Looking for Motion Sensor Outdoor Light?

10 years ago

I'm looking for a Motion Sensor Outdoor Light that will be over our garage entry door of our detached garage.

This light would be over a door where we would walk into the garage. So security is paramount esp. since we usually are heads down & reach for the locked door handle.

Do you think it's better security to have a flood light, spotlight or light fixture?

Something that doesn't require wiring, solar maybe & LED.
Would welcome all recommendations based on your experiences.

A couple samples below:

Solar Floodlight

Non Solar LED Spotligh

Halogen Fixture

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Comments (4)

David
10 years ago
If the area is fairly dark at night, I would prefer a flood light.

If you don't want 120V AC wiring, you'd need a substantial battery if the light has to stay on for long periods of time and/ or the output has to be significant, (eg - >1000 lumens).
sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
10 years ago
Solars are very unpredictable for the most part. I would check Amazon and read reviews. I just went through this but i already have hardwire and just wanted the motion activated feature so that was easy. I just have a single flood (CFL) and it is fine for entry but not especially bright as it takes a minute to warm up but i did not want to be 'flooded' with light...just needed entry, dog walking etc. and still plenty to get things in and out of the car.

My solar on the back deck gets full sun and still had trouble and now no longer works after about one year. I've stopped looking at those but maybe something better is out there now.
And disregard reviews right out of the box. Pay attention to those that have had the product for some time.

I think the third one you posted needs hardwire.
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Well, floodlights are not really renowned for their stylish beauty! But you might be able to find something palatable by going to a site like LightingUniverse.com and searching on "motion sensor outdoor," Here is a link that might be useful: Outdoor motion sensor lighting
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Check if you are getting power to the fixture - remove the lamp from the junction box and measure the voltage using a multimeter. If you're getting ~ 120 V AC the fault is likely with the device. Otherwise, there is a switch/ some other interruption..
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We also looked a long time for a contemporary motion-sensing outdoor light. Very difficult. An incredible proportion of the motion-sensing light fixtures are kitchy colonial designs that I didn't think many people used anymore. Then we found this light for our cabin in the Sierra, and ended up installing them all around our house in the Bay Area as well. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-180-Degree-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Motion-Sensing-Outdoor-Wall-Lantern-HB48017MP-237/100549693 It's not "contemporary" per se, but it works surprisingly well with a contemporary house that has transitional or industrial touches. It is designed to illuminate what's below, rather than shining the light source directly at your eyes, like 80% of the outdoor fixtures on the market (WTH?!?). It's also dark sky rated, which was important to us at our cabin out of consideration for neighbors, but is nice in the burbs as well.
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For the interior, both Lutron and Leviton make motion sensing light switches.
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sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
10 years ago
Solars are very unpredictable for the most part. I would check Amazon and read reviews. I just went through this but i already have hardwire and just wanted the motion activated feature so that was easy. I just have a single flood (CFL) and it is fine for entry but not especially bright as it takes a minute to warm up but i did not want to be 'flooded' with light...just needed entry, dog walking etc. and still plenty to get things in and out of the car.

My solar on the back deck gets full sun and still had trouble and now no longer works after about one year. I've stopped looking at those but maybe something better is out there now.
And disregard reviews right out of the box. Pay attention to those that have had the product for some time.

I think the third one you posted needs hardwire.
David
10 years ago
The problems with most residential use solar lights are largely due to
1. The solar cells may not be able to fully charge the battery during the day.
2. The solar cells on the lights do not last.
3. The battery is typically not sufficient to power an adequate light, keep the light on for extended periods (i.e. > 1/2 hr) or power a light which gets motion triggered multiple times through the night.
4. The electronic components may not be sufficiently protected from the weather.
5. The battery lifespan may not be good.

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Looking for Motion Sensor Outdoor Light?

Comments (4)

David

sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)

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sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)

David

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