Why You Need a Motion Sensor Porch Light?
Have you ever wondered why some lights go on automatically whenever you step onto a front porch? That is not some magic. It is a motion sensor porch light at work, and if the setup is not yours, you can get one too. Keep reading as we explore the features and all you need to understand the essentials of a motion sensor porch light.
What is a Motion Sensor Porch Light?
A motion sensor porch light is a device that detects movement within its coverage area and turns on the lights. The tiny device allows you to interact with your front yard more and is an easy and inexpensive way of adding safety and security where you need it most.
The motion sensor porch light offers a convenient alternative to turning on outside lights each time you walk through the door. With the integration of technology and home improvement, you can quit worrying about being alone in the dark, especially if you love evening gardening.
Types of Motion Sensor Porch Lights
Several types of motion sensor porch lights are available in the market, and it is vital to know what you want to get the best quality for your money.
Motion sensor porch lights use different technologies to detect movement. Some of them use passive infrared, microwave radar, and ultrasonic technology. The most common type of motion sensor porch light is the passive infrared, which uses heat radiation from moving objects to detect their presence and then switches on the light.Â
The ones using microwaves send out radio waves and wait for them to bounce back before switching on or off, depending on how they were programmed. You can also switch it off after a specific period if no more movements are detected.
Installing a Motion Sensor Porch Light
A motion sensor light can be an electrical plug-in or hardwired into your existing porch light. A motion sensor socket adapter is easy to install, and you don’t need any help from an electrician. However, the hardwired one has to be installed by a licensed electrician. Installing a motion sensor porch light is no different from installing ordinary lights, except that they will not turn on unless they detect movement.Â
To install, connect the black wire from the light to the black wire from the electrical box, and then connect the white wire from the light fixture to the white wire from the electrical box. Connect the ground wires (green or bare copper) and attach them to the mounting plate with either a screw or a green grounding clip. It is vital to take care of short-circuiting or electrocution.
Do You Need a Motion Sensor Porch Light?
One benefit that motion porch lights have over other types of lighting is that they only turn on when motion is detected, offering a sense of privacy in addition to the following:
Energy saving
A motion sensor porch light turns on automatically when motion is detected and turns off after 30 seconds of the last detected motion of the last detected motion. It saves electricity and improves the quality of your sleep by not finding yourself fumbling for the switch in the middle of the night if you forgot to turn it off. When it detects motion, the lights turn on for a specific time before turning off, thus more energy efficient than leaving a porch light on all night.
Aesthetic Design
A motion sensor porch light is an excellent option if you want something with a clean contemporary design that’s easy to install and provides powerful illumination. These lights don’t take up much of your space, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for something that won’t clutter your front yard or patio area.
Security
Porch lights are excellent for deterring criminals. With an ordinary porch light turned on by a switch, it will not be on all the time as many homeowners rarely turn on their porch light. You won’t see someone lurking outside your home, and you might let them in by mistake. You should get a motion sensor porch light!
Features to Look for in Your Choice of a Motion Sensor Porch Light
When choosing motion sensor porch lights, consider several things, including style, ease of installation, features, and durability. It is paramount to consider the following in your search:
Lighting Type
The first decision you’ll make is whether you want to go with a traditional or LED light bulb. Traditional light bulbs use more energy, so they won’t last as long or as efficiently as LEDs.
The light must pair with an equally bright light bulb that gives it enough light so that it can illuminate everything.Â
Motion Sensor Type
Motion sensors are generally passive infrared (PIR) or dual technology sensors. PIR sensors detect temperature changes, while dual technology sensors detect both temperature and movement. Dual-tech sensors tend to be more reliable since they respond to heat and movement.
Conclusion
A motion sensor porch light is a home security device that consists of a bulb and a sensor. The sensor detects movement within a specific range and turns the light on, which will shine brightly onto the movement area. These lights are helpful in areas with no light at night and are more energy-efficient than leaving a porch light on all night.
