When using a motion sensor, you expect it to be accurate and promote your safety – at least on paper. However, there are instances when it fails to work as intended, such as its light turning on automatically when you do not need it to.
Some reasons they can turn on unexpectedly include reflections of sunlight and UV radiation, interference from radio and electrical waves, changes in heat, poor wiring, use of faulty equipment, defective wiring, and moving objects such as insects, foliage, and traffic.
Although you can get the best-quality motion sensor lights, the technology behind them can still experience errors and parts may not work correctly. It is also important to know how to fix the issue to prevent it from occurring repeatedly.
How do motion sensor lights operate?
Motion sensor cameras and lights operate using the same principles, and understanding them involves knowing the types of sensors available.
- PIR sensors: Also known as passive infrared sensors, they operate by continuously monitoring their surroundings, and trigger when they sense heat that people’s bodies emit. They will also detect moving objects and animals.
- Ultrasonic sensors: These use sonic waves to detect motion, similar to submarines. This allows them to detect movements without sight lines. Alongside microwave sensors, they are considered active sensors, and are rarely used in consumer-grade lights.
- Microwave sensors: These operate in a similar way to ultrasonic sensors, but they are the most accurate because they emit radio microwaves.
Reasons behind your motion sensor light turning on automatically and their solutions
- Reflections of sunlight and UV radiation
When your motion sensor light is exposed to sunlight, it is common to see it turning on by itself. This can also happen when sunlight rays pass through moving plants and trees, which triggers the light; in many cases, this happens during sunset and sunrise.
Additionally, certain objects will tend to reflect light at specific angles, which happen to be in the sight range of the motion sensor and it picks it up. These can include any surface with a bright polish such as a mirror, glass window, polished surfaces, surfaces with bright paint coatings, metals, and glass. In both instances, avoid positioning the sensor close to these objects.
- Radio-frequency or electromagnetic interference
RFI or radio frequency interference, also referred to as EMI or electromagnetic interference, can also be a major problem that causes motion lights to turn on. This is usually caused by electronic devices such as Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, ultrasonic insect repellents, and radios.
Additionally, there are cases where motion sensor light functionality is affected by the close proximity of new electrical smart meters, such as when you change from an analog to digital meter. In this case, it is best to move the sensor away from your meter and any electromagnetic devices.
- Interruptions in electrical currents
This is among the most common reasons behind sensor lights turning on automatically, thanks to power fluctuations caused by power surges within your home.
These power spikes can be due to numerous reasons, such as power-intensive appliances switching off or on like power tools, refrigerators, and ceiling fans. Additionally, power surges can happen outside your home and affect the sensor lights, such as foliage touching electrical wires, lightning, and electric utility company power supply issues.
To solve the problem, ensure the motion light sensors do not use the same circuit as your household appliances. Additionally, you can add power-protection features to guard against sensitivity adjustments and power spikes.
- Changes in heat
A motion light can automatically switch on when there are temperature changes, regardless of whether it gets warm or cold. Therefore, many manufacturers advise you to avoid positioning them close to HVAC vents and air conditioners, as well as heat-producing appliances such as ovens, radiators, boilers, and hot plates.
- Low battery
Similar to how a sudden voltage change triggers the motion light, low battery power can be a possible reason if your motion sensor system uses batteries as a power source. Alongside this, vibrations can contribute to the problem, such as if the sensor is near an area with moving cars; you can resolve the problem by changing the batteries and examining the circuits to see if the issue stems from there.
- Moving objects such as insects, foliage, and traffic
This is a common issue for motion sensors on the outside of your house; insects, bushes, swaying trees, foliage and other plant types can lead to the lights turning on. To solve the issue, it is best to adjust the sensitivity dial, or readjust the position of the motion sensor – this can also apply to indoor motion sensor lights that can be affected by moving curtains.
Other causes and their solutions
- Flickering lights
If you notice the motion lights flickering, it is likely a different cause than when they are flashing. The cause behind the flickering is due to a faulty or dying light bulb, some problems in the circuit, or a poor connection between the light and bulb fixture.
You can solve the issue in two ways: first is changing the lightbulb, and the second is calling an electrician to warranty the device and exchange it or examine the circuit.
- A wide viewing angle
A motion sensor light has a range of angles that indicate its field of view and the places it can detect motion in. If the range is very wide, it can turn on unnecessarily because it views beyond areas that need detection, such as faraway tree branches.
To prevent this problem, you can seal its edges by using electrical tape to prevent it from detecting motion outside a certain view angle. If you want it to focus on a specific area, this can prove helpful as well.
Conclusion
There are several reasons behind your motion sensors turning on at unwarranted times, which mostly involve incorrect settings on your motion sensor lights, issues with the circuits, or the light bulb having defects. Solving the issue involves finding its specific cause, as there are several methods you can apply to handle the problem.
Robinson Wright
Robinson Wright is a home automation specialist and has helped many modern home developers pick the right gadgets for home automation. According to Wright, most people struggle with particular areas in their home, some would want improved security especially when away from home for a couple of days and others will want to improve power consumption. Homeowner's needs can be fulfilled by investing in smart home gadgets but most importantly is that one must know the functionality that they desire to achieve and then choose a product and technology that would fulfill the need. Robinson Wright runs an appliance enterprise and when not in the field working with his clients, he loves spending time in his workshop testing out the new technologies.