An outdoor motion detector light can
save electricity and scare off intruders.
But if passing cars or the neighbor’s dog
constantly triggers the light, you don’t get
either benefit. To stop unwanted “trips,” you
have to limit the “detection zone,” the area
where the sensor can see moving objects.
First, aim the detector. Turn the sensor head
right or left and up or down so that its field of
vision is roughly centered on the area you want
to cover. To make the head stay put, you may
have to tighten screws or ring nuts (Photo 2)
on the arm that supports the head. Next, set the
"on-time" switch to "test" (Photo 1). This will
let you determine the detection zone by walking
across the detector's field of vision. When it
sees you, the light will go on for a couple of seconds. (Your detector may need a one- or
two-minute warm-up period before it starts
to work.)
If the detection zone in front of the detector
is too long, aim the head down slightly. If
the zone is too short, raise the head, but keep
it at least 1 in. from lightbulbs and lamp covers.
When the range is about right, make
finer adjustments using the range dial
(Photo 1). It may be labeled "range" or "sensitivity."
Start with the dial set at the maximum
range and turn it down to shorten the
zone.
1. Shorten the sensor's detection
zone by adjusting the "range"
dial. Start with the dial set to "max" and turn down until the
range is correct.
If the zone is still too wide, narrow the
lens opening with electrical tape (Photo 2).
This is a trial-and-error process that can take
a few minutes. Normally, you need to apply
narrow blinders only to the right or left ends
of the lens, but you can cover as much of the
lens as you like.When the length and width
of the zone are just right, reset the on-time
switch.
Click Image to enlarge.
2. Narrow the detection zone by sticking electrical tape blinders on one or both
sides of the sensor’s lens.
