Do Porch Lights Have to Be on for a Motion Light to Work?

Switch Option

• The switch to your motion sensored light will need to be kept in the "on" position for your light fixture to be activated. The exception to this configuration is a light switch with a motion sensor pad, which will activate when it senses motion occurring and is often used in an infrequently used space, such as an extra powder room where lighting is often only needed for a few minutes at a time. You can control energy expenditure by ensuring the light is automatically turned off after a preset amount of minutes with no motion sensed. You can use this application outside if you have an outdoor motion sensor light switch, and you place it at the proper height to be activated by movement.

Motion Sensitive Light Fixture

• Commonly motion sensitive light configurations are achieved with a motion sensitive light fixture. These fixtures have a pre-installed motion sensor pad that can detect motion and activate the light. The key to achieving your desired activation is to place the sensor at the appropriate height so that it can be activated from your anticipated location of motion. Objects such as outdoor furniture, a grill or a fence can interfere with the activation of the light.

Light Bulb Adapter

• Almost any light bulb can be turned into a motion sensitive apparatus. By screwing a motion sensing adapter to the bottom of the light bulb and then fastening the adapter into the light socket, you can transform almost any lighting fixture. However, the sensor can also be affected by the lighting fixture itself, with hazy or colored glass offering less sensitivity. To conserve energy with any motion-sensitive porch light, install a lower wattage bulb and set the timer on your fixture to the lowest setting so that the light will only remain on for a short time after being activated.

Alternative

• An alternative to the motion sensitive lighting is the photosensitive lighting fixture. This type of porch light will automatically turn on when the daylight diminishes, usually being activated around dusk, which can provide you with constant lighting at night without requiring the use of motion to activate the light. In this case, your porch light switch will need to remain "on" at all times.