to get into their trash cans — and that means giving the detector enough sensitivity to catch those things. Eventually a motion detector light may need to be reset, too. There can be a number of reasons for that to happen, and when or if it does the goal is to get it working quickly again so it can continue to help the homeowner be protected. Fortunately, it’s generally not hard to reset motion sensor lights, and most homeowners can reset their lights easily in just a few minutes.
Oct 25, 2011 - The motion detector monitors ambient light (daylight) and then activates. This gives you three choices at the switch: on, off, motion sensor. Yes you can over ride the motion with a 3 way sw to work manual or go back in. A motion sensor is a switch that turns on your outdoor porch light or shed floodlight when it detects an appropriate change in the surroundings. Most sensors for outdoor lights are tiny radar emitters, but some operate by detecting infrared radiation.
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Motion Detector Lights Sometimes Need Resetting
After a power surge or other event that affects the electrical in a home, a motion detector light may need to be reset. This can be very important, since a homeowner who doesn’t reset their light may be unprotected. But it’s not difficult to reset a light, and they should be checked periodically to make sure they’re reset the right way and working correctly.
In some cases a homeowner who doesn’t go into that area very often after dark may not understand that a motion sensor light isn’t working. They may not realize it at all, and once they see that it’s a problem they can quickly take care of it.
Checking the light frequently and troubleshooting the light if there’s an issue with it are the best ways for a homeowner to have good working protection in their security system. It’s also a good way to make certain that they have more peace of mind, as well.
Why Would a Motion Detector Light Need Reset?
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With any security system there can be occasional glitches. These can include needing to reset a motion detector light, and there are several reasons the light may need to be reset. These can include:
- faulty sensors
- bad bulbs
- electrical surges
- power outages
There may be other reasons, as well, and it’s valuable for a homeowner to take a careful look at what’s causing the issue. Having the right troubleshooting can matter, as can replacing any motion detector lights that can’t be reset or repaired successfully.
Troubleshooting Doesn’t Have to be Difficult
The best way to reset a motion sensor light is to turn it off and back on again for a period of 30 seconds or longer. A homeowner can also turn the power to it off at the breaker, in order to ensure it has time to reset itself. If that doesn’t work the sensor or the bulb may be to blame. Replacing the bulb is easy — and replacing a sensor isn’t something that’s normally done. Covering the sensor to test the light is an option, but if the homeowner doesn’t have success with that they may choose to replace the light so they can have proper security and peace of mind again.
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Motion detectors can be self contained or an integral part of a light fixture. In either case to have the motion detector perform its function in the manner you desire takes some adjustment to its sensitivity and positioning.
Self Contained motion detector. | Integral, with light fixture motion detector. |
Adjusting and Testing:
Note: Read the specific instructions, that have been included by the manufacture, for your motion detector.
- Every motion detector has a switch that switches the unit from operational mode to test mode. The switch may also have an off position. Locate the switch, usually located on the bottom of the motion detector, and set it to the 'TEST' position.
- The motion detector will also have an adjustment for sensitivity. This may be set with a screwdriver or small knob. Locate the sensitivity adjustment and set it for a 'MEDIUM' level. If the sensitivity adjustment is not marked with levels, turn the screw or knob to the halfway position.
- With the light circuit powered, if there is a wall switch in the circuit, ensure that it is also 'ON', the light fixture or fixtures connected to the motion detector should light for approximately 30 seconds and then go off.
Note: If there is any motion within the motion detectors field of vision, the lights will stay on for a longer period. When performing the test it is best to stand perfectly still or out of the line of vision of the motion detector.
- To adjust the field of vision of the motion detector, manually set the motion detector head in the direction of the area that you desire activation of the lights. Proceed to the furthest point of the detection area and see if the light or lights are activated.
- If the light or lights go off and on while the detector is in the 'TEST' mode, the lamp position is interfering with the detector. Aim the lamps away from the detector by adjusting the lamp holders. Direct the lamps away from the detector. As a general rule, do not allow the lamps to be closer than 1/2 inch from the detector.
Note: Always point the lamp holders with a slight downward profile in order to avoid having the lamp holders fill with water which could cause the lamp to burn out or a short circuit within the lamp socket.
- Using the sensitivity adjustment you can set the motion detector to activate at different distances within the detection zone. This testing is a trial and error method. Set the sensitivity adjustment, proceed to the detection area and if necessary adjust the sensitivity until you reach the desired result. The motion detector will turn off after approximately 4 seconds of no motion within the detection area.
- After you have completed the sensitivity adjustment, set the slide switch to the 'ON' position.
Two types of motion detectors are available:
- Standard
- Wide Angle
Wide angle motion detectors will activate on movement, in an area, as much as 75% greater than a standard motion detector. A wide angle motion detector can cause lights to blink due to extraneous movements, including tree branch movement. If you wish to reduce the field of vision of wide angled motion detector it can be accomplished by reducing the sensitivity and/or by using tape over the detectors field vision window. Taping the motion detector's field vision window will not damage the detector in any manner.
Motion detectors will change their sensitivity and field of vision over time. This can be caused by:
- Dirt on the field vision window,
- Low power (brown outs),
- Obstacles such as new trees, shrubs, bushes, sheds, fences may change the motion detectors field of vision.
- Age
Additional information on motion detector installation