{"title":"Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA motion sensor light is the only fixture that pays for itself in not fumbling for keys.\u003c\/strong\u003e Arms full of groceries, snow underfoot, dark by 4:30 — the light comes on before you reach the step. It's also the cheapest meaningful security upgrade to a house, because an unexpected light is what makes someone reconsider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe two numbers on the spec sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetection range\u003c\/strong\u003e — typically 20 to 70 feet. Longer isn't automatically better: a 70-foot sensor on a suburban driveway will trigger every time a car passes on the street.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetection angle\u003c\/strong\u003e — usually 120° to 270°. A 180° sensor covers a wall face; 270° suits a corner where you want coverage on two elevations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMatch the range to the actual distance you want covered and no more. Over-ranging is the single most common cause of a motion light people end up disabling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCold weather is the real test\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMost exterior motion sensors are \u003cstrong\u003epassive infrared\u003c\/strong\u003e — they detect the difference between a warm body and the background. That's straightforward at +20°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt -25°C, the contrast between a person in a parka and the surrounding air changes, and cheaper sensors become erratic — false triggers, or missing you entirely. \u003cstrong\u003eCheck the stated operating temperature range\u003c\/strong\u003e on the product page. Anything not rated below -20°C is a three-season fixture in most of the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSnow is the other factor: a sensor lens under a drift or iced over stops working. Mount high enough and under enough overhang that it stays clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSettings that matter\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration\u003c\/strong\u003e — how long it stays on after triggering. One to five minutes is usually right. Thirty seconds means it goes dark while you're still at the door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensitivity\u003c\/strong\u003e — turn it down if the light is triggering on cats, branches or blowing snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDusk-to-dawn mode\u003c\/strong\u003e — many fixtures offer a low ambient level all night that brightens on detection. This is the most useful setting for a walkway: some light always, full light when needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRating and installation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet-rated\u003c\/strong\u003e, sealed housing, with a \u003cstrong\u003eCSA or cUL mark\u003c\/strong\u003e. The sensor module is an additional water-ingress point, so gasket quality matters even more than on a plain fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReplacing an existing exterior fixture on an existing box is a reasonable DIY job with the breaker off. A new exterior location needs cable, and in most provinces a permit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a Canadian company that has stood at a dark door in January with an armful of bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat detection range do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatch it to the distance you actually want covered — 20 to 30 feet for a door, more for a driveway. Over-ranging causes constant false triggers from passing traffic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo motion sensors work in extreme cold?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuality ones do. Passive infrared sensors rely on temperature contrast, which changes at -25°C. Check the stated operating temperature range; anything not rated below -20°C is effectively three-season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does my motion light keep triggering?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually sensitivity set too high, or range set too wide. Cats, branches and blowing snow are the common culprits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's dusk-to-dawn mode?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fixture holds a low light level all night and jumps to full output on detection. The most useful setting for a walkway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo they need to be wet-rated?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The sensor module is an extra point of water ingress, so sealed housings and gasket quality matter more than on a plain fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What detection range do I need for a motion sensor light?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Match it to the distance you actually want covered, 20 to 30 feet for a door and more for a driveway. Over-ranging causes false triggers from passing traffic.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do motion sensors work in extreme cold?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Quality ones do. Passive infrared sensors rely on temperature contrast, which changes at -25C. Check the stated operating temperature range.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why does my motion light keep triggering?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually sensitivity set too high or range set too wide. Cats, branches and blowing snow are the common culprits.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is dusk-to-dawn mode?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fixture holds a low light level all night and jumps to full output on detection. The most useful setting for a walkway.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do motion sensor lights need to be wet-rated?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. The sensor module is an extra point of water ingress, so sealed housings and gasket quality matter more than on a plain fixture.\"}}]}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/maisonmonashee.com\/collections\/motion-sensor-outdoor-lights.oembed","provider":"Maison Monashee ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}