When there is already an existing electrical box, the cost for installing these types of lights is much lower than it is to install them in a new location. While these lights can technically be installed yourself, it is highly recommended you hire a licensed electrician to install your outdoor motion sensor lights.
In some cases, failing to use a licensed electrician results in a breach of warranty, meaning if something does not work properly, the warranty cannot be guaranteed. Installing a motion light is similar to installing any other outdoor light. The lights themselves are hardwired to your electrical system.
Suppose you are replacing an existing outdoor light. In that case, your electrician removes and replaces the light by unscrewing the old fixture, clipping the wires, making any necessary repairs, wiring the new fixture to the existing box, and screwing it into place.
This takes from half an hour to an hour. When installing the motion light in a new spot, the electrician needs to run a new line to the location, fish the wires, wire a new box, and finally install the new light. This scenario may take several hours, depending on the location of the new light. Many homes already have existing outdoor lights, and it is common for homeowners to consider upgrading to motion sensors. This is a good way to enhance security at your home, reduce light pollution, and save energy.
There are various ways to upgrade your existing light. Or you can buy a motion sensor kit with a motion-detecting camera. This camera connects to your existing light and turns it on and off when motion is detected. The placement of the lights is a large determining factor in accuracy and function. This is driven by what you want the lights to do. For example, a security spotlight may be aimed at your driveway to turn on when cars enter. A landscaping light may turn on when people walk down a specific path to illuminate the way.
Ensure that the sensors face the direction you expect the movement. Some lights are also positionable, so you could have a light illuminate the way ahead for someone on a pathway or stairs. Keep these things in mind when purchasing the light because you may want to look at fixtures that aim the light separately from the sensor. Or, you may want to look at remote lights that have a sensor that trips a light that is farther away.
The most common places for motion lights are in driveways, gardens, and around doors and entryways to homes. Like any technology, motion sensor lights have advantages and disadvantages impacting their use.
The lights are convenient because they turn on when they sense movement instead of requiring manual operation. People with their hands full do not need to worry about stumbling in the dark.
It also means that no one can approach your home without being illuminated, which may deter would-be thieves. Because the light does not shine constantly, they provide energy savings. However, some lights are overly sensitive, so they may turn on when the wind blows.
Likewise, if you live in an area with wildlife or have an outdoor dog or cat, they could trigger the light when walking past. This leads to higher costs and a bright light, which can be startling if seen indoors or by neighbors. Get free estimates from motion sensor light installation companies near you Get Free Estimates. Since motion sensor lights are positioned outside, find a model that withstands rain.
Typically, motion sensor lights should have an IP rating of 44 or higher. Any lower and they may be at risk of damage so that it would need protective housing. The vast majority of motion sensor lights on the market today are designed to be weather-resistant. One issue that some homeowners find when installing motion sensor lights is that their pets, such as cats and dogs, accidentally activate them.
This leads to frustrating false alarms. However, manufacturers produce more precise motion sensor lights that are less likely to respond to pet movements.
Some come with settings that you can program if you have pets. Floodlight arcs are an incredibly powerful outdoor light fixture, making them highly effective for lighting up larger areas, such as driveways, patios, and properties with acreage. They illuminate just as effectively as street lights, making them a great lighting option in the absence of or in addition to a commercial street light. Many smart motion lights come with a remote control. This gives the user an extra level of control over their lights, allowing them to adjust settings and brightness levels.
The precise buttons and functions of each remote vary from model to model, but many come with the option to turn the lights on or off, dim the brightness, turn the sensors on or off, and set timers. The answer to this question depends on individual needs, but for many, motion sensor lights are worth the cost. While motion sensor lights do not work the same as a security alarm, they can have many benefits to homeowners, such as an added layer of protection from possible intruders.
They can also light up walkways, reducing the likelihood of injury while walking in the dark. For many, motion sensor lights are a cost-effective security measure that offers peace of mind.
While sensor lights do not deter all crime, studies have shown that they may reduce opportunistic crimes, such as burglary and vandalism. This is because motion sensor lights provide an extra layer of protection, alerting homeowners to potential intruders on their property. To reset a motion sensor light, turn off the circuit breaker that powers it for at least 30 seconds and turn it back on. This should work on most hardwired models. For battery models, take out the batteries and then put them back in.
This depends on personal preference. If you want the lights for security reasons, it is usually best to leave them on. However, if you do not normally leave them on and only do so while on vacation, this draws attention to the fact that you are not home, leading to a potential break-in. This depends on the size and scope of your property and whether the lights are used for security purposes. Most models cover areas of around 50 to feet, which should suffice in most cases for monitoring doors and entryways into your home.
