Do you have issues with your Outdoor Motion Sensor lights? Don’t worry, resetting them and getting them working properly again is easy. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to reset outdoor Motion Sensor Lights.

We’ll also provide some troubleshooting tips in case you’re still experiencing problems after the reset. With a little bit of patience and a few easy steps, you’ll have the outdoor Motion Sensor lights working like new.

Table of Contents

• Installing & Resetting Them Correctly
• Why The Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights Won’t Turn Off
  • Sensitivity Settings Too High
  • Duration Settings may be Too High
  • Check the Positioning
  • Weather conditions
  • Problem with the sensor or wiring
  • Power supply issues
• How to Reset Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
• Still No Solution?
• Wrapping It Up

Installing & Resetting Them Correctly

For these outdoor lights to operate at full capacity, you will have to ensure that they are installed correctly and that they have balanced levels of sensitivity. They should not be too sensitive such that they can be tripped off by a butterfly and be sensitive enough to light up when required.

Another issue is that the lights may always be on and you will need to reset them. This article is going to educate you on how to go about resetting the motion sensor lights as well as how to deal with various other complexities around them.

Why The Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights Won’t Turn Off

There are many reasons why your motion sensor lights will not turn off. It could be because the sensitivity or duration settings are too high, it could be stuck in auto mode, or there could be some defect in the light itself.

We shall look at these problems individually and the possible solutions to each.

Sensitivity Settings Too High

You may find that your security lights always trip off for the flimsiest of reasons. A fly or a spider web is enough to turn it on. To deal with this, you will have to adjust the sensitivity settings.

You will typically find this setting on the sensor head, and you will regulate the sensitivity via a dial. You could lower the sensitivity if it were set at ‘’Max”.

Alternatively, you can set the sensor such that it only detects movement from a particular direction.

Duration Settings may be Too High

A majority of the Motion Sensor Lights have “Duration Settings” which determine how long the lights will remain on once activated. The durations range from a minute to over thirty minutes.

If your lights seem to be always on, it could be that they are frequently activating, probably due to high sensitivity levels, and then remaining that way for an extended period.

If the lights are set at five minutes or more, set it to the lowest duration and then observe. Ensure that the area is clear and then see if they shut off after the set period.

If this step does not work, try the next one.

Check the Positioning

Your outdoor motion sensor lights may be turning on more frequently because they are detecting more movement at their current position than their previous one (position). It may be in an area such as on the roadside or in an alley whereby traffic, whether human or animal, is unavoidable.

Also, you may notice that your lights are no longer turning on. It could be because it is pointing to the ground as a result of being hit by an object unintentionally or by you while conducting routine maintenance.

Ensure the positioning is balanced, such that it is not in a hugely populated area or in a secluded area for the lighting to be reasonable.

Weather conditions

Heavy rain or snow may trigger the motion sensor and make the lights remain on even when there is no one outside.

Problem with the sensor or wiring

There may be an issue with the motion sensor itself or the wiring connected to it. You may need to call a professional electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Power supply issues

The problem could be with the power supply to the motion sensor light. Check to make sure the power source is working correctly and there are no loose connections.

How to Reset Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

At times, all you need to do is reset your lights for them to resume normal functioning. It is a very simple and straightforward process that does not require any tools or professional expertise to accomplish.

Head over to the circuit breaker that powers your lights and turns them off for not less than thirty seconds before turning them back on.

This tends to automatically reset the sensor, although some models need their breakers to be off for as long as an hour for the resetting to happen.

If your motion sensor is connected to a wall switch, you can reset it by turning this switch on, then off for around two minutes before turning it on again. This is likely to reset the sensor.

Turn the light switch on and off roughly for times in quick succession. This will result in the light staying on continuously. Once this happens, turn off the switch and wait for approximately five seconds before turning it back on. It should remain off, and the sensor will be reset.

Also read: Best Outdoor Sports Court Lighting 2023

Still No Solution?

If you have tried all the above suggestions and your motion sensor remains faulty, then you should consider asking for professional help. This is so especially if you are facing complicated issues such as wiring, disruptions caused by a power surge, incorrect installation, or even regular replacements or repairs.

The lights could be experiencing issues that cannot be seen by the ordinary eye. If you are inexperienced in such technical problems, there is a chance that you may cause even more damage to the system or even hurt yourself or your family as a result of electrocutions.

A professional will also help you avoid making losses as a result of burglary or even attacks by stray animals wandering into your property. Also, ensure that you inquire about an adequately licensed electrician to avoid furthering the issue or getting into trouble with the law.

Wrapping It Up

Motion Sensor Lights are a very crucial element of any security system. A minor issue with them could render the entire system compromised and your property not secured.

Pay attention to detail and do not rush into anything that you are unsure of. Take time as this will ensure that you are not under any pressure to complete anything or even be at risk of missing out on an important detail.

If you ever need the services of a professional, ensure that you enlist the help of a licensed electrician. This could potentially save you from incurring more damage to your system. It may also help you avoid potentially hazardous miscalculations, as is familiar with most electrical issues.

Lastly, always conduct regular checks on your system. This ensures that the problem does not last too long or reach unacceptable levels.

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