How to Fix a Motion Sensor Light?

External lights with motion sensors provide improved security to your home. Still, as they are subject to weather throughout the year, over time, they may develop some problems that need to be addressed to maintain their benefits. Repairing these devices is not as difficult as the number of potential issues that can make the repair work—knowing what steps to will help you get to the end of the light problem in less than an hour.

Necessary resolution for exterior lights with motion sensor

1. Turn off the thermal key that carries energy to the light with a motion sensor. Leave it off for about 30 minutes and then turn it on again. Check the light to see if the lamps are on. If they are, the sensor only needed to be reset, and the light will turn off in a few seconds.This step will reset the sensor and can be used to fix a light that is stuck in the on position or light that does not turn on at all. If the restart does not solve the problem, continue with the next step.
2. Replace the lamps with new ones. Aggressive weather or rapid temperature changes can cause lamps to have a short service life.If the device uses incandescent lamps, they can be tested on a standard lamp before buying replacement lamps. You can also see if the lamp has broken filament signs to help you determine if it is in poor condition.
3. Adjust the characteristics at the bottom of the motion sensor. Someone might have tried to change them at some point, and reconfiguration with the desired settings might be necessary.
4. Adjust the direction of the sensor so that it points in the proper direction. Over time, wind or fallen branches may cause the sensor to change its angle, causing it not to work as desired. While making adjustments, check the sensor lens for any accumulated dirt and clean it with a soft cloth if necessary.

Advanced repair for external lights with motion sensor

1. Turn off the thermal key that feeds the external light with a motion sensor.
2. Remove the screws that secure the light housing to the wall box.
3. Test the cables inside with a voltmeter to the touch before touching any of the wires. Press the meter button and touch the tip of each cable to make sure there is no current in the circuit. If the meter emits a sound or lights up, it is because the circuit continues. Try the other thermal keys until you find the right one.
4. Disconnect the black and red wires from the back of the circuit motion sensor. Then connect the black wire of the light fixture directly to the black power wire in the box. Secure the connection with a cable connector.

Turn on the thermal key again. Check the repair to see if the lamps are on. If they are, the motion sensor is broken and must be replaced. If the lamps are not lit, recheck the wiring and whether the lights are on or not. If everything seems to be okay and still does not work, the appliqué itself is broken and must be replaced.

Tips

Always test the meter on a circuit that you know is working before testing the circuit on which you will be using. This is to make sure that the meter is working correctly.

Warning

Repairing a circuit often means that you are testing wires with electricity. If you are afraid or doubt about your ability to work with electricity, please call an electrician to do the work.