Why Aren't My Motion-Activated Lights Turning On?

Motion-activated lighting can be a big boon for homeowners in Tampa. The added security, safety, and utility are all great, and these simple and effective solutions have been helpfully serving our clients all across Florida for years. But, they can be a bit of a pain sometimes.

Is your motion-activated light refusing to kick on, or are you tired of wrestling with a light that seems to only work when it feels like it? If so, don’t worry! The certified electricians at Hoffman Electrical & A/C are here to help, bringing you some fast and easy solutions to get your motion lights back in gear and behaving properly!

Looking for new motion light installation for your Tampa, FL home, or need electrical repair services from top-class electricians? Contact Hoffman Electrical & A/C online now!

Troubleshooting a Motion-Activated Light: The Simple Stuff

The easiest solutions are everyone’s favorite, and when it comes to motion lights, there are a few really small details that can solve your frustrations in no time. When troubleshooting a motion light, start with these:

• Clean the motion sensor. Stationary tools like outdoor (or even indoor) lighting tends to accumulate a considerable amount of dust and debris, and this could be your only real problem. Locate the sensor on your motion light and check it for a layer of grime. Wipe the sensor with a clean, soft cloth—something that doesn’t scratch glass and plastic surfaces.
• Check and/or change the bulb. If the sensor is clean and clear, but the problem persists, you might examine or change the bulbs in your motion light, since they last a while, but will wear out over time. It’s wise to keep spares around, so you have them available when you need them.
• Check the range sensitivity. Almost all motion light systems can be adjusted for range and sensitivity. This is typically a common solution for new motion lights, as they might not be at the correct range setting to be useful for your specific installation. The range setting is easy to adjust, usually being just a small dial located at the base of the light fixture. Expand the range, and see if the light kicks on after a couple of minutes. This is also a great fix for lights that won’t ever turn off, too, since they might be set so sensitive that they pick up dust, or cars way off in the distance.

When to Call an Electrician in Tampa

The above listed solutions tend to account for the vast majority of motion light troubles, since general wear and routine maintenance are fairly commonly left alone until there’s a problem. But if none of these helped you get your motion detector lights back to working order, you’re probably going to need to call in an expert for electrical repair. The problem at this point probably lies with wiring or with the motion light fixture itself, which may require motion light replacement.

If you need top-quality solutions, our professionals are ready to help! We’ve been proudly serving Tampa, Florida and the surrounding areas for years, and we carry extensive experience in installing, repairing, and replacing motion light systems. Contact Hoffman Electrical & A/C today to set a date for your service!