Security lighting is a great way to protect your home from intruders at night — but only when it’s working properly! Malfunctioning security lights may stay on longer than they’re supposed to, not turn on when they should turn on, or face a number of other problems that prevent them from working effectively.
If you are dealing with security lighting issues, Kolb Electric is here to help! Our professional electricians have put together this guide to troubleshooting security lights for some of the most common issues people face. We also provide expert lighting repairs if you can’t solve the issue yourself.
Types of Security Lights
Investing in security lighting is an effective way to enhance the safety of your property while deterring potential intruders. There are several types of security lights to choose from, each designed to meet specific needs. The types of security lights include:
- Motion-activated lights: They turn on automatically when they detect movement, helping to startle intruders while also conserving energy. These lights are ideal for driveways, entryways, and backyards.
- Floodlights: Floodlights provide broad, intense illumination over large areas, eliminating dark spots and making them perfect for driveways, parking lots, and outdoor workspaces.
- Dusk-to-dawn lights: Equipped with photocells, dusk-to-dawn lights automatically turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. These lights offer continuous security throughout the night and are great for areas that need consistent illumination.
- LED security lights: LED security lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, providing bright illumination with minimal power consumption.
- Smart security lights: Smart security lights can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust brightness, set schedules, and receive alerts when motion is detected. Some models integrate with home security systems for added protection.
No matter what type of security lighting you need, a well-lit property is a safer property. However, if your security lights aren’t working correctly, they can’t do the job you need them to do. Read on for troubleshooting tips for a variety of security lighting issues.
Security Lights Staying On
Motion sensor lights are designed to come on when they detect movement and shut off after a few minutes when everything stops. But sometimes, motion stops, and the lights stay on. This is usually due to a spike in current.
The first step in troubleshooting security lights with motion sensors that won’t shut off is to check if the time interval has been changed. Most motion sensors allow you to set a length of time for the light to stay on, usually anywhere between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. If the interval has been changed and the lights are staying on for too long, change it back to the time you want.
If that doesn’t work, go outside and see if there’s anything in the range of the motion detector that might constantly be moving, like a flag or even an animal nest. If you don’t see anything, try shutting the lights off at the breaker and then restarting them.
Security Lights Not Turning Off
Lights that won’t shut off are bad enough, but what about lights that won’t turn on? One common reason this happens is that artificial light is coming in from another source and is mimicking daylight, preventing the sensor from activating properly. Try to find where the light is coming from, and cover or change the direction of the sensor to avoid the light.
If this is not the issue causing your lights to not turn on, it could be due to a lightbulb problem. Check to make sure the lightbulb hasn’t burned out and try replacing the lightbulb to see if that fixes the problem.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
The underlying issue behind constantly flickering or dimming lights may vary depending on several factors, including whether the problem is only occurring with a single bulb or more than one at a time. If it’s only a single bulb, carefully check it to see if it’s secure in its fitting. If it is, try replacing it with a new bulb. If that doesn’t work, call an electrician for a security light repair.
Security Lights that Don’t Work in Bad Weather
While not as common of an issue, it’s not unheard of for security lights to be faulty when the weather is damp, rainy, or snowy. This is usually the result of low-quality motion sensors, which can be temperamental in very hot or cold weather. Spending a little more upfront to get a quality product ensures that you’ll be able to rely on your security lights for years with little need for security light repair.
Call Kolb Electric for Security Light Services
Security lighting is generally reliable and will provide years of safety at low energy costs. But if yours is acting up and troubleshooting security lights just won’t seem to work on your own, call Kolb Electric! We provide electrical repairs throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, including security light repair. We are experts in what we do, and we have 100 years in business to show for it!
If you need security light repair for your home or commercial building anywhere in the DMV, contact Kolb Electric today.
