How to Reset Motion Detector Lights

For many people, one of the biggest draws of a security system is motion detector lights. This addition to your smart home makes it easy to automatically turn on the lights when someone or something is moving around in a designated area.

While they are incredibly convenient, it’s important that they’re adjusted the right way. If they aren’t sensitive enough, they may not come on when needed — and if they’re too sensitive, they could come on too frequently. For example, a homeowner doesn’t want their motion detector light to turn on every time a rabbit hops through their yard or a bird flies by their window. They do, however, want it to turn on when someone walks up on the porch — or if a bear tries to get into their trash cans — and that means giving the detector enough sensitivity to catch those things.

As with most technology, motion detector lights may need to be reset occasionally. There can be several reasons for a motion-detecting light to stay on, not turn on at all, or trigger needlessly, and when or if it does, the goal is to get it working quickly again so it can continue to help the homeowner be protected. Fortunately, it’s generally easy to reset motion sensor lights.

Adjusting Motion Light Sensitivity

Typically, motion detector light bulbs have a unique sensitivity that you can adjust depending on their range setting. If your motion detector light bulb’s sensitivity setting is too high, even the smallest movement will turn the light on. This means movement like a butterfly flying away or a leaf falling to the ground can trigger the sensor to turn on the light. When you lower the sensitivity to track the bigger, and often more important, movements, you can avoid the bulb burning out. Another tip is to avoid placing your motion detector too close to a busy street as this may cause it to trigger unnecessarily. If you are unsure of what adjustments need to be made, speak to a security expert to better understand, and adjust your light to the best settings for your needs.

Checking Your Motion Detector Settings

You can control how long your motion detector light bulb glows, similar to sensitivity settings. Some motion detectors let their light glow for up to 30 minutes. That amount of time can make it seem like your lights are always on. You can stop your motion detector’s light bulb from glowing too long by adjusting the duration settings. Many sources suggest leaving your duration setting at one to two minutes.

If, after troubleshooting, you find that your motion detector light bulb is still not turning off, consult a security expert.

Why Won’t My Motion Detector Light Turn Off?

The opposite problem of your motion detector lights not turning on is when they won’t turn off. This never-ending glow can happen for many reasons. Most of the time, it involves the sensor being blocked and can be fixed by simply moving whatever is triggering the motion detector. If that is not the issue, you’ll want to quickly troubleshoot and fix whatever the reason may be, so your light bulbs don’t burn out.

Resetting Motion Detector Lights

After a power surge or other event affects the electrical in a home, a motion detector light may need to reset. Resetting your light after ensures that your home is protected and that your security system works to its full potential. The process to reset the light is easy, and you should check your detector’s light periodically to ensure it works correctly.

Why Would a Motion Detector Light Need Reset?

With any security system, there can be occasional glitches. These can include:

• Faulty Sensors

• Bad Bulbs

• Electrical Surges

• Power Outages

Troubleshooting a Motion Light Detector

The best way to reset a motion sensor light is to turn it off and back on again for 30 seconds or longer. A homeowner can also turn the power off at the breaker to ensure it has time to reset itself. If that doesn’t work, the sensor itself or the bulb may be to blame. Replacing the bulb is easy, and replacing a sensor isn’t typically done. Covering the sensor to test the light is an option, but if this fails to work, replacing the light might be the best option.

Adding Smart Lights to Your Home Security System

Smart lights are great for adding security and convenience to your everyday life. For example, if you are traveling out of town and leaving your home empty, you can remotely turn your lights on and off to create the illusion that someone is always home. This can be as simple as setting a routine and preventing any suspicion from potential intruders noticing you are away. Interested in upgrading your home security with lights that come on when motion is detected? With Brinks Home™ our cameras and smart light options work together to provide you with peace of mind in the dark.

Contact us today to talk with a Security Consultant and start building your new security system.