Things That Activate Security Lights During The Night

Possible Causes of Security Lights Going On and Off: What causes my dusk to dawn security light to go off several times during the night?

Possible Causes of Security Lights Going On and Off
What causes my dusk to dawn security light to go off several times during the night?

All else failing, is it possible to by-pass the sensor with a direct line and and on/off switch so I can at least have the light when I need it?

Background: James, a Homeowner from Bear Creek Alabama

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question James.

Security Lights That Turn On and Off

Yes – a switch can be installed to control the outside security light fixture. You may also consider installing a wireless remote controlled switch which will save the hassle and expense of installing new wiring. Leviton, X-10 and other brands have these units available. Use the search bar above to see other extensive articles on this subject.

Possible things that can trip motion detectors and security light fixtures:
Animals – large and small. There are a lot of furry four footed creatures that are nocturnal.
We have animals such as skunks, opossums, raccoons, deer and yes our dog.
Spiders who build webs around the light bulbs which attract flying insects such as moths, beetles and some big hairy dudes I don’t even want to identify.

Adjust the Motion or Security Sensitivity Levels:
Remember that most motion detectors and security lights have adjustable sensitivity and distance settings. Have your reading glasses handy because most of these settings are really hard to read.

It could be very interesting to install a motion controlled web camera and record what is lurking in the night, it may make for an interesting home entertainment movie! The technology to do this is available and very affordable, just purchase the remote camera and hook it up to your computer. I’ve actually installed a series of surveillance cameras outside my home which does this very thing and they work great and this setup can integrate well with most home security systems.

RESOURCES

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams

Motion Detector


This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

« Cord and Plug Safety for Electric Kilns

Bathroom Light Switch Problems »

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

» Electrical Wiring Book «

Home Wiring Guide

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES