If you have seen the movie Predator, then you may remember the scene where Dutch (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) avoids getting captured and killed by the Predator when he accidentally covers himself in mud, which hides the heat from his body. The Predator, using body heat signatures to identify its prey, can't detect Dutch even though looking right at him -- the mud hides his body's heat signature. Well, I haven't tested it (yet?), but the same concepts should apply when trying to avoid detection by a motion sensor light! (if you test this, let me know and I'll post the results!)

In previous articles I have discussed how motion sensor lights work, and how the heat from objects moving across the motion sensing field will trigger a motion sensing light. This article is not meant to give you ideas for sneaking past someone's motion sensor, but instead is to help you better understand how your lights work and possibly help you better place your motion lights to pick up the type of motion you want to trigger your lights. I will plan to set up some testing in my backyard (using my kids - they will love it!) to see how well we can avoid our motion sensing lights--I'll post any results. Here are some suggestions and ideas on avoiding motion sensors (note that these apply to heat-sensing motion detectors like those typically found in motion lights - these do not necessarily apply to sound, beam or other detectors):

Outdoor home lighting provides a number of great benefits - convenience, security, and beauty to name a few. But when choosing outdoor home lighting, there are a number of reasons to choose motion sensor lights over standard, non-motion lighting. This article will highlight some of the top reasons you should choose motion lighting for your outdoor home lighting needs.

• Save money and only use the lights when you actually need them - when motion is detected. Whether coming home after dark, looking for your keys outside a front or side door, or taking your pet out at night, motion lighting will automatically provide light once you move in the motion detector range. You'll save money as a result and get the automatic lighting convenience.

Outdoor Motion Sensor Flood Lights Outdoor Motion Sensor Flood Lights give you many unique benefits: Very Flexible light adjustment and aiming, allowing great light placement control Capable of lighting large areas Typically lower cost than outdoor decorative motion wall lights Many variations of flood light bulbs that can be used based on desired lighting Solar Outdoor Motion Flood Lights save energy and money and allow flexible installation (no wiring!) Easy installation In addition, you get the energy savings, security and convenience of a motion light, as well as many available features such as the Dual Brite feature, Dusk-to-Dawn photocell convenience, and adjustable light timer and detection range.

Outdoor Motion Sensor Decorative Wall Lights Outdoor Motion Sensor Decorative Wall Lanterns give you many unique benefits: Beautiful, versatile styling and design to fit your home decor Replace traditional front and side door non-motion lights, keeping beauty and adding security Provide motion light convenience without the spotlight effect of a Motion Flood Light Leave front door light 'always on' to automatically light when someone approaches after dusk Easy installation The security, convenience and energy savings of motion lights can't be beat. Outdoor Decorative Motion Lights are available with many additional features, including the Dual Brite feature, Dusk-to-Dawn photocell sensor, and adjustable light timer and detection range.

Usually, when you think of outdoor motion detector lights, most people think of outdoor motion sensor wall flood lights.  As you can see also from our large selection of outdoor decorative motion detector lights, you can also get the beauty of a decorative wall fixture for your home and still get the benefits of motion detection lighting.  But one type of outdoor motion light that doesn't get much attention is the outdoor motion detector ceiling light.

There are two general types of outdoor ceiling motion lights -- flush ceiling lights, and hanging ceiling lights.  The typical features you will find with these lights include:

 

Here are some installation tips and guidelines to remember when installing your motion detector light.  Don't worry -- it's not that hard!  Read the instructions that come with your light, because each light is a little different.  Most instructions will provide easy to read, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process.  Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The cover of the outdoor electrical box must be waterproof. Your installation kit should contain a rubber gasket to ensure a good seal to keep moisture out of the box.  Seat the rubber gasket carefully. Also, if your electrical box will be placed up against a rough surface, or if you just want to ensure a good moisture-proof seal, caulk it as well.

   

How and where you place your motion lights will directly effect the security and convenience you get from your lighting.  Before installing (or even purchasing!) your motion lights, make sure to think about your intended use for your lighting, your home layout, and placement of your lights.  One factor will be whether you are using existing non-motion lighting (and simply adding a motion sensor to that existing lighting).  Also, you should consider whether you are using existing light wiring, or are adding new wiring to your desired installation location.  Here are some additional tips to maximize placement of your motion detector light.

Best Convenience

For best convenience out of your motion light, place the motion detection sensor to cover the walks and pathways leading to your front door, your back doors and your driveway.  This will ensure that your motion lights will turn on when you come home at night.  Motion lights also add great convenience to light up patios, decking, stairways, and areas around swimming pools.  Also, consider using motion lights to cover any areas you use at night to take out your pets.

 

This indoor/outdoor battery-powered motion detector light comes with a mounting bracket and screws, allowing you to mount the light virtually anywhere -- closet, pantry, under cabinets, basement, etc.  It's weatherproof, so installing this light outdoors (maybe over a back door exit, or in the garage, or even on the ceiling of a shower) works too.

The sensor works only in the darkness, so the light will not come on during daylight.  Also, the light shuts off automatically when no movement is detected for 30 seconds, making this a great closet or pantry light alternative.  The LEDs are rated to emit 80 lumens of light, giving enough for a small space like a closet, laundry room, etc.

The light uses four C batteries, sold separately, which will provide about a year of typical use.  Click here for more information about this handy light.

With the current state of the economy, there is more concern than ever that burglaries and other household crime will continue to increase.  As a result, it is crucial now more than ever to increase security at and around your home.  While many home security systems and strategies will cost you thousands of dollars of upfront and ongoing cost, there are other supplemental and effective steps you can take now to increase your home security.  One effective measure that is relatively simple, quick and inexpensive to add to your home is to install motion activated lighting to your home and yard.

One of the main reasons that people install motion lighting is to deter the plans of would-be burglars and add safety to their home and home environment.  Other benefits and features of motion lighting include beauty, convenience and energy savings.

 

We have added some great new motion lights from Designers Fountain, including flood, halogen flood, and decorative lantern motion detector lights.  Designers Fountain has been a leader for over a decade of bringing Europe's finest modern lighting fixtures into America.  These lights include outdoor flood lights, outdoor halogen flood lights, and outdoor decorative lanterns, in varying finishes.

Make sure to consider these lights when looking for the perfect motion sensing lights for your home.  Also, with orders over $75 (at the time of this article), these lights qualify for free ground shipping in the 48 continental United States.