Then for a permanent solution remove the tape and just paint over the area where the masking tape was placed. Folks have a tendency to try to have the camera aimed too high. Too much power can overload the tiny circuitry used with motion sensor lights. Not sensitive enough, and a prowler could come within a few feet of the fixture before it lights up.
$1000 financed. ", Step 2: But it’s not difficult to reset a light. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. Wipe away any dirt with a soft cloth. Lower the sensitivity to track the bigger, and often more important, movements. If all else fails with motion sensor lights too sensitive, you’ll need to replace your outdoor motion sensor lights. it has nothing to do with sense level to trigger a recording ( that setting is in the mode you arm with ), 2) speaker is how loud it is at the camera location from you and mic is how much it can pick up. The sensor works by detecting motion in its field of vision, which will cause the light to turn on. Resetting the unit will sometimes help to get your lights back to the default settings. To set the activation time and end the testing phase, climb your ladder again to adjust the controls on the sensor head. This never-ending glow can happen for many reasons. Try our live chat or give us a call. If this is the case, fifty percent of the time it will pop the reset. jguerdat, thank you for this advice.
Repositioning the camera to eliminate the flag should help and/or turning the sensitivity down in your modes and rules for the period of time when the sun's IR is causing the issue should help. Beneath your floodlights, begin walking in progressively wider circles to see if the motion detector is activated and prompts the bulbs to illuminate. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. Slow walking people will always be an issue, especially as the distance increases. Use a short blast far in front of the unit until it’s barely visible on the lens.
Otherwise, your flood lights may not operate at their full potential. Sensors sometimes need adjusting, and it is easy to do. recurring payment. Troubleshooting: Conversely, if the unit is not responsive to motion, set the sensitivity dial closer to "Max;" lower a unit installed too high closer to the optimum 8-foot height; or check whether its panel breaker or any ground fault circuit interrupter switches on its circuit have tripped. Lower the sensitivity to track the bigger, and often more important, movements. On any day that a slight breeze is blowing, I am forced to turn that camera off. A motion detector light is a security device that can be installed outside any home. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. I have a similar problem with cameras facing the driveway and road. Sometimes an electrical surge can be the culprit of a faulty sensor. try the light out and add another dusting if it’s still too sensitive. A confirmation email has been sent to: . Every motion detector light sensor has a particular angle range. PIR sensors are rather generic and for the most part vary only in price and sensitivity. It is picking up a flag waving in the wind (I'm guessing!) A good tip for limiting unwanted motion being picked up is to use electrical tape or some other type of tape and tape the sides of the sensor so the area to be avoided is removed from the unit’s field of vision so to speak. There is usually a test or reset button somewhere on the light. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. For some people, one of the biggest and most important draws of a security system are its the motion detector lights. If it is pointing too high, it may reach to the street and turn on every time a car whizzes past your house. is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC. My front camera detects every car that passes my home so consequently I receive alerts for "motion detection" on that camera every 5 minutes or less, depending.
If you use dimmable CFL or LED bulbs, look for a compatible motion detector switch, such as one of the models from Lutron. With any security system, there can be occasional glitches. Movements of animate objects coming straight toward the sensor are less likely to trigger the sensor than movements going across the detection zone, so install the sensor at a 90-degree angle to the zone. (I presently have mine on low but from what you just mentioned, this has nothing to do with it; 2) Audio Settings? If the light is aimed at a heat source (such as a vent) or another light, the light may be getting false readings and turning on unnecessarily even on a low setting. Periodically: Setting the Motion Frequency algorithm to "Light" will maximize the system's sensitivity to repetitive motion and the amount of time the system will "sleep" after detecting such motions. These can include: The best way to reset a motion sensor light is to turn it off and back on again for a period of 30 seconds or longer. Do you really need to see the cars on the street (or even airplanes)?
If you test in daylight, set the "Time" switch to the "Test" position. But sometimes, a sensor’s angle range is too wide and is triggered by unnecessary movement, like tree branches swaying.
Best positioning may require a whole different location and/or creative mounting (folks have used birdhouses and even holes in fence posts). Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. For the initial test, your “Range” (or “Sensitivity”) controls should be set to their lowest setting and all other features should be turned off. This can be good if there’s a public sidewalk near your home to avoid setting it off when people walk by. Use masking tape around the sensor for a temporary adjustment and locate the area which works for your sensitivity. Power 2019 award information, visit You should check your detector’s light periodically to ensure it is working correctly. This means movement like a butterfly flying away or a leaf falling to the ground can create light. Have multiple modes so you can use the schedule to automatically switch between high and reduced sensitivity modes.
Davidson has written articles for various websites. Test the sensor by walking across the detection zone -- the area you want the sensor to monitor. A lot of the time we underestimate the range of radar, which is the science behind the technology that makes a motion sensor work. They are primarily used in PIR motion detectors that are found in today’s home and business security alarm systems. jdpower.com/awards, Provide your basic information. Triggers include areas with significant foot traffic and devices that cause detectable movement like air conditioners. At that sensitivity, the cameras fail to trigger on the very activity I am trying to prevent. Program the Light Bulbs The second is constantly set to 500 lumens. Have someone else walk in front of the light while you are still on the ladder to test if the sensor is at the sensitivity you require. Most angle ranges are anywhere from 180 degrees to 360 degrees. I love the system and it has given me peace of mind, but this constant motion alerts is driving me a little crazy. to borrowers for the purchase of goods and/or services from participating merchants/providers.