Outdoor Sensor Light Problem
#1
07-03-10, 08:21 PM
Outdoor Sensor Light Problem
I purchased some sensor light and PAR38 bulbs from Lowes recently.
Sensor Light:
Health Zenith Secure Home (SH-5105-RS-B)
Picture / Details
Bulbs:
Feit Electric Performance LED Par38
Details
Bulbs use 16w to replace 75w. Sensor light uses max 120watts per bulb, so that's not a problem.
Problem:
When turned on (test or not test mode), they just blink.
Diagnosing:
Took out one PAR38 (left the other) and replaced it with a regular typical 52w bulb. Both went on, worked fine. Switched the sides of the PAR38 and reg 52w bulb, still works fine. Switched out the actual Par38 bulbs to make sure each work, they both work. However, once BOTH PAR38 bulbs are in together, they go back to blinking/flashing.
Any ideas what may cause this? Its obviously not each bulb, nor the sensor light system itself. I'm baffled about this.
The switch is a typical light switch, not a dimmer or anything.
PS: I'm not an electrician so I have no advanced experience with this nor know the proper terminology so forgive me
Thanks for the help in advance.
Sensor Light:
Health Zenith Secure Home (SH-5105-RS-B)
Picture / Details
Bulbs:
Feit Electric Performance LED Par38
Details
Bulbs use 16w to replace 75w. Sensor light uses max 120watts per bulb, so that's not a problem.
Problem:
When turned on (test or not test mode), they just blink.
Diagnosing:
Took out one PAR38 (left the other) and replaced it with a regular typical 52w bulb. Both went on, worked fine. Switched the sides of the PAR38 and reg 52w bulb, still works fine. Switched out the actual Par38 bulbs to make sure each work, they both work. However, once BOTH PAR38 bulbs are in together, they go back to blinking/flashing.
Any ideas what may cause this? Its obviously not each bulb, nor the sensor light system itself. I'm baffled about this.
The switch is a typical light switch, not a dimmer or anything.
PS: I'm not an electrician so I have no advanced experience with this nor know the proper terminology so forgive me
Thanks for the help in advance.
Last edited by Chadi; 07-03-10 at 08:49 PM.
#2
07-03-10, 08:32 PM
The sensor does not use a neutral so draws a small amount of current through the bulb. Not enough to make an incandescent blink but enouch to make an LED blink. Bottom line you need a different sensor or use at least one incandescent bulb.
#4
07-03-10, 10:56 PM
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I think I know why it causeing the blinking due two thing this motion sensor do have dual level setting, it will be on either high for few minutes until dark then switch over to low light level mode and most LED and most CFL are not rated for dimming mode at all.
Normally it should have netual conductor in there but I know some motion sensors do not use the netural which I tend to advoid it.
Nomrally I use RAB they cost somehow more but I never have a issue with them in both resdentail and commercal useage.
You should read the installment instruction if they mention not to use the LED or CFL that can raise the issue espcally if they print " Indentscent bulb only " on the installment manaul.
If that model required indentscent bulb only I make sure the customer do understand why otherwise I get better motion sensor that can work with CFL/LED lamps.
Merci.
Marc
Normally it should have netual conductor in there but I know some motion sensors do not use the netural which I tend to advoid it.
Nomrally I use RAB they cost somehow more but I never have a issue with them in both resdentail and commercal useage.
You should read the installment instruction if they mention not to use the LED or CFL that can raise the issue espcally if they print " Indentscent bulb only " on the installment manaul.
If that model required indentscent bulb only I make sure the customer do understand why otherwise I get better motion sensor that can work with CFL/LED lamps.
Merci.
Marc
