If you have a home security system, it most likely includes motion sensor lighting. Thieves like to operate out of sight. They break into dwellings when the occupant isn’t present. They don’t want anything to draw attention to their activities. Security alarms and lights do draw attention, and that’s why a motion sensor light is one of the most basic elements of any security system.
Typically, motion sensors for lights are connected to outdoor flood lights. When an object moves within the sensor’s field of discrimination, the circuit is activated and the strong flood lights illuminate the area. Many sensors also have built-in light level detectors. They can be adjusted to remain completely dark until triggered, or they can be set to put out some low level of illumination at night, and then step up to full illumination when triggered. They can also be left on continuously throughout the day and only activate at night, when the light level sensor detects darkness.
Standard motion sensor flood lights are comprised of two flood lights, adjustable to point in any desired direction. The outdoor lighting motion sensor itself is also adjustable, for both direction and sensitivity. In this way the field to be illuminated can be almost any area you care to define, and the sensitivity will allow the sensor to discriminate between a real intrusion threat and, for example, leaves or branches moving in the wind.
The bulbs themselves are often standard tungsten-filament bulbs, but high-pressure sodium lamps are used with equal frequency. These types of bulbs put out greater luminosity than standard bulbs with less energy consumption. Fluorescent lighting is also often used.
Although a motion sensor security light is the most common application, lights tied to motion sensors are also a great benefit in and of themselves. They allow porch lights to turn on when your or a guest approaches your door. They switch on garage lighting when the door opens. They allow you to clearly see keys and lock openings at night, and illuminate hazardous cracks in sidewalks as you approach.
They are often also used inside residences, although generally not with flood lamps. Inside applications are often more for energy savings than matters of convenience. While it is convenient for a light to come on when you enter a room, it is often of more value for the lights to go off when you leave the room. Many modern office buildings are equipped with such features and save thousands of dollars in energy usage. The motion sensors can be tied to overhead lighting, table lamps, or both. Many also shut off the fixtures if no motion is detected in the room for a specified period of time.
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