Outdoor PIR Lights
Outdoor Lights With Sensors
An outside light with a built in PIR is an energy efficient way of ensuring that your home is safe and secure. An IP rated sensor wall light to welcome visitors and light their way, or an IP rated sensor security light to brightly light vulnerable areas after dark. Sensor lights only illuminate when they detect movement so save energy.
PIR stands for passive infrared. Any light describes as being a PIR security light or a sensor security light has an infrared sensor built in. This sensor acts as a switch when movement is detected and switches the light on for a set period of time. This acts as a deterrent to anyone lurking around after dark and saves energy too by only switching the light on when it is needed.
Up until a few years ago they were mainly connected to bulkhead lights and flood lights but today there is a vast selection of security lighting in a variety of styles that have integral PIR sensor units.
Security lights fall nicely into two main categories. Those designed to welcome visitors and those designed to deter crime. A lovely outdoor wall light with a built in PIR sensor will automatically switch on when someone approaches your door or path. A high power security flood light fitted in a vulnerable area will deter unwelcome visitors after dark.
Many decorative PIR wall lights are also fitted with a photocell to make them even more efficient, convenient and environmentally friendly. A photocell, also known as a dusk till dawn sensor, is a simple device that measures the outside light levels. The photocell switches the light on automatically at dusk and off again at dawn.
If you are considering a high power security floodlight then please bear the following in mind.
- They should be mounted at a height of at least 3m above the ground.
- The floodlight should be angled downwards to light the area directly beneath and in front.
- Avoid light spilling into neighbouring properties or onto a roadway
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Spend some time adjusting the PIR sensor in order to minimise activation by animals.
If there may be occasions when you would like your security light to be permanently on, then choose one with an override facility. This enables you to have the light on all of the time. This facility is particularly convenient during barbecues or evening get together, when it is desirable to illuminate an outside area whilst people are using it. Once the activity is over, the motion security light can be switched back to PIR mode.
Any outdoor light can easily be converted to a PIR light by the simple addition of a remote sensor. This can be placed anywhere near to the existing light and provides all of the features previously mentioned.
If you require any further information or any other advice, please contact us.
© 2010: Jan Foster. Universal Lighting Services Ltd: Tel 0151-650-2138