A motion detector can be a helpful tool for outdoor lighting by activating lights only when needed. An outdoor lighting motion detector in Texas that stays on when it isn’t supposed to can be a real annoyance. It can raise energy bills, contribute to light pollution, and take away the potential element of surprise that may catch intruders off guard.
Here, we’ll explore some ways to troubleshoot and repair an outdoor lighting motion detector that is stuck on or experiencing other problems. If you continue to have issues with your motion detector, contact the professionals at Enhanced Outdoor Lighting & Design.
Why Does Your Motion Detector Light Stay On and How to Troubleshoot It
A motion detector-activated light may stay on for a number of reasons. The following are a few examples, along with suggestions on how to troubleshoot them.
- Light Is Set for a Long Duration: A motion-activated light generally will stay on for 20 to 30 seconds after being activated. Many lights feature durations from several seconds to an hour or more.
- What You Can Do: Verify that your motion-activated light is set for the desired time.
- High Sensitivity Settings: When a motion detector’s sensitivity setting is set too high, it may be easily activated in ways you don’t want it to be. If that is the case, it may seem like it is constantly on.
- What You Can Do: By lowering the sensitivity of your motion detector, you may be able to reduce the amount of time it is unintentionally on. Be sure to test the sensor to ensure it works as desired.
- Auto-On is Activated: Many motion sensors have an auto-on setting that keeps them on continuously.
- What You Can Do: You should be able to turn off your motion sensor’s auto-on by unplugging it from its power source for ten seconds. Plug it back in and let it turn back on. This should reset the light and turn off the auto-on feature.
- Disruptions in the Electrical Supply: Issues can occur with motion sensor lights if the electrical supply experiences an interruption, such as a power outage, a power surge, or the unintentional flipping of light breakers or switches. This may result in lights staying on or off all the time.
- What You Can Do: You can try resetting the motion sensor by shutting off its power supply for 30 seconds. While the power is off, be sure that no motion occurs in front of the sensor. Once 30 seconds have passed, turn the motion sensor back on and test if it is working correctly. You can also check light switches to ensure that none were accidentally flipped and that no breakers were tripped.
Common Causes of Motion Sensor Light Issues in San Antonio and Austin Homes and How to Troubleshoot Them
Aside from causing lights to stay on longer than needed, motion sensors can have numerous other issues. The following are a few potential causes and how to resolve them..
- Incorrect Aim: To function correctly, motion sensors generally have to be aimed in a specific direction. If a motion sensor is aimed in the wrong direction, it may cause the light to be triggered at the wrong time or not activate at the correct time.
- What You Can Do: To adjust the aim of your motion detector, try positioning it in different places in the dark and test the positions by walking in the areas where you want light to activate, ensuring you have the positioning correct.
- Dirty or Obstructed Sensor: If a sensor is dirty or obstructed, it may not activate the light correctly.
- What You Can Do: Carefully and regularly cleaning the sensor using a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution can help prevent it from becoming too dirty. Be sure to check for any obstructions that could be blocking the sensor.
Trusted Motion Detector Light Repair in San Antonio, Austin, and Surrounding Areas
If, after trying to troubleshoot your motion detector, you are still having problems, let the professionals at Enhanced Outdoor Lighting & Design help you. Read our customer testimonials to see why San Antonio trusts us. We can solve your motion detector issues.
Contact us for a free quote.
FAQs:
Your motion detector light may stay on for various reasons. The following are a few potential reasons why this may be the case:
– The light is set to stay on for a long time
– The motion lighter is set to too high a sensitivity rating
– Auto-on is activated
– Disruptions to the electrical system
Depending on the issue, you may be able to resolve it yourself. Please note that working with electricity is dangerous, and any electrical repairs should be handled by professionals.
The following are some potential reasons why a motion detector light could malfunction.
– Incorrect aim
– Dirty or obstructed sensor
The length of time it takes to repair a motion detector can vary.
We offer motion detection repair in the following Texas areas:
Austin Area:
– Austin
– Barton Creek
– Bastrop
– Bee Cave
– Buda
– Cedar Park
– Driftwood
– Dripping Springs
– Elgin
– Georgetown
– Hutto
– Jarrell
– Jonestown
– Kingstown
– Kyle
– Lago Vista
– Lakeway
– Liberty Hill
– Leander
– Marble Falls
– Manor
– Maxwell
– Pflugerville
– Round Rock
– San Leanna
– San Marcos
– Taylor
– West Lake Hills
– Wimberley
San Antonio Area
– Alamo Heights
– Boerne
– Bulverde
– Canyon Lake
– Cibolo
– Converse
– Corpus Christi
– Fair Oaks Ranch
– Garden Ridge
– Helotes
– Hollywood Park
– Kingsville
– Leon Valley
– Live Oak
– New Braufels
– Port Aransas
– Port O Connor
– Portland
– Robstown
– Rockport
– San Antonio
– Schertz
– Selma
– Shavano Park
– Spring Branch
– Terrell Hills
– Universal City