Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights in 2022

Features to Look for in Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

If you’ve picked out a few products that have caught your eye but are still unsure which are the best outdoor motion sensor lights for your needs, we're here to help. Check out our top features to look for in outdoor motion sensor lights to ensure you choose the perfect set for your home and peace of mind.

Power Source - There are three types of power sources that you will encounter when searching for the perfect set of outdoor motion sensor lights. These are hardwired, battery, and solar power. As we will discuss solar power in more detail below, we’ll focus on hardwired versus battery here.

A hardwired power source is more reliable, as it will work at all times by being connected to the mains. However, this also means it can consume more electricity, as it requires constant power to operate, which also means installation could be a little complicated.

Conversely, a battery-powered option does not demand such installation. It will work as long as the battery is charged. This reduces energy consumption, but it also means you will need replacement batteries on hand to ensure they do not run out while on the job. Rechargeable batteries are best, as you can alternate between two or three while charging any that have run out of juice.

Solar Power - Solar outdoor motion sensor lights are arguably the best type of lights to choose as they do not require you to keep them connected to the main circuit, nor do they require batteries to replace and charge.

Instead, they are powered by the sun, which is more energy-efficient and better for the environment. However, you should make sure you place them in an area that receives plenty of sun exposure throughout the day to charge them.

Solar lights are ideal if you only want them to activate upon detecting motion. If you prefer your lights to be on all the time, you are better off getting hardwired or battery-powered options.

Sensor Range - An adjustable sensor is a useful feature to consider to ensure your light covers a broad enough area. A bigger sensor range allows the lights to activate from motion further away, and some sensors can cover an area up to just over 70 feet.

This is useful for warding off potential thieves if you have a large driveway, but they are also ideal for illuminating darker areas from as far away as possible. This is perfect for dark alleys down the side of the house, as well as your back patio, where you can use the Always-On function to keep the area lit all night. You can use this function when entertaining guests without needing to wave your hand to activate the sensor every few minutes.

You can also choose a small sensor range, and most use this to prevent the lights switching on when animals or cars pass on the road at the end of the driveway. This will prevent the lights from switching on too often, saving the battery and preventing any neighbors' complaints.

Lighting Type - Determining which lighting type is right for you comes down to your preference of features. The most popular, and arguably most effective lighting type is called Passive Infrared, or PIR. This lighting type detects body heat and triggers the light when it recognizes the heat source approaching or covering too much of the sensor.

You should also think of the type of bulbs used in your motion sensor. Most will work with rows upon rows of LEDs, which are more energy-efficient and also longer lasting. However, other models will use standard bulbs, as you would find inside the house or on regular porch lights. Again, this comes down to what you prefer. While LEDs will last longer, it is easy to argue that they do not look as ‘nice’ as bulbs do.

Outdoor Motion Sensor Light FAQ

Q: How do outdoor motion sensor lights work?

A: Wireless outdoor motion sensor lights work like any other type of motion sensor product, and it’s almost certain you have encountered lights like this before. However, just because you have encountered them before and have an idea of how they work doesn’t mean you actually know how they work. Unfortunately, they sense motion and switch on, is not a sufficient answer, so what’s really going on with motion sensor lights?

To put it simply, motion sensor lights use little ‘eyes’ that identify infrared waves. When something that radiates heat, such as a person, cat, dog, rabbit, or any other type of animal, and cars, moves within range of these lights, the sensors recognize the movement. This triggers an activation that switches the lights on.

However, the sensors have a finite range, so don’t expect to trigger the lights from across the street. Instead, there are sensor ranges. The maximum range for a motion sensor is typically around 72 feet, although this varies by brand.

Motion sensor lights come with both positives and negatives. They are useful for lighting the path after dark, and they are also useful for stopping potential thieves in their tracks. Despite this, they can also be a nuisance, such as when neighborhood cats or dogs trigger the sensors, which can be irritating, especially if the light is bright enough to illuminate the entire street at unsociable hours.

Q: How do I keep my outdoor motion sensor lights on all the time?

A: While many people prefer to rely on the motion-activated operation of motion sensor lights, others may prefer to keep the lights on at all times. This usually happens in dark or at least shaded areas more often than not, including alleyways between houses or tall trees block the lights.

If you want to keep your lights on at all times, you need to flip the switch off and then turn it back on straight away. By double flipping, you can override the standard motion-sensor function, keeping the lights on at all times.

Some lights may make this process even easier thanks to the multiple operating modes and a manual override function. It’s possible that you can select the Always On setting directly from the unit.

It is best to do this as it gets dark to make sure the light is definitely on and does not switch off after you vacate the area.

When you want to switch the lights back to their standard motion sensor operation, repeat the process by double flipping or change the mode on the casing.

Keeping your lights on at all times will consume more electricity. On the other hand, it can ensure confidence when people are traveling down dark passageways, protecting them from something malicious, or injuring themselves by tripping over a rake, wheelbarrow, or any other garden tools which may have been left out.

Q: How to install a motion sensor light?

A: If you have an outdoor light already installed, you should find it easy enough to install a motion sensor light in its place. Switch the power off at the mains to prevent any accidents and remove the existing light from the wall.

When you have done this, you can begin installing your motion sensor light. Connect the cables to the main circuit and insulate them with electrical tape to protect the wires from possible damp. Once connected, you can fix the light on a wall. Hopefully, you can use the same drill holes as before. If not, you will need to re-drill and possibly fill in the holes you are no longer using.

When you have fixed the casing to the wall, install the light switch (if there is one), and turn the power back on. If you have done it correctly, your light should activate when it detects motion.

If you don’t trust yourself to do this, you can always hire a professional to ensure the job is done safely and properly.

However, you may use solar-powered lights, and as these do not require electricity to run, you don’t need to go through any tricky electrical DIY. Instead, you need to fix the light to the wall, making sure it can get enough sunlight to power it, and voila. You should check no wires are running through the part of the wall where you plan to install the motion sensor lights for extra safety.

Q: How to adjust a motion sensor light switch?

A: Many motion sensor lights will come with a specific sensor range. With some models, you cannot adjust this. However, you will probably prefer one that gives you the ability to adjust the sensor settings if you want to. This will provide better customization and greater flexibility to ensure you can make it work for you without the sensor being too sensitive or not sensitive enough.

Ideally, you’ll want to measure out the range on your driveway, side alley, or patio, but this isn’t always necessary, and it also depends on where you install the light. Once you have decided where the light will go, make sure it works, and then climb your ladder to locate the settings console.

Here, you should find several switches, including the On/Off switch, and a switch for Range (either this or Sensitivity). Depending on the brand, you can adjust the range in increments, so look for one that suits you.

It is better to start on the lowest sensitivity first to test it and then move up until you are satisfied.

Sources:

1. How To Choose And Install Motion Detector Lighting - Family Handyman
2. How To Make Outdoor Motion Lights Stay On - Hunker