But those with bigger yards or properties may want to opt for a more powerful model. Yes, it is possible to add motion sensor technology to an existing light. You can buy motion-sensing bulbs to fit in the light or get motion sensor kits to attach a sensor or camera to the existing light system. Cost to install outdoor motion sensor lights varies greatly by region and even by zip code. To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheat sheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects.
The box will simply be screwed into place, and you can remove it and feed the same wiring into a new box before screwing it back into place. Part 2. Mount the adjustable crosspiece from the light package to the electrical box. The motion sensor light kit you purchase will come with a small crosspiece bracket with several different holes, allowing you to attach it to electrical boxes of different sizes.
Place the rubber gasket that comes with the light around the outside edge of the new fixture. The new light package will include a rubber gasket that fits tightly against the base of the fixture where it attaches to the wall.
Slip this gasket over the wiring on the light and into place. Connect the wiring with a wire cap. You have to make sure you connect the wiring properly. You will tighten the copper ground wire down around this screw by simply loosening the screw, looping the ground wire over it, and tightening the screw back down to make constant contact with the wire. Screw the light assembly into the electrical box bracket with the gasket in place. Once the wiring is all connected and taped off, you can simply push the wiring into the electrical box to give yourself more room to fit the light assembly on the wall.
Your particular setup will likely have one or two screws that you use to attach the light to the cross bracket that you already attached. Make sure the rubber gasket is properly aligned on the back of the fixture, hold it against the wall, and screw it into place.
Screw in the bulbs. Once you have the assembly properly in place, you are ready to screw in the bulbs that came with it. Seal the fixture. After you have restored the power to the light and ensured that it works, you will want to seal the light fixture where it attaches to the wall plate. Use a silicone caulk around the casing where it attaches to the wall. Part 3. Turn the power back on to the fixture.
The first thing you need to do is go back to your breaker box and turn the power back on to the fixture. Walk in front of the sensor. With the power to the light restored, walk in front of the sensor to ensure that the light comes on. Then you can worry about adjusting the settings. Adjust the angle of the lights. This step is likely easier to do at dusk or in the early evening.
Most motion sensor lights consist of two separate lamps that you can easily swivel and position how you want. Turn the lamps until you have a spread of light around the area that satisfies you. Adjust the angle of the sensor. The sensor for most models of motion sensor lights is on a pivot that allows you to angle the sensor toward a specific location such as your driveway or a gate. Ideally, it should light as much space as possible and not be obstructed by anything.
Outdoor lights serve as deterrence to would-be intruders. However, you should also be sure that location and height do not violate building and electrical codes. Many have Local Authority websites answers for such common questions. You need to look behind the wall if the location you have chosen and make sure there is enough working space.
You will need sufficient space when running the electric wire from distribution panel or a nearby junction box to that point. The wall should also allow you to use mounting clips to hold the electric cable.
Go ahead and drill a hole at that point, it should just wide enough for the cable alone. You may use some caulk to seal any additional space. Screw in the light bulbs and point them to the area you want lit. Keep the bulbs as far away from the motion detector as possible. Turn the power back on. How Do Motion Detectors Work? A Primer About Installing Motion Detectors Motion detectors are easy to install , but each type and brand has a few different details.
Turn off the electrical power at the main panel and unscrew the old fixture. This method sometimes overestimates the minimum box size, but it simplifies the calculation. Wires entering box neutral and hot 2 Ground wires combined total will count as 1 1 Clamps 1 Detector and lights count as 2 2 Total 6 gauge wire requires 2 cu. To install this light, it was necessary to replace the old box with a larger one.
Here are 8 more motion detector installation tips The cover of an outdoor electrical box must be waterproof. Seat the rubber gasket carefully, and if you lay it against a rough surface Photo 5 , caulk it as well. See Fig. C for details on how to install a surface-mounted weatherproof box instead of the flush-mounted one we used. Moisture can seep into the detector and light sockets and ruin them, so locate the fixture undercover or buy one that has bulb seals Photo 6 and angle the lights downward.
Heat from a light bulb can confuse the detector. Keep the bulb and detector- as far apart as possible Photo 6. Adjust your sensor to avoid nuisance trips from normal passing traffic, animals, pools of water, air conditioners, heating vents, and trees and shrubs Photo 7. Cover a portion of the lens with plastic tape to narrow the field of view if necessary.
Apply for an electrical permit from the local department of inspections, and check for special local rules. Have your worked checked by an inspector when you're finished.
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