Are you curious about how those flood light motion sensors work? In this blog post, I’ll quench your thirst for knowledge and explain how these sensors work to keep your home safe and well-lit.
How do flood light motion sensors work?
Flood light motion sensors are triggered when they detect movement in a specific area. When activated, the flood lights turn on and provide illumination to the area. These lights are commonly used for security purposes, as they can deter burglars and other criminals. Additionally, they can also be used for convenience, such as when you come home in the dark and need to see to unlock your door.
There are two main types of flood light motion sensors: active and passive. Active sensors emit a beam of IR energy and then detect when that beam is interrupted. Passive sensors, on the other hand, don’t emit any IR energy; instead, they simply detect changes in the amount of IR energy that’s present in the area.
Most models use Infrared (IR) technology to detect when something is moving in the area that the sensor is pointing. When the sensor detects movement, it will activate the flood light so that it turns on and illuminates the area.
Most flood light motion sensors will have a range that they can detect movement, as well as an angle or field of view. The larger the range and angle, the more area the sensor can cover. Some models also allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor so that it can be more or less sensitive to movement.
The benefits of using flood light motion sensors
Flood light motion sensors are a great way to improve the security of your home or business. They can also be used to deter crime and improve the safety of your property. Here are some of the benefits of using flood light motion sensors:
- They deter crime: Floodlights that come on automatically when someone approaches your property are a great deterrent for criminals. If they know that their actions will be caught on camera, they are less likely to try to break in or commit other crimes.
- They improve safety: If you have a business with a lot of foot traffic, such as a retail store, flood light motion sensors can help to prevent accidents. For example, if someone trips and falls in the dark, the lights will come on and help them to see where they are going.
- They save energy: Many people forget to turn off their floodlights when they leave their property, which can waste a lot of electricity. Motion sensor floodlights will only come on when someone is near, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn them off.
- They are easy to install: Flood light motion sensors are relatively easy to install, so you won’t need to hire a professional electrician. You can find instructions online or in most hardware stores.
The different types of flood light motion sensors
There are two different types of flood light motion sensors: active and passive. Active sensors emit a beam of infrared (IR) light, while passive sensors rely on ambient IR light that is already present in the environment. Both types of sensors are used to detect the presence of people or animals within a certain area.
Active Sensors
Active IR flood light motion sensors emit a beam of IR light that is reflected off of objects in the field of view. When the IR beam is broken, the sensor detects this change and triggers the flood lights. These types of sensors are typically more expensive than passive sensors and have a shorter range, but they are less likely to be triggered by false positives (e.g., leaves blowing in the wind).
Passive Sensors
Passive IR flood light motion sensors do not emit any IR light; instead, they rely on ambient IR light that is already present in the environment (e.g., from the sun or from other artificial sources). These types of sensors detect changes in the level of ambient IR light and use this information to determine whether there is an object within the field of view. Passive sensors are typically less expensive than active sensors and have a longer range, but they are more likely to be triggered by false positives.
How to install flood light motion sensors
Most outdoor flood lights come with a motion sensor already installed. However, if you need to install one yourself, it’s not too difficult.
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a good location for the sensor. You want it to be close enough to the area you want to light that it will pick up movement, but not so close that it will be constantly triggered by things like branches moving in the wind.
Once you have a location, you’ll need to mount the sensor. This is usually just a matter of screwing it into place, but make sure you read the instructions that come with your sensor to be sure.
Once the sensor is mounted, you’ll need to wire it into the flood light. Again, consult your product’s instructions for specifics, but in general, you’ll just need to connect the black wire from the sensor to the black wire from the flood light and the white wire from the sensor to the white wire from the flood light.
Once everything is wired up, test your system by turning on the power and walking past the sensor. If everything is working correctly, the light should come on when you trigger the sensor and go off again after a few minutes.
How do I choose a flood light motion sensor?
You should consider three main factors when choosing a motion sensor: detection range, field of view, and installation requirements. Detection range is the distance at which the sensor can detect movement. Field of view is the angle of coverage that the sensor has—the larger the field of view, the more area the sensor can monitor. Installation requirements include a power source (battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired), required tools and skills, and any additional hardware needed (such as brackets or mounts).
What are some tips for using flood light motion sensors?
It is most important to ensure that the sensor is properly installed and positioned. Place the sensor at least 8 feet (2.4 meters) off the ground, in a location where it will have a clear view of the area you want to protect. Make sure there are no obstructions—such as trees, bushes, or walls—within 30 feet (9 meters) of the sensor, as these can block its view or trigger false alarms.
Most motion sensor floodlights will have an adjustable sensitivity setting. This is measured in feet, and the standard range is between 20 and 40 feet. However, some models allow you to increase the range up to 100 feet or more.
This allows you to adjust how sensitive the sensor is so that it only turns on when there is a large enough movement to trigger it. This is useful if you live in an area with a lot of small animals, like birds or squirrels. You can set the sensitivity low enough that their movements won’t trigger the light, but it will still turn on for people walking by.
How to troubleshoot flood light motion sensors
Flood light motion sensors are a great way to deter intruders and save on your energy bill. But what do you do when they stop working? Here are a few tips on how to troubleshoot your flood light motion sensor.
- Check the bulbs: Make sure that the bulbs in your flood light are working. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
- Check the batteries: Most flood light motion sensors use batteries. Check to see if the batteries need to be replaced.
- Clean the sensor: If there is dirt or debris on the sensor, it may not be able to detect motion properly. Clean the sensor with a soft cloth.
- Adjust the sensitivity: If your flood light is going off every time a car drives by, you may need to adjust the sensitivity. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
FAQs about flood light motion sensors
Conclusion
If you have a security system, chances are it includes at least one flood light. Flood lights are a very effective way to deter burglars, and they can also be used to light up a dark area of your property.
NEXT UP: Home Security: Do Flood Lights Reduce Theft?
