Motion detectors trigger motion sensor flood lights, allowing them to switch on and off. Infrared heat waves which radiate through an object are used to detect movement in these motion detectors. If no kind of movement is detected to their sensors, these lights will likewise turn off automatically. Here you can get steps to install an outdoor motion sensor flood light in the easiest way.
How To Install an Outdoor Motion Sensor Flood Light?
Knowing how to install an outdoor motion sensor floodlight should be known to provide extra protection around the house. It would be ideal if the lights covered all conceivable entrances and hiding spots that robbers or criminals may use.
Doors, windows, fences, dark places surrounding the yard, and even trees and plants fall into this category. Proper illumination in these locations might dissuade undesirable intruders, causing them to flee in the dark due to the surprise of light.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Step 1- Shut Off the Power
a. It’s critical to switch off the power to the electrical wire you’ll be working with during the installation.
b. This will save you from being electrocuted throughout the procedure.
c. To ensure that no current flows through the wires, you can use a voltage tester to check the line.
d. Before proceeding, make sure the correct switch in the vital electrical panel is switched off if the voltage tester glows while the line is still operational.
Step 2- Wire Your Motion Sensor Lights
a. Ensure you follow the motion sensor floodlights’ instructions during the wiring step. Wires must be routed via a rubber gasket according to industry standards.
b. Connecting hot and ground wires and neutral cables as well for appropriate connections will be a lot easier now.
c. Restore power, release the locknuts, and twist the light until it is pointed in the desired direction. To hold the lights in place, tighten the locknuts.
Step 3- Add the Motion Sensor
a. Reconnect the fixture to the power source. You’re ready to test the institution now that it’s been installed.
b. The first thing you should do is return to your breaker panel and re-energize the fixture.
c. Approach the sensor by walking in front of it. After the lamp’s power has been restored, walk in front of the sensor to confirm the light turns on.
d. When you’re sure the light is on, use the silicone caulking to seal the fixture around the wall. Then you may focus on fine-tuning the parameters.
Step 4- Restore Power
This is to prevent moisture from entering the casing and shorting out the wires. To further reinforce the fixture, put a thin layer of silicone around the edges. Place the motion sensors in the direction of the area you wish to be covered. The floodlights should also be aimed towards the area you want to illuminate. To avoid false heat detections, angle the lightbulbs away from the motion detectors.
Step 5- Activate Your Motion Sensor
Adjust the motion sensor settings to your liking. Later on, you may tweak the sensitivity, cut-off time, and sensor position until you’re happy with the results. To activate the motion sensor, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and choose how long you want the light to stay on after it’s turned on.
By walking around the sensor, you may check its sensitivity and modify it if required. Keep the light switch on once your motion sensor light is fitted and enabled, and the lights will turn on automatically when the sensor detects movement.
Tools:
- A set of wires
- Pair of batteries
- Voltage tester
- Rubber gasket
- Motion sensor
- Light bulbs
Materials: NA
FAQ
1. Is It Easy to Install Motion Sensor Lights?
Motion sensor lights are simple to install, but each brand has its own set of instructions, so read them carefully. The essential information is printed on the outside of the package. Before buying the device, read the package to ensure you know what you’re receiving.
Inside the package, you’ll find further thorough instructions. To test the motion sensor’s sensitivity, all you have to do now is wait until it becomes dark. You may change the sensitivity, duration, and other parameters of the motion sensor to suit your needs.
2. Can You Wire an Outside Light to A Plug?
To make the connections secure, most outdoor lights include underground wiring. They are also hidden from view as a result of this. Even when they’re above ground, like the wiring for pendant lights, they’re relatively easy to conceal. There are two possibilities for wiring. One option is to hardwire the lights directly to the switch.
The second option is to use a transformer to connect it to an external outlet. The button would activate the transformer by turning on the outlet. Unless you plan on passing the cable through a window or other point of entry, if the socket you’re attempting to reach is inside, you’ll have to access the outdoor light fixture from the rear by drilling a hole from the inside of your house to the outside.
It will need some improvisation because converting an outdoor light fixture to a plug-in fixture is not a regular occurrence. The most important thing to remember while dealing with electricity is to be safe. Before touching electrical cables, always make sure the power is switched off.
3. What Type of Wire Is Used for Outdoor Lighting?
When an outdoor wire is put above ground, most municipal rules require it to be shielded by conduit. Most codes allow Type UF cable if the wiring is underground. On the other hand, some insist on Type TW wire and line. Is it also possible to utilize Romex wire outside? Why Can’t Romex Be Used Outside?
Instead, what should you do? MC cable may be used both indoors and outdoors since the ground wire is likewise an insulated THHN THWN wire. Indoors, MC cable is commonly utilized since it can be installed without conduit, making it considerably more manageable.
Final Talk
After you’ve completed the installation, double-check that your new floodlight is operational. Reconnect the circuit box’s electricity and turn on the new lights. When they detect motion within the sensor’s range, they’ll come on automatically if they’re correctly fitted and functional.
If the light does not turn on, switch off the power at the circuit breaker box and double-check the installation for problems like crossed or loose wires. Choosing the best Floodlight for your home’s exterior is an excellent safety and security feature.
Installing a motion sensor floodlight is a very straightforward process, but follow all essential safety precautions to avoid electrical currents.
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