motion detector light

motdaugrnds · #1 01/14/15, 06:03 AM

I have a light on my front door that turns itself on whenever it detects movement. It has been working fine since 1995. Two days ago it came on and has never gone off, even during the day.

I cannot find a switch for it either outside or inside (no string, no button, no switch).

Can anyone tell me how to fix it?

1shotwade · #2 01/14/15, 07:08 AM

Sounds like you have a dual switch. One is for the motion detector,the other is a photocell.If it is staying on during the day,first locate the photocell "eye" and clean it. If that doesn't help it probably needs a new one.I haven't bought any for a long time so can't give you an idea of cost but that sounds like your problem

Wade

po boy · #3 01/14/15, 07:21 AM

Try resetting the breaker that goes to the light.........

motdaugrnds · #4 01/14/15, 08:13 AM

Thank you PoBoy. I did reset the breaker and the light is now off. Tonight after dark, I'll test that motion-detector light.

po boy · #5 01/14/15, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motdaugrnds

Thank you PoBoy. I did reset the breaker and the light is now off. Tonight after dark, I'll test that motion-detector light.

Great,

It should have a wall switch somewhere in your house close to the light.

#6 01/14/15, 10:19 AM

I have a motion sensor light in my breezeway . If the electric happens to go off when it comes back on the light comes on & stays on . I have to turn the switch for the light off for a little while & then turn the switch back on . When I turn the switch back on the light comes on for a little while & then goes off by itself .

Nimrod · #7 01/14/15, 10:28 AM

My motion detector light would change function if the power was interrupted. It could be set to come on if there was motion, on all the time, or off all the time. There was a switch but turning off the breaker would have the same effect.

Find the switch or use the breaker to tun the light off and on until you get back to the function you want.

motdaugrnds · #8 01/14/15, 02:31 PM

I have looked and cannot find any switch either outside or inside for this light. As mentioned above, I did turn the breaker off and then back on and the light did go off. I'm just waiting now for darkness so I can test it.

I do recall my power going off shortly before I noticed the light's staying on; so maybe this had something to do with the problem I encountered.

Thank you all for helping me.

1shotwade · #9 01/14/15, 03:01 PM

If you can locate the photocell "eye' and just seal it off with black tape the light should come on in a few minutes.No need to wait till dark.

Wade

motdaugrnds · #10 01/14/15, 05:28 PM

Neat little trick Wade. Thank you. Unfortunately it has become dark already and I have already tested this motion detection. It works fine in that the light does come on and it does go off automatically.

I appreciate everyone's help. Thank you all.