Your motion sensor lights give you a sense of security. They’re not only efficient but are also a cheaper means of protecting your home. Thus, it’s only normal to be concerned when these lights are not working correctly.
Here’s Why Your Motion Sensor Light Not Working
Your motion sensor lights might not be working because of a wrong setting in the initial installation. However, if they suddenly went off after you’ve been using them for a while, it could be due to other reasons. For example, a dirty sensor lens, power outage, and external factors could cause your lights to malfunction.
Before you launch into fixing mode, you have to figure out the problem. This post delves into possible causes of faulty motion sensor lamps and offers the best troubleshooting methods.
Related:
- Do Motion Sensors Need to Be Cleaned? (Explained)
- Why Does My Motion Sensor Light Stay On All The Time? (Solved)
- How Can I Use Smart Light Without Wi-Fi? (Must Read)
Why Are My Sensor Lights Not Working?
Motion sensor lights might not be delicate fixtures, but they require much care. The wrong setting, bad weather, or even the wrong positioning could render these lights useless. So, once you notice that they’re no longer functioning, you have to hunt down the problem.
Here are all the reasons why your lights might not be working:
- Dirty motion sensors
- Power Outage
- Bad bulbs
- Extreme temperature
- Problems with the lamp control switch
- Wrong sensor placement
- Interference
Dirty Motion Sensors
When your motion detection lights stop working, the first thing you should check is the sensor. Sensors are situated on the exterior of the light fixture and look like small windows.
This sensor emits infrared light, which detects heat and movement. Once an external factor disrupts the sensor’s beam, the light activates.
However, it won’t emit infrared rays if something is blocking the sensor. As a result, the lights cannot activate automatically regardless of the movement around them.
In most cases, the sensor might have a lot of dirt around it. Solving this issue is very straightforward. All you require is a clean rag and a small volume of soapy water.
Dampen the cloth with soapy water and gently clean the motion sensors. Ensure the lights are off when you carry out this process. Turn them back on after you’re done cleaning.
Power Outage
Sudden loss of electricity could damage your light source. In the same vein, too much power can affect the lights. In this case, you might have to reset your motion sensors or use another.
Bad Bulbs
Your sensor lights might only be suffering from bad bulbs. If they have been working for a while, the lights might eventually burn out.
Unfortunately, there’s no home-ready solution for this option. However, you can always replace the bulb.
To easily remove the bulb from the fitting, wrap it in a soft cloth and gently twist it to the right. Once you have taken it out, dispose of it properly. Then, pick up the new bulb and insert it into the light socket.
Extreme Temperature
In colder weather, the motion detector may become too sensitive, whereas, in hotter weather, the motion detector may become less sensitive. This phenomenon affects the temperature of a person or an object.
If the temperature of the person or animal is warmer than the atmosphere, the sensors pick it up. On the other hand, if the object’s temperature is colder than the environment, the sensors might not notice it.
Problems with the Lamp Control Switch
You can turn off the motion-sensing feature of your light by turning on the lamp mode control switch. This switch turns your sensor lights into regular porch lamps.
As a result, the light doesn’t work as expected. To fix this problem, simply switch off the feature.
Wrong Sensor Placement
Try readjusting it if your motion sensor doesn’t activate or deactivate your motion light. You’ll have to loosen the screws and readjust the position of the lights.
Interference
The outdoor motion sensor light can also be affected by the amount of light in the environment. Are there a lot of light bulbs switched on around your property? If this is the case, the illumination might trick the sensor into believing it’s daytime.
If you notice this interference, it’s best to reduce the light source surrounding your area.
How Do I Reset an Outdoor Motion Sensor Light?
There are a few problems with your motion detection lights that you can fix with a simple cleaning. On the other hand, others require a little more tactics. For instance, if you have a sudden power outage, you might have to reset the light once the electricity comes back.
Below are essential resetting tips that work for motion detector lights. If one method doesn’t work for you, try another:
Turn off the Motion Lights for a While
This method is the simplest reset program you can use. It only requires you to turn off the light from the switch. Afterward, you wait for a few minutes before switching it back on.
Your wait period depends on the kind of outdoor sensor lights you use. Some will only require you to turn it off for 30 seconds, and some might be longer. Thus, ensure you read through the owner’s manual to determine how long you’ll need to wait.
If you have no idea where the owner’s manual is, you can find the manual online. Still, you need to know your light’s brand and model to make your internet search easy.
If you still can’t get hold of a manual, leave the light off for five minutes before switching it on. Next, wait for the motion lights to go off, then walk in front of it to confirm it picks up movement.
Flip the Light Switch Quickly
If turning off your motion sensor lights was unsuccessful, you can try flipping the switch multiple times in quick succession.
Before you start, be sure that the switch is turned off. Then, quickly turn the lights on four times without stopping.
Your last flip will end in the “off” position. Allow the switch to remain in that position for a minute before turning it on.
Just as you did previously, wait for the lights to go off. Afterward, walk in front of it to test if it’s working effectively.
Unplug the Lights
If your motion sensor lights are connected to a power outlet, you’ll have to unplug them. Do this while the light switch is in the on position.
Wait for at least 30 seconds or longer before plugging it back into the outlet. This will automatically reboot the outdoor motion system. It’ll also be a good alternative to try if the light has been on without blinking or going off.
Turn off the Lights from the Breaker Box
Your motion sensor lights might not be a model that operates by plugging into a power switch. Instead, some models are hardwired into the wall and connected to a breaker box. If your model falls into this category, you’ll have to reset the light by turning it off from the breaker box.
The breaker box is a large circuit box usually within the house. Sometimes, it could be outside, depending on where it was installed.
The breaker box contains various switches that control power in different parts of your home. Therefore, you must be careful when operating it.
You’ll find a diagram of your residential electrical system, telling you which switch controls parts of the house. If this is the case, you can easily find the switch that controls the motion lights.
If there’s no explanation diagram, you can try flipping some switches to find the motion sensor light control. Once you have found the right control, turn it off and leave it for five minutes before flipping it again.
Check to Be Sure That the Lights Are Working
If you have tried resetting your lights and they don’t come on, you should call a professional. The cause of your light problem might not be as simple as you think.
A professional electrician will evaluate the situation and tell you what needs to be done. In most cases, your lights are probably old and need replacement. Unfortunately, this means that you’ll have to uninstall the previous motion detector lights and install a new unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Motion Sensor Lights Always On?
Your motion sensor lights might remain on due to high sensitivity settings. In this case, your lights are too sensitive that they pick up the motion of anything that moves past them. Turn off the light for ten seconds and turn it back on to fix this.
Read this great article on “Motion sensor lights staying always on” to find out more.
How Long Does a Motion Sensor Last?
The duration of your light being on after it detects movements depends on your settings. You can set it to remain on for a minute or longer.
Can You Put a Motion Detector on Any Light?
After installing your lights, you probably realize that you prefer one with a motion sensor. The good thing is installing a sensor for your lights is possible. The best option will be to get a remote-style motion detector.
This type works with all fixtures. However, you’ll require professional assistance to connect the lights to your detector system.
