It’s no longer news that motion detectors provide some guaranteed security for homeowners, but what happens when your motion detector refuses to go off?
It’s widely believed that motion sensor lights can increase security around your home when they’re working properly, but what happens when they’re not working properly?
You’ll start asking questions like, “Why does my motion sensor light stay on, how to fix a malfunctioning motion sensor light, etc.”?
If your motion detector light stays on all the time, you can call a professional outdoor lighting company, or maybe you can do something about it yourself.
Here are some of the reasons why your motion sensor light stays on and some troubleshooting tips to fix it if your motion sensor stays on all the time.
What Causes my Motion Sensor Light to Stay On
There are several things that can cause your motion detector lights to stop illuminating, including age, storm damage, a power surge, improper installation, and incorrect settings. Some problems you can easily fix yourself without professional help.
Here are the 5 top reasons:
- High sensitivity setting
If the sensitivity setting of your light is too high, your light can turn on for the smallest triggers, such as a leaf blowing in the wind or a dust particle settling on your motion sensor. - Wind Activity
If you stay in areas where thereβs constant wind, it could cause your motion sensor light to always stay on because it can cause sudden shifts in temperature or some electrical damage to the sensor. - Long Duration Settings
In most cases, your motion detector light should only stay on for 20 to 30 seconds after it is activated. However, you can manipulate the settings to keep them longer. For example, many lights come with settings ranging from a few seconds to an hour or more. If your duration setting is too long, it may seem like your motion light never turns off. - Fixed auto-on
Many lights have an automatic setting, so they always stay on. You may have entered this mode without realizing it. Faults can also cause lamps to get stuck in this mode. - Faulty lights Switch
If your motion sensor lights switch is faulty, it can cause your motion detector light to stay on. It is very important you troubleshoot these things properly in order to know where the fault lies.
Now that you’ve figured out why your motion sensor lights always stay on, the next step is to fix it. In the next section, we will discuss fixing a motion sensor light that always stays on.
How to Fix Your Motion Detector light that always stays on
Although a motion lamp that stays on doesn’t always require professional intervention, it’s a good idea always to consult your manual and carefully review the settings and functions of your lamps before using them.
However, there are some things you can try yourself to fix your motion sensor lights that stay on before calling for help.
Test your motion detector’s sensitivity level
Adjust and test the sensitivity settings of your sensor. Perform different scenarios by placing or throwing objects to see which ones activate your light.
If the objects that trigger your light are far away or small, your sensitivity setting is probably too high. Keep adjusting until you find the right setting and you’re are good to go.
Make sure your motion detectors are far away from heating vents
If you position your light motion sensor in a location far away from heat sink vents, dryers, or air conditioners, the heat from the appliances can activate your motion sensor and keep your light on because it detects a heat signature
Deactivate test mode
Always check your motion detector light switch to make sure the timer has not gone into test mode. If it is in test mode, this can cause the light to stay on indefinitely.
If you find that it has gone into test mode, change the switch to the time settings.
Resetting your motion detector
Last on the topic of fixing a motion sensor light that stays on, please reset your motion sensor light. To reset your motion detector light, disconnect it from the power source for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and leave it on.
This should reset your light and disable the automatic on function.
To reset a Motion Sensor Light.
The best way to properly reset a motion sensor light is to turn it off and back on for at least 30 seconds or more.
If you have access to your circuit breaker, you can also turn off the power to the circuit breaker to make sure they have time to reset themselves.
If after trying the above and it doesn’t work, either the sensor or the bulb is totally defective, and you should consult a professional ASAP.
Wrapping upβ¦
If you have a motion sensor light that stays on even after trying the above steps, you may need to call a professional for help.
In the meantime, you can temporarily or permanently turn off the motion sensor light, so you don’t wake up at night and see that your sensor light is on.
If you feel that your device is damaged or if you think that the underlying problem is an electrical one, it is advisable to always ask for help because fixing it yourself could be dangerous and make the situation worse.
I hope you understood why your motion sensor light stays on and how to fix it completely.