The best outdoor motion sensor lights can provide an added level of security for any home. To maximize the benefits that this technology offers, it is necessary to find the best location in your home to install the motion sensor light.
To do this, you must put yourself into the mind of a potential thief. Where would someone trying to enter your home expect to see a motion sensor light? Where would they not expect this security option to be installed?
Motion Sensors Need a Wide Area
For a motion sensor to be effective, it must be able to cover the widest area possible. That means it must have an unobstructed view of your property to be effective. It also means the detection distance must be part of that equation. An unobstructed view of 50 feet might require a different location then an unobstructed view of 80 feet.
Avoid Placement Near a Window
It can be tempting to install a motion sensor light near a window, but doing so comes with two disadvantages. Reflections that come off the window could trigger the security light, making it seem like something is there when it is not. A motion sensor works better when it detects parallel movement and someone with nefarious intent is more likely to walk straight toward a window, so there’s a chance the light might not be triggered.
Be Careful About Heat Sources
A heat source can cause a motion sensor to trigger, especially if infrared technologies are included with the security light. Even something as simple as your furnace kicking in on the other side of the wall could be enough to trigger the light to turn on. Avoid any radiators, heat vents, dryer vents, and similar locations when installing a new motion sensor light.
Door Placements Are Not Usually Useful
Installing a motion sensor light above a back door is a common practice. It also reduces the effectiveness of this technology. It goes back to the problem that occurs with an over-window installation. Straight, direct lines can cause a motion sensor to not trigger. Lighting changes from inside and room temperature changes can cause the outdoor light to trigger as well.
The best place to install a motion sensor light is in a corner. If you have a one-story home, a corner near the master bedroom is one of your best choices, since this is one of the first points of attack that occurs during an unauthorized home entry.
The next best option is to place the light at a 90-degree angle to an unprotected door or window. When someone approaches the entry point, the parallel motion will cause the security light to come on.
If you have a basement with an easy access point, consider placing a motion sensor there that is wired to your security light. The motion will cause the light to come on, even if the floodlight doesn’t reach the entry point. This can give you a warning that something is amiss.
The best locations for a motion sensor light are those that are unexpected and unpredictable. Since most motion sensors can work at virtually any angle, give yourself the most yard coverage, wherever that location may be, for the best possible results.
