Motion sensor lights have become a staple in modern homes as they are essential for activating and deactivating light automatically. Some models can notify you when someone steps in at your property, whether invited or not.
With their importance, knowing how to adjust motion sensor lights is necessary. If the motion sensor lights aren’t properly adjusted, they may become more of a headache in making them work the way you desire. Nevertheless, altering its sensitivity and other settings is relatively simple if done correctly.
How To Adjust Motion Sensor Lights Sensitivity
Generally, motion sensor lights allow sensitivity adjustment. If it’s set too high, even the slightest movement will cause the light to turn on.
Maybe this couldn’t be too much of an issue indoors, but it will be a nightmare when the motion sensor is installed outdoors. Insects and falling debris are more prominent outside, easily triggering the light.
As such, decreasing the sensitivity to monitor larger and significant movements for outdoor lights is essential. You also need to avoid installing the motion sensor near a busy road or street because strangers could inadvertently turn on the light.
When it comes to how to adjust motion sensor lights, this setting is probably the most important.
Find the Adjustment Mechanism
Check the motion detector’s base to locate a switch and a dial. The switch controls the motion detector’s light and how long it stays on, so unless there are necessary adjustments needed, keep it unchanged.
Meanwhile, the dial is designed for making changes to its sensitivity. It’s common for this device to have a second dial that enables you to test how the sensor works.
To modify the sensitivity of some motion sensor lights, using a screwdriver is required.
Play With the Settings
Experiment with different settings until you’re pleased with how the light turns on. Altering the sensitivity affects the sensor’s ability to detect heat and motion in a specific area.
To modify the motion detector’s field of view, manually point it in the direction of where you want the lights to turn on. Test the farthest point of the area and check to see if the light or lights are turned on.
Before settling on a specific setting, try a few other combinations. The main goal is to attain the perfect balance between coverage and sensitivity.
How To Adjust the Motion Sensor Lights To Stay On
Though motion sensor lights are appropriate in most settings, there are specific instances where we prefer them to stay on like the traditional ones. For example, leaving the lights on the outside might discourage someone from committing trespassing, burglary, and other crimes.
One simple hack is to accomplish it is by rapidly pressing the motion sensor’s buttons ON-OFF-ON to bypass the motion detection. To enable the motion detection mode, turn off the sensor switch.
Then, do nothing for about 10 seconds before turning it back on. The sensor should be back to its regular motion detection mode.
Keep in mind that this method isn’t applicable to all motion sensors lights. Some models already have a manual mode, allowing the sensor to perform like a standard mechanical switch.
There’s also the option of installing an additional manual switch to override the motion sensor.
Recommended Position of Motion Sensor Lights
The location of the motion detector lights requires some thought. Regardless of where you install the lights, it’s vital to ensure that they switch on at the right moment.
Keep in mind that the higher position makes the field of vision wider. As such, you should install motion detection light sensors where they are above the head height.
Many suggest that the sensor gets installed at a height that exceeds six feet but not more than ten feet overhead. This provides a wider view of activities inside its field of view without compromising its ability to detect motion.
The ideal placement for a motion sensor light is elevated enough to detect movement over the head height. However, avoid overdoing it because it might be unable to recognize the motion of those who are not very tall.
If still unsure, it’s advisable to check the manufacturer’s instructions because it could provide more insight into installing it the proper way. You may find the suggested position on the package or via the company’s official website that made the product.
Consider placing each sensor where there are little to no obstructions. This will reduce the instances of false triggering.
Resetting Motion Sensor Lights
If the adjustment you made did not produce your preferred result, resetting the motion sensor lights could solve your issues.
To begin, move the sensor head accordingly until the field of vision is relatively focused on the area you prefer to cover. Check the screws or ring nuts on the part that supports the head if they are tight enough to ensure it is locked in place.
After that, change the “on-time” setting to “test.”
By walking around the device’s range of vision, it helps you in identifying the detection zone. Once it recognizes you, the light will turn on for a few seconds.
Before operating, the detector unit may require one or two minutes of warm-up time. If the field of detection appears to be too wide, gently lower the head.
On the other hand, lift the head by at least one inch from the light bulbs if the zone is too narrow. When you feel that the range is somewhat near your preference, use the range dial to make more intricate adjustments.
You should start the dial at its longest range and work your way down until you reach the most precise setting. If the field of detection is wider than you expect, you may use electrical tape to make the lens narrower.
You have to be patient when you’re at this step, as mistakes are easy to commit.
Adjusting the Motion Sensor Lights
Learning the different ways of how to adjust motion sensor lights can be helpful when they don’t perform the way we want them. Sensitivity, position, and motion sensor function are all adjustable, even without a professional’s help.
