Wall Mounted Security Light

[237SJ]

I have a fairly basic wall mounted security light. I think it is a motion detector one. It kept coming on so I replaced it and the next one did the same. I presume the bushes nearby must have been setting it off. Are the heat sensitive ones any good? Can anyone recommend a decent one with a fairly good range please?

[dannyk13]

I think that they use a combination of heat and movement.

[Tilly2]

We changed ours for a switch on and off standard light. It was flashing on and off all night. It drove us mad.

[sapelesam]

Security lights with motion sensors usually have a sensitivity control. If you know the make and model, try looking it up on line.

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. I don`t think mine has a sensitivity control - I think the only control was for how long the light stayed on for as I remember the electrician testing it. I can`t have a switch on and off one because I am away a lot. The current switches are on, off and auto.

[bhg481]

In theory they need something warm and moving to set them off, so birds, hedgehogs, cats etc will do the job. We had mains-operated ones which I swapped for solar-rechargeable ones; they still come on if a cat passes but the limited battery life limits how long they will irritate you for each night.

[237SJ]

I`m not bothered about wildlife setting them off (quite a few foxes here), I just need something that I can rely on. Neighbour has just cut down the bushes at the end of his garden and I have lost some privacy.

[Togo]

Most half decent home security lights do indeed have a sensitivity setting but they are a devil to calibrate for your particular circumstances. Thee are two main types for the domestic market. Clever but expensive ones for high security locations are available.ie Ultrasonic and high end optic ones.
PIR (Passive infrared) sensors are electronic sensors that measures infrared light radiating from objects in a field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors. All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit heat energy in the form of radiation. Usually this radiation isn't visible to the human eye because it radiates at infrared wavelengths. So bushes or trees will set them off.
AIR(Active Infrared) are less prone to being triggered by false alarms but can be defeated if the source is well insulated.
Basically 237 the more you are willing to pay the better the results you can get. I now steer well clear of the stuff sold at the domestic DIY sheds and bought my last one from a local trade supplier. I will have a look at what I can find. A price range would have been handy.

[Togo]

This looks like a decent one 237. Screwfix.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/saxby-sella-bulkhead-with-pir-matt-white-540lm-7w/7880j#product_additional_details_container

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. Togo - I went to Screwfix looking for some advice but didn`t realise it works like Argos. I went into a local lighting shop where they were very helpful and I think there might indeed be a sensitivity setting. I can`t do anything about it now but I will have a look at it when I get back from my trip. Thanks again

[Togo]

Ta for that 237. You have lit up my day. :))

[Hopkirk]

On some of them you can adjust the direction of the sensor. Raising it up a bit might stop wildlife triggering it. Moving it down, left or right might stop passers by setting it off unnecessarily.

[Togo]

Just a tip 237. I have an account with Screwfix, despite being well past retirement age. I find them very useful for all sorts of things and they often have very good offers for garden equipment etc.

[The Builder]

As well as adjusting the (usually) two settings, you could try altering the field of view. That is, swivelling the sensor downwards so that the sensor doesn't reach quite so far into the distance.