motion sensor in the cold
#1
11-27-04, 05:04 PM
motion sensor in the cold
My outdoor floodlight with a motion sensor does not turn off when the temperature drops around freezing. is there a way to fix this? It works fine other times of the year. This will be the lights 3rd winter.
#2
11-28-04, 12:27 PM
Your question is somewhat related to a recent post, so I'm pasting my reply here:
I would recommend the same, or similar, trouble shooting for you. It's just a simple matter of you get what you pay for. Those motion lights are usually very inexpensive and use very cheap motion detectors on them. It is possible to replace just the motion, but probably not worth it. The other option is to use an X-10 (automated) type setup - when "X" motion is activated, turn on "Y" light. Something like that.
Good luck!
The motions used on outdoor lighting are not exactly high dollar motions - more than likely it's just susceptible to light interference, heat sources (maybe a car engine cooling? dryer vent? etc.), or God only knows what.
There are several things you can try:
1) Mask off "unused" areas of the motion detector
2) Set the sensitivity higher (if available)
3) Try a different light fixture if all else fails (it may or may not be any better)
There are several things you can try:
1) Mask off "unused" areas of the motion detector
2) Set the sensitivity higher (if available)
3) Try a different light fixture if all else fails (it may or may not be any better)
Good luck!
#3
11-28-04, 03:24 PM
Group Moderator
I have found that "you get what you pay for" really applies to motion lights. I have tried several cheap motion lights and they are almost useless. They go off when the wind blows, they never turn off if the power blinks, they don't turn on when you need them... Higher quality lights/sensors work much better and are worth the money.
