An external motion sensor light is one of the more popular measures used to protect homes and businesses and can be act as effective deterrents to would-be intruders (plus neighborhood pests like stray cats and dogs). Despite their widespread use they work just as well today as they did when first developed decades ago, and have protected millions of dollars of property during that time. Motion sensor lights are particularly effective because they work on several levels:
1.) Firstly they plant the seed of doubt in a potential intruders mind as to whether there could actually be somebody at home.
2.) They obviously illuminate the immediate area, making intruders more visible to neighbors and passers-by.
3.) The manner in which they suddenly “snap on” draws particular attention – if the light was constantly on the it becomes almost “background” to an observer. The sudden illumination of an area draws the eye in the same way that sudden movement does.
4.) The presence of motion sensor lights shows that you as a homeowner are security conscious and as such any intruder could reasonably expect other security measures like CCTV, home alarm systems etc.
It’s easy to see why external motion sensor lights are so popular – a potential criminal can’t be sure if someone is home or not. When a motion sensor light turns on because the burglar is outside of the house, it could definitely mean that someone is home. Even if someone is not currently home, a neighbor might notice the light turn on and see the burglar breaking into the house.
A motion sensor light isn’t just for protecting your property either. Every day millions of children are left at home by themselves while their parents work or go out for social functions. While it used to be that parents didn’t feel this was very safe, with the invention of these types of lights it is much more common. If a burglar sees the light come on and hears or sees someone walking around in the house, they are far less likely to break in!
Internal Motion Sensor Lights
The second, and perhaps lesser known type of motion sensor light is the indoor variety. These are convenient for use both domestically and with businesses, although adoption is undeniably higher in office-based businesses than elsewhere. By strategically placing motion sensor lights in certain parts of a building employers don’t have to worry about employees tripping or bumping into something in dimly lit areas – as soon as the light senses movement it will turn on so you don’t have to flip a switch or anything. Internal motion sensor lights are especially useful in corridors and restrooms, where lights would otherwise be likely left on all day (and even all night if somebody forgets to turn them off!). The automatic nature of switching these lights on and off means that electricity bills are reduced, and it’s surprising how much the savings can add up.
In the home the most common usage for motion sensor lights is probably in garages and basements, where it can get very dark, even during the day. Because its common for these areas to have a lot of stuff lying around and sharp tools, it makes sense that a motion sensor light is placed in a location so that as soon as you enter your pathway is lit. Similar benefits can be achieved by placing motion sensor lights in attics.
Both internal and external motion sensor lights are available that run on batteries or mains electricity. Battery powered models are obviously ideal for situations where an outlet is not readily available or a quick light solution is needed. Fixed wiring models tend to be more prevailant in external security applications. However, recently models of security lights have become available than run on batteries that are solar powered. Understandably these are more expensive to purchase intially, but they provide a threefold benefit:
1.) You never have to purchase batteries or pay for electricity – the initital purchase is your only expense.
2.) Solar powered motion sensor lights are easier to fit, as there is no restriction related to electrical feeds or future access to replace batteries.
3.) It’s impossible for intruders to tamper with the power supply – if a solar powered unit is mounted in a sufficiently inaccessible place it is virtually tamper-proof!
For some of the best deals on these light systems, consider Amazon.com. They have a wide variety of models to choose from, and you can usually save a bit of money on your motion sensor light.