Motion sensor lights are automated lights that turn on and off by themselves when they sense motion. They offer a convenient way to save energy and money, but sometimes they may need a bit of maintenance in order to operate properly.
This guide explains how to keep a motion sensor light on so you can keep your family safe and enjoy your illuminated backyard.
What Is a Motion Sensor Light and Why Does It Need to Stay On?
A motion sensor light is a kind of light that turns on when it senses movement within a certain range. These kinds of lights have a motion infrared sensor, which is a device that can tell when someone or something is moving in its line of sight.
So, the light turns on as soon as it senses motion and stays on for a certain amount of time, usually a few minutes, before turning off again when the motion stops.
There are several reasons why someone might want their motion sensor lights to stay on:
Security
Motion sensor lights can act as a deterrent for potential intruders. Having the lights stay on can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, especially when you’re away from home.
Convenience
Motion sensor lights that stay on eliminate the need to manually turn on the lights, which can be especially convenient when entering or exiting the house at night.
Safety
Motion sensor lights that stay on provide better visibility, which can improve safety when navigating through a dark backyard or garage.
Enjoyment of Outdoor Spaces
For example, when hosting a gathering or event in your backyard, leaving the lights on can improve visibility and set the perfect atmosphere for your guests rather than turning them off frequently, which can lead to frustration for you and your guests.
There are many other reasons why you might want your motion detector light on besides the ones listed above.
How to Keep a Motion Sensor Light On
There are a few different ways that you can make sure that your motion sensor light stays on.
Make Use of the On Switch
One way to make sure your motion sensor light stays on is by making use of an “On” switch. Many motion sensor lights come equipped with an “On” switch that allows you to manually override the motion sensor and keep the light on continuously.
To make use of this switch, locate the “On” switch on the light or on the control panel. Depending on the model, it may be located on the back or side of the light fixture, or on a separate control panel.
Once you have found the switch, simply turn it to the “On” position. The light should now stay on continuously.
It’s important to note that using the “On” switch will override the motion sensor, so the light will stay on regardless of whether or not movement has been detected. This could lead to an increase in energy consumption.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to use the “On” switch only when needed and to turn it off when not in use.
Deactivate the Sensor
Another simple way to ensure your motion sensor light stays on is by deactivating the sensor.
You can easily do this by just removing the battery located at the back of the unit. To remove the battery, you will need to unscrew the unit to locate the power source so that you have access to where the battery is.
By removing the battery, your motion light will remain on. It is now up to you to always remember to turn off the light manually to ensure that you aren’t wasting energy.
Adjust the Sensor Settings
Adjusting the sensor settings on your motion sensor light is another way to ensure that the light stays on continuously. Many motion sensor lights come with a control panel that allows you to adjust the settings such as the sensitivity, duration, and range of the sensor.
By making adjustments to these settings, you can customize the behavior of the light to suit your needs. For example, you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to detect motion within a smaller range or increase the duration that the light stays on after detecting motion.
You can also adjust the range of the sensor to cover a larger area, so the light will stay on for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that adjusting the sensor settings will allow the motion sensor to detect motion and turn the light on, but it will stay on for a longer period of time, depending on the settings you have chosen.
This method allows you to have more energy-efficient lighting, but still have the light on when you need it.
Replace the Motion Sensor
If all else fails, you may need to replace the motion sensor. This is an easy task that can be done in a matter of minutes with just a few tools.
To do this, first locate the power source and disconnect it from the wall. Once disconnected, find the screws that hold the sensor in place and unscrew them. Then, simply remove the old sensor and replace it with a new one.
Make sure to connect all the wires correctly and tightly, then reattach the power source to the wall before turning on the light switch.
Place an Object in Front of the Sensor
Placing an object in front of the sensor is another way to keep your motion sensor light on continuously. This method involves physically blocking the sensor with an object, such as a piece of tape or a small box, so that it cannot detect motion.
To do this, locate the sensor on your motion sensor light. It is usually a small cylindrical device attached to the back or side of the fixture.
Once you have found it, you can place an object in front of it, making sure that it covers the sensor completely. This will prevent the sensor from detecting motion, and the light will stay on continuously.
It’s important to note that this method is a quick and easy solution, but it could lead to an increase in energy consumption if the light is left on when no one is around.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to use this method only when needed and to remove the object when you no longer need the light to stay on continuously.
Make Use of the Timer
Making use of the timer on your motion sensor light is another way to ensure that the light stays on continuously. Many motion sensor lights come with a built-in timer that allows you to set the duration that the light stays on after detecting motion.
To make use of the timer, locate the timer settings on the control panel of your motion sensor light. Depending on the model, it may be located on the back or side of the light fixture or on a separate control panel. Once you have found the settings, you can set the duration that you want the light to stay on for after detecting motion.
For example, if you want the light to stay on for an hour after detecting motion, you can set the timer to 60 minutes. This way, the light will stay on for that duration after detecting motion, regardless if there is still motion or not.
Bypass the Sensor with a Hardwired Switch
This method involves connecting the light to a hardwired switch, allowing you to turn the light on and off manually, bypassing the motion sensor. For you to do this, you will need to install a hardwired switch in the circuit of the light.
This can be technically difficult, so you may want an electrician or other qualified person to do the job. Once the hardwired switch is installed, you can use it to turn the light on and off, regardless of whether motion is detected or not.
It’s important to note that this method requires electrical work and is recommended to be done by a professional electrician. Also, this method will allow you to have manual control over the light, but it will also increase energy consumption if the light is left on when no one is around.
Maintaining Your Motion Light Detector
It is always good to keep your motion light detector working properly. To do this, you need to do periodic maintenance on your motion sensor light. Here’s how:
Cleaning the Sensors
Cleaning the sensors is an important step in maintaining your motion sensor light. Over time, dust, debris, and cobwebs can accumulate on the sensors, reducing their sensitivity and causing the light to turn on and off erratically or not at all.
To clean the sensors, locate the sensor on your motion sensor light. It is usually a small cylindrical device attached to the back or side of the fixture. Once you have found it, use a dry cloth or a small brush to gently wipe away any dust or debris that has accumulated on the sensor.
It’s important to be gentle when cleaning the sensors, as they can be delicate and may be damaged if handled roughly. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow away any dust or debris that is hard to reach.
It’s also important to note that cleaning should be done regularly, depending on the location of the sensor and the amount of dust or debris that accumulates on it
Replacing the Batteries
Replacing the batteries is an important step in maintaining your motion sensor light. Over time, the batteries in the motion sensor may lose their charge, causing the light to turn on and off erratically or not at all.
To replace the batteries, locate the battery compartment on your motion sensor light. It is usually located on the back or side of the fixture. Once you have found it, remove the old batteries and replace them with fresh ones, making sure to match the correct polarity.
It’s important to note that the battery type and the number of batteries required will vary depending on the model of your motion sensor light. It’s also important to check the batteries regularly to ensure that they are still working and replace them when necessary.
Testing the Lights Regularly
Testing the lights regularly is an important step in maintaining your motion sensor lights. This involves manually turning on and off the light switch to make sure that the light works correctly. It’s recommended to do this at least once a month.
Conclusion
Motion sensor lights can offer a great deal of security, convenience, and safety for your family. In order to make sure that your motion sensor light stays on when needed, it is important to do a bit of maintenance.
Now that you know how to keep a motion sensor light on, you don’t have to worry about energy consumption or safety. With the right maintenance, your motion sensor lights can provide a sense of security and peace of mind for years to come.