Has your motion sensor light stopped working, or is it stuck in the “on” or “off” position? A motion detector light is sensitive to power surges and blinks and sometimes will not work correctly following an electrical episode. While you may think the fixture is broken, many times, it often just requires a reset. Taking a few minutes to troubleshoot the motion sensor light can save you a lot of hassle and money and requires no special tools or skills.
Get your motion sensor light fixed right away by calling your local Mr. Electric®. Not sure if you need repairs just yet? Read on to learn how to reset a motion sensor light that's stuck.
When Should You Reset a Motion Sensor Light?
Your home's motion sensor light should turn on when a person, vehicle, animal, or other moving object is within sensor range. Over time, or after a brief blackout, the lights may become less responsive or get stuck in either the “on” or “off” position.
Here are some scenarios that may call for a motion sensor light reset:
- Large moving objects like people or vehicles are not triggering the light.
- The light stays on for long periods of time or permanently, rather than turning off shortly after the movement has stopped. A working light will turn off within a few minutes after detecting motion.
- The light seems less sensitive than usual and does not consistently detect motion.
If one of these situations sounds familiar, troubleshooting the motion sensor light may help you solve the problem.
What Causes Issues with Motion Sensor Lights?
Motion sensors are sensitive pieces of equipment, making them prone to minor issues. Some of the most common causes of issues with motion sensor lights include:
- Dust buildup – Dust and dirt can gather in your motion sensor light’s sensors, rendering motion detection impossible. Luckily, this section can be gently cleaned with a rag or compressed air.
- Blackouts – Power surges and blackouts can impact the sensor settings. A reset will usually fix this problem.
- Burnt-out bulbs – Because motion detection lights aren't often on, they take a long time to burn out, but it can still happen. This is one of the first things to check before calling for repairs or replacing your lights.
How to Reset a Motion Sensor Light
Is it possible to get your motion sensor light "unstuck" and working optimally again? Before you shell out the cash for a new light, follow these troubleshooting tips to see if you can get your light working:
- Turn off the fixture's circuit breaker for at least 30 seconds.
- If the fixture has a light switch, turn the switch on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds, and then back on.
- If the fixture has a light switch, quickly switch it on and off four or five times or until the light stays on.
- Once the light remains on, turn the switch off for five seconds, then turn it back on.
- If your device allows you to change its sensitivity level, try adjusting it to be less sensitive to motion. After all, you don't need it to turn on every time a chipmunk runs by, but it needs to be sensitive enough to detect someone trespassing on your property.
- Replace the light bulbs in the fixture to ensure it isn't a bad bulb issue.
Once you've completed these steps, you will know if your motion sensor light needs a reset, new light bulbs, or if your best plan of action is to update your outdoor lighting. No matter what your motion sensor light needs, you can rely on your local Mr. Electric® team to help.
Let Mr. Electric Help with Home Safety and Security Lighting
Are you ready to upgrade your property’s motion sensors or security lighting? Whether you need lighting repair services or new lighting installation, our service professionals can help you find the perfect solutions for all your exterior lighting needs.
To get a quote for a motion sensor lighting installation, schedule an appointment online today.
