Motion sensor lights are an excellent way for extra security and safety in your home. While they only respond to movements, you may want your lights on all night for a family gathering or party. This function requires that you override the motion detector so it can stay on regardless of movement.

Firstly, check to see if your light has an override mode; if so, try these steps. Turn the switch on and off twice, then hold for 4 seconds and turn the light back on again.

This technique will keep the light on for at least eight hours or until daylight. However, don’t perform the overriding function during the daytime because the sensor will; detect the brightness and turn off.

If your lights don’t have an override mode or it doesn’t respond to the on and off test then, below are some other methods to try.

Another Method To Keep Motion Sensor Light Stay ON

1. Check if your lights are dusk to dawn; if so, they respond to movement at night.
2. Place your hands in front of the lights to turn on then, wait for it to shut off.
3. Then place black tape over the sensor so it can no longer detect movement.
4. Flip the switch off and on; this double flipping will allow the light to remain on.
5. To revert to the motion sensor, remove the tape and double flip it on and off again.

How To Reset Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights?

Motion sensor lights are ideal for illuminating areas around your home and deterring intruders. If your lights are not as reliable as they once were, it might be time for a reset.

You should consider resetting your fixtures if they are showing signs of failure, such as not turning on when triggered, never turning off even when set to do so, or being less sensitive than usual.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. First, turn the switch to the on position, then flip it off for 2 to 3 seconds. Now turn the switch on and check the lights.
2. If this doesn’t reset the fixture, turn the switch on and off quickly, hitting each position four times.
3. When the light comes on, turn the switch to the off position then, wait for 5 to 7 seconds before turning it on again.
4.  The light should now be off, and the motion detection unit reset.
5. If the switch method doesn’t work head, to the breaker box, and flip the breaker that controls your fixture into the off position.
6. Leaving it for about a minute before turning it back on. If after this you’re still having trouble, it may be time to replace the light.

How To Turn Off Motion Sensor Lights?

There are many reasons your sensor lights turn off after leaving. They may be old and need to be replaced or defective. You may find that the lights do not turn off even when the motion has stopped after 60 seconds.

A simple fix is to clean the sensor a bit to remove any dirt or dust. Another way to fix the light is to reset it by following the steps above. If nothing is broken, resetting it should work.

If the unit has been sitting outside, check it for rust. If there is rust, you will need to take the switch apart and clean it with a Dremel and stainless steel brush.

If the lights still will not turn off after two motion tests, try the breaker method by resetting them from the control panel.

Why Does My Motion Sensor Light Keep Coming On?

When your motion sensor comes on for no reason, it’s called false triggering. False triggers can be annoying, especially if you always have to look out the window to see who is outside.

A simple solution is to set the sensitivity to a lower setting to prevent false triggering from the movement of a tree or plant.

Look at your manual to determine where the sensitivity button is located, and turn it about halfway. Therefore, your light will only turn on when larger objects such as animals or humans are near.

Also, adjust the angle of the sensor unit if it is near small moving objects. Sometimes the sensor is very wide and picks up movement from trees.

When this happens, simply cover the area with a piece of tape. This is especially helpful if there is a specific area that needs to be illuminated.

Again, cleaning your fixture inside and out can fix false triggers or reset the sensors.

How Does A Motion Sensor Light Work?

In front of the light, a lens protects the sensor from the elements and creates zones to help the sensor detect movement heat.

Similarly, the motion sensors don’t see movement but recognize the different temperature movements across the zones created by the lens.

Hence, the sensor is more sensitive to the movement across the front than the moves towards the fixture. Because the sensor sees temperature differences, the outside temperature will affect the sensitivity of the sensor.

Therefore, depending on the weather, you may have to adjust the sensitivity so the motion sensor can differentiate between the surrounding temperature and body heat.

All dusk to dawn fixtures has a photocell that allows the sensor to turn the light on at night and off during the day. No need to turn your light switch on and off to control the fixture because you can leave the switch in the on position and let the photocell do the work.

In addition, most sensors have a LED located just below the lens that flashes when motion is detected.

Why Is My Motion Light Staying On All The Time?

There are several reasons your motion light is staying on all the time. It could be something as simple as a sensor that was knocked out of place or an electrical problem with the wiring. To find the root cause, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting.

First, check the sensor’s location and make sure it’s pointing straight ahead into the area you want to illuminate. The slightest tilt in either direction will cause the light to stay on constantly as it picks up movement from traffic, pedestrians, or animals.

To fix: Adjust the light.

Next, check the wiring and make sure there aren’t any problems with connections in your light fixture or junction box.

The motion sensor should have three wires inside its housing: one for power in and two for outgoing power (one for constant power and one for switched power).

If any of these wires are loose or damaged, that could cause your motion sensor light to stay on all the time.

To fix: Tighten or replace any loose wire.

To Recap,

To make your motion sensor light stay on, then you’ll need to override the system. This is achieved by flipping the switch on and off twice.

For additional help, place a black tape over the sensor so it will no longer detect movements. To turn off motion sensor lights, simply use the switch or for false triggers, clean, adjust the sensitivity or reset the fixture.