Where to Use Sensor Motion Lights at Home

Motion sensor lights have become a popular addition to many Australian homes in recent years. The reasons for using sensor lights may vary, but there’s no question they are versatile and serve multiple purposes.

The main purpose of outside motion sensor lights is usually security. They can be an effective way to deter potential intruders or unwanted strangers from getting too close to your property at night. But sensor lights have other purposes as well – the main one being enhanced nighttime safety.

The best practice is to consult a professional electrician for advice on where and how to install motion sensors. Let’s take a closer look at the many reasons to use motion sensor lighting and the best places for them in and around your home.

Reasons to Use Motion Sensor Lights

The safety and security of your family is the main reason you take precautions at home, such as having a monitored alarm system and security cameras.

There are multiple reasons to install motion sensor lights, including:

• Home security – Potential burglars, vandals and other types of criminals don’t want to be seen, which is why they often operate at night. Exterior motion sensor lights provide the illumination you need to increase visibility and deter these unwanted visitors.
• Safety at night – Have you ever arrived home after dark and found it difficult to get to your own front door? Motion sensors will light up the front garden path for you and help you get your key in the lock.
• Saving energy – If you don’t have motion sensors, the other option is to leave outdoor lights on when you go out. This isn’t a good idea for energy efficiency or power bills. The advantage of motion sensors is that they only work when you need them and save energy when they’re not in use.
• Light up dark spots – All homes have difficult spots that are difficult to illuminate – both outdoor and indoors. Motion sensors can light up these areas and make them safer to navigate for all family members and guests.

This brings us to the best places to use motion sensor lights around the home, starting with the main purpose of having them.

Outdoor Security

The most common use for motion sensor lights – as previously mentioned – is to enhance the security of your home. In most cases, floodlights with a broad spread of light are ideal. These are best placed at the front and back corners of your home so they light up front and back windows and doors.

These are also areas you and other householders are likely to use at night. Motion sensors down the sides of your home are also recommended, particularly if you have vulnerable side windows or doors.

In the Garage

One of the best spots for a motion sensor bulb is in the garage, particularly if you usually drive into a darkened area and have to fumble around to find a light switch after leaving the car.

It’s also an area of the home where lights can accidentally be left on, particularly if you’re dealing with children and groceries or other packages. A motion sensor light will give you a hands-free solution and you’ll only be using the light when you need it.

Hallway Light

Installing a motion sensor light in your main hallway – or any hallway that’s well used – means you don’t need to leave a light on all night.

This is useful outside of any bedroom, especially for children, elderly people or if you’ve got guests who are less familiar with your home’s layout. Remember that some of these areas can even be quite dark during the day, depending on the amount of natural light they get.

Bathroom Night Light

This motion detector light is always handy when you need the bathroom in the middle of the night. It can also be invaluable when you’ve got children or elderly family members.

There’s no need to leave a light on all night in case a child – or perhaps an elderly member of the family – needs to make a late-night trip to the bathroom. There are a number of options when it comes to bathroom motion sensor lights, such as under cabinet lights, toilet lights and more.

Outdoor Steps

A motion sensor light near any outdoor steps is always a sensible idea. If your outdoor areas are well lit, they may appear to be safe. But, if the lights aren’t turned on or the light switch is hard to find, these spots quickly become hazardous.

This applies to any outside area that might have different levels, such as a veranda, a deck or around a swimming pool.

Indoor Stairs

Just like any outdoor steps, indoor stairs can be dangerous if they’re not well lit. It doesn’t matter if the stairs are leading up to another storey or down to a basement, they’re always potentially hazardous.

You might have light switches at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs, but these can be awkward to find in the dark. These lights can also be left on unnecessarily, which is a waste of power.

Motion sensor lights in any areas near stairs is a wise move and will make your home safer without wasting electricity.

Consider Before Buying

Before deciding on whether or not you need motion sensor lights in multiple areas of your home, here are some factors to consider:

• The various sizes of your light fixtures
• Will the bulb be used near other lighting fixtures?
• Will it be left on automatic all day and night?
• At what distance do you want the motion sensor light to activate?
• Will it be a directional light or a floodlight?
• Do you want a warm or cool colour?
• Do you have a pet that is likely to trigger the sensor?

Consult a professional lighting technician to work out the types of motion sensor lights you need and the best positions for them. There’s no doubt that, beyond home security, the presence of motion sensors in the right areas will make your property a safer place to be.