JDC
Wholenote
I STILL say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Posts: 528
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Post by JDC on Jul 2, 2021 22:36:52 GMT -5
When I moved here, the security stystem had been disable but one motion sensor light (outside) still functions,
Problem is, it sometimes comes on and doesn't shut off after a few minutes and it gets VERY HOT ... so hot that I'm not comfortable with it staying on and possible causing a fire.
I've read how to reset the thing and all solutions have to do with turning off a switch. As far as I can tell, the thing is hard-wired into the electrical system and the only way I can think of to turn off its electricity is to flip the house's main breaker. Don't want to do that as I don't know what else that may adversely effect.
Any other ideas?
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Post by De ville on Jul 2, 2021 22:48:35 GMT -5
Usually those are wired into an existing light switch. My house was built in 68 and it has two light switches in the garage. They both run the same light in opposite positions. Usually you would flick the light switches on and off in a certain pattern to control the flood light. You had on,off, and auto. Little harder to do with a breaker, but doable. Not great for the breaker though. Wouldn't make a habit of it. I replaced my driveway flood light with a Ring Flood light cam. I can use an app to see my driveway control the light, can put it on a schedule even. Since, I have expanded the Ring system much. I started with the Ring door bell. I like the stuff so much I put in a whole security system, with camera's all over. Love it.
Flood lights are easy to replace if you're comfortable on a ladder. One option as a bandaid, would be to replace the bulbs with LED flood bulbs. They don't get nearly as hot. Doesn't fix your light saying on problem, but checks the not burning down the house box.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jul 3, 2021 0:13:09 GMT -5
The motion sensors often go bad through simple age. You can replece the sensor portion of it and save a few bucks, or replace the entire fixture. It's two wires and a ground that connect to the house wiring...pretty simple to do.
If you DIY it, shut off the power to that branch AND CONFIRM it has no power before you get your mitts on the wire nuts.
If the power to the fixture is controlled by a wall switch and not a breaker, flip the switch off and cover it with tape to prevent anyone flipping it on while you're working on it.
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JDC
Wholenote
I STILL say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Posts: 528
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Post by JDC on Jul 3, 2021 18:04:23 GMT -5
Thanks Peegoo.
I'm guessing that it was set so sentitive that tree branch movements in the wind were continually reactivating it (yes, there WAS wind ...still no following rain, though!). I was able to find a four position switch on the sensor that seems to be a control how long the light remains active. After clicking it to another setting (I couldn't see what the settings actually are labeled ...or if they are even labeled at all) the light now shuts off a few seconds after activation instead of staying on interminably. Now my house no longer resembles a lighthouse beacon! That is a stop-gap solution. I'll be looking into your suggestions ASAP.
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