Troubleshooting a Motion Sensing Lamp

Some motion sensing lamps are mounted up high.

Motion sensing lamps are used in many different residential and commercial settings as a security device to deter trespassers. The lamps are typically placed at ground level or attached near roof level as floodlights. Sensors are built into the lamps that detect motion and turn on bright lights to scare away any intruders. It’s important to keep motion sensing lamps in working order so that they work as intended when they’re actually needed.

Instructions

1. Check to ensure the power to the motion detector is connected if the light doesn’t come on when you walk by the detector. Turn on the wall switch if it is connected to the power supply. Check the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies the motion sensor to ensure they don’t need to be replaced or reset.

2. Adjust the sensor head manually if the unit isn’t detecting motion in the area you would like. Move it left, right, up or down and then walk in front of it to ensure it is right.

3. Adjust the amount of time the light stays on after motion is detected if you feel it is going off too soon or staying on too long. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand of lamp.

4. Reduce the sensitivity of the motion lamp sensor if it is coming on when cats, dogs, rabbits or other small animals walk by the light.

5. Mount the motion sensing lamp away from heat vents or air conditioners to avoid triggering false responses.

References

• Manuals Online: Heath Zenith -- Motion Sensor Light Control
• X-10 Pro: Floodlight Motion Detector -- Installer's Guide