Call Us 0800 800 880

Sensor Light

Whether for security or safety, a sensor light is a great option for external and internal areas of your home. If you are looking for ways to make your home safe and secure, then you need to add a motion detector light to your home.

Sensor lights work by emitting a passive infrared (PIR) beam to scan a pre-defined zone. When movement interrupts the scan, the attached light is prompted to turn on automatically, illuminating the area and helping you to find your way or startling potential intruders.

There are many motion sensor lights on the market and choosing the right one for your home is easy. Simply outline what you are trying to achieve. Do you need a motion sensor light at the front of your home to take in a wide field of view? Or are you after a motion sensor light for a stairwell that is difficult to navigate in the dark?

Either way, there is a large range of products to choose from and some of them will be easier to install than others.

Before we get started on the installation process, let’s look at a low-impact, DIY motion sensor lights. These options only require you to securely screw the units to a solid structure – no wiring involved.

New DIY LED motion sensor lights are a great option for those looking to install a motion detecting security light in an area without access to mains power or where mains power is cumbersome to tap. These products are the ultimate solution and with their combination of battery operation and a cool white, half-watt LED, you can look forward to an effective security light with minimal installation.

There are also battery-operated sensor lights that are perfect for areas like stairs or steps, where there is a risk of tripping or falling.

Now you have your light pack and you know where you are going to install it, read the instructions! This is important because most brands will supply you with an instruction sheet with the specific requirements for different models.

Next, it’s time to get your tools together:

  • Screwdriver
  • Drill and bits
  • Circuit tester
  • Electrical tape
  • Silicone
  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses

Now you’re ready to go. Remember, if you have any doubts about any of these instructions, it is essential you contact an electrician and have them come and wire in your security lights for you. Electricity is lethal and your safety is paramount.

Step one

Start by turning the power off at the mains; locate the main power switch and switch it to the off position. Turn a light switch on in your house to make sure the power is off. Now safely remove the old light fitting from the location in which you wish to install your new motion sensor light system.

Make sure to use your circuit tester on the wires attached to the old light fitting to make sure the power has been cut.

Step two

Screw the mounting strap in place, using the screws supplied and your electric drill.

Step three

The manufacturer may supply you with a plastic hanger to hold the unit near to its final position to allow you to continue with the wiring.

Step four

Thread all the fixture wires through the large holes in the gasket on the base of the light unit. Then connect the wires that come from your home to the light fixture wires. Ensure that the colour-coded wires are matched.

You will have a positive wire, a negative wire and an earth wire. Twist each set together tightly, secure with wire connectors and electrical tape.

Step five

Remove your plastic hanger and secure the motion detecting light fixture to the mounting strap you installed earlier, making sure all the wiring is inside the junction box of the light fitting. Once is has been screwed into place, you can then push the rubber plug into the screw cavity (rubber plug should be supplied).

Step six

If the junction box is not weatherproof, ensure you apply silicone sealer around the base on the light and the mounting surface.

Step seven

Turn the power back on and read the instructions on how to set up the angle of the sensor and lights and how to set the timers for best effect.

Now the installation is complete, you will have additional lighting to keep your home safe and secure. If you have any questions, talk to your local electrician or contact Trade Tested.