Motion sensor lifespan?

last year

last modified: last year

I have motion sensors outside that turn on lights outside only when motion is detected and it’s also dark outside.

I also have one in a laundry room and mudroom that turns the fluorescent light on when people pass through so they don’t need to manually turn the lights on and off.

I noticed that light sensing motion sensors stop working after a few years.

What’s in them that ”wears out?”

Right now, the mudroom light just stays on all the time as if the motion sensor didn’t exist.

It might be time to replace it, but before I do, isn’t there a way to reset the motion sensor function by turning the switch off and on a certain way?

I no longer have the packaging, manual or even remember the brand of the indoor motion sensor. It came from Home Depot or Lowes.

The outdoor sensors are from Steinel.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

w0lley32
last year
Many people don't know this but "motion" sensors are in fact temperature differential sensors. They are triggered by rapid increases or decreases in temperature, not movement. Most outdoor sensors fail because water and dirt gets inside the enclosure and obscure the lens through which they detect infrared radiation.

In your picture, the sensor is right near a vent. Is it a return or a supply vent? If it is a supply vent and it suddenly starts blowing air that's significantly warmer than the ambient air, it will trigger the sensor. Most sensors don't make a difference if the air gets suddenly warmer or suddenly colder, it just detects a rapid increase or decrease in infrared (i.e. heat) radiation. In summer, the AC kicking on when the room is warm could also trigger it.

If it has been working properly until now, you could shut the power off and try opening the sensor to clean the lens. It is also possible that it just died and needs replacing altogether. If you do get a replacement, I suggest mounting it in a place where it is not subject to large air movement and big temperature swings from the vent.
jaxo
Original Author
last year
It’s been working fine where it is for years. It never seemed affected by a/c turning in and off.

Now, it just stays on and works with the switch as if the motion sensor wasn’t installed.

Before I get it replaced, I want to try to find out if it got put in the wrong ”mode” after either a power outage or someone switching the light on and off manually in a way to disable it.
Related Professionals
La Grande Home Remodeling · Edmonton General Contractors · Honolulu Bathroom Remodelers · Norfolk Bathroom Remodelers · Champaign Bathroom Remodelers · Dothan Interior Designers & Decorators · Florence Interior Designers & Decorators · Worcester Interior Designers & Decorators · Williamsport Interior Designers & Decorators · Erie Furniture & Accessories · Magnolia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Annapolis Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Erie Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Salem Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Magog Kitchen & Bathroom Designers