How to fix a movement sensor light that won’t turn off
Has your motion sensor light been working perfectly, and now suddenly it won't turn off? Don't worry, there's usually an easy fix for motion sensor lights that get stuck on.
The Problem
Some motion detectors, also known as motion sensors, have a built-in override function. If this override function gets engaged, the motion sensor light will stay on continuously, instead of detecting motion and turning on and off as usual. This override function can often be accidentally triggered, causing confusion and the mistaken belief that the motion sensor itself is faulty!
This function can be accidentally activated when the light switch is flicked on and off a few times in quick succession. So, if you've been rapidly flipping the switch on and off trying to figure out the "off" position, you might have inadvertently triggered the override function.
Alternatively, power outages and power surges can also trigger the override function in motion detector lights. Minor fluctuations in the power grid can trick the switch into thinking it's been turned on and off repetitively. This can be frustrating, but it doesn't necessarily mean your motion sensor light is broken. In such cases, the light may automatically turn off once stability is restored.
The Solution
The good news is that there's a simple way to turn off the override function on most motion sensor lights. All you need to do is turn the switch completely off and wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute before turning it back on again. This should reset the sensor so it functions based on motion detection once more.
If this doesn't work, head to your switchboard and turn off all the lighting circuits in your house for 30 seconds to 1 minute before turning them back on.
If you've tried resetting the override function and your motion sensor light still isn't working properly, then the sensor itself might be faulty. In this case, you'll need to call an electrician to inspect the motion sensor.
How to Avoid It
Because of the confusion this issue can cause, some electricians recommend avoiding motion sensor lights with built-in manual override switches. They also advise against integrated sensor lights, which have a built-in motion detector. These types of lights usually have the built-in override function and limit your lighting flexibility since the light can only be operated by the sensor and not by a normal light switch.
This means they can't be made to stay on continuously if you want them to without using the built-in override function. While they can be a good solution in some situations, these integrated sensor lights take away the option of having multiple lights connected to a single motion sensor.
Instead, some electricians prefer to install independent motion sensors (without built-in manual override switches). This allows for more flexibility, as you can mix and match, with multiple lights connected to a single sensor. Independent motion sensors are also often better quality and have a longer detection range.
To achieve the function of a manual override (ability to leave a light switched on that is controlled by a sensor), we can install some additional wiring and configure the switching of the sensor and lights so that the following settings are achieved:
- If the light switch is ‘on’, the sensor controlled lights are on (and stay on)
- If the light switch is ‘off’, the sensor controlled lights will be turned on when the movement sensor is triggered.
- For those that want even more control, we can install 3-position switches which have an additional position that fully turns off the sensor + lights so that the light won't be able to turn on (sometimes used if a sensor light is near a bedroom window).
Sensor on the Fritz? Get Your Light Back on Track.
By installing independent movement sensors without the built in manual override function, Kenner Electrics ensures that our customers have the greatest flexibility, performance and reliability from their sensor lights. We recommend and install high quality Clipsal Infrascan movement sensors, which are reliable and long-range and great as a general purpose movement sensor. We also have other products which we will recommend depending on your unique situation. Our expert electricians will make sure your lights and sensors are positioned correctly to provide maximum coverage.
Visit our website to see how we can help.
