What are outdoor motion lights?

So what are outdoor motion sensor lights and why should you get them? outdoor motion sensor lights are a great way to provide lighting and security for your home. Not having lights on all the time will save you so much on your energy bill. Forgetting to turn off lights can cost you, but not having lights on, especially outside, isn’t safe.

A motion sensor light is a light that automatically turns on when it senses movement close to it. This allows lights to stay off until someone enters the room, and no more forgetting to turn the lights off when no one is there. But motion sensor lights are not just for indoor use, they are great for outdoor security lighting. Motion detection lights make great porch lights, as you can save energy on the light being off until someone walks up to the door.

Smart lighting systems are more and more popular in homes today. Many use LED light bulbs connected to a smart home system that can be controlled vocally or from a smartphone. Another option for easier lighting is to connect a light bulb to a motion detector. Motion detectors can be just as simple to use as a smart lighting system.

Why do you want to use motion sensor lights outdoors?

Many people also like to have a flood light with motion detection in their yard for security. A flood light can get both expensive and annoying. They are bright to have on all night and use up energy. Having a motion sensor flood light will allow your yard to be safer and lit when someone approaches, but won’t have big lights on all night.

There are many outdoor security lights with motion detection, and many will include a security camera or can be connected to one that is activated when the lights turn on. A ring smart light or a similar home security system equipped with a security light will often include an outdoor motion sensor light. These are a great option for home security as they will allow you to record any people on your property.

What are the different types of outdoor motion detection lights?

Exterior home lighting plays a big role in both the look of your home and the security of your home. Motion sensor lights can help you out with both. So how do motion sensors work? There are 3 main types of motion sensors: passive infrared (PIR), microwave, and dual tech/hybrid. Passive infrared sensors work by sensing changes in temperature in front of it. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Microwave motion sensors emit constant microwaves that work the same way as a radar gun. It measures the reflections of the waves and can determine if something is moving in front of it. A microwave sensor is more powerful than a PIR sensor, but is more complex and more expensive. A dual/tech, or hybrid, sensor utilizes both PIR and microwave sensors to lower any false alarms that can happen with one or the other.

PIR sensors are easy to use for your home since they are fairly cheap and easy to set up. It is easy to place the PIR sensor right next to the doorway where it can pick up anyone moving past it and into the room. The PIR sensor can easily be wired into a lightbulb and should connect easily. They also work well outside. Since they are temperature-based, objects falling or blowing in the wind won’t set off any alarms, but people and animals will set the light off.

Microwave motion sensors are more expensive but are also more powerful, which is good for home security lights. They are better for big yards and properties, especially when you need the radar to go through walls. Unlike PIR sensors, microwave motion detection can be running constantly, not on a cycle. Many PIR sensors leave the light on for a certain amount of time, then they turn off. When the light goes off after a set time, the sensor goes active again. Microwave sensors don’t have to cycle.

How do you choose the right motion sensor lights for outdoor lighting?

Both PIR motion sensor lights and microwave motion detection lights have pros and cons when used for outdoor security lights. Both are great options and your decision may come down to what your installer recommends and what you can afford.

So where are the best places to install motion-sensing lights? There are a few places you should look at lighting up with a motion-sensing light. For good home security, all your home entrances should be lit. Your front door, back door, side door, garage door, etc. should be well-lit, and motion sensor lights can help you save energy as well as be alerted to any people trying to come in. Any walkways and paths around your house are also good places to install a motion detection light. The backyard should also be well-lit for good home security. The edge of your fence is a great place for motion detector lights to be set up. If you have a pool, it's a good idea to place some motion-sensing lights up around it to light it up at night and alert you to any accidents, especially if you have young kids.

How do you install outdoor motion lights? Can you DIY?

PIR motion detection panels are fairly easy to install and connect to a lightbulb, but if you have no electrical experience or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire an electrician who would be happy to install motion sensors for you. Microwave motion sensors are a bit more complicated, but can also be installed yourself if you have an electrical background.

As always, turn off your power before doing any electrical work on your home. Then you can remove your lights and wire them to the motion sensors and your power source, put the lights back, and place the motion sensor where you want it. Turn the power back on and test it out.

If you don’t know much about electrical wiring and installation, it may be best to hire someone to help you install correctly. Hiring professionals may be more expensive, but unless you are qualified to do it yourself, it will be safer and look better for your home. Ask for your free quote today and see what installation would look like on your home.