Both motion sensors and timers for outdoor lights provide great benefits in terms of energy efficiency and, when paired with LED lights, can have a multiplier effect for making great energy savings. With those benefits so clear we wanted to share the pros and cons of both solutions to provide you with a solid understanding of what might be best for you.
How does Motion Sensor Lighting Work?
Motion sensor lights only illuminate when movement is detected. There are varieties of motion sensor lighting including vacancy sensors (manually turned on) which senses when a room or area is empty before switching off, and occupancy sensors which turn on and off automatically depending on people being in that space. Each variation of motion sensor lighting is effective and provides different options to adhere to various preferences.
Why Choose Motion Sensor Lighting?
The obvious major benefit of motion sensor lighting for the outdoors is their ability to only switch on and use energy when they need to and when someone is using that area. Instead of relying on someone switching off the light when they leave the area, a motion sensor will detect the space being empty and turn the lights off automatically. Whether your motion sensor is occupancy or vacancy. There are big energy savings to be made whilst users also benefit from hands-free functions, with occupancy allowing you to be completely hands-free and vacancy partly hands-free.
Another upside of motion sensor lights is they’re a good deterrent for crime, with intruders being much less likely to continue if lights suddenly detect their movement and turn on to reveal their person.
Are there Any Negatives to Motion Sensor Lights?
Though the benefits of motion sensors far outweigh the drawbacks there are still some to be aware of. With motion sensors you get a lack of control over the light because you don’t get to choose if the lights come on or not. You can just be in the area the lights cover and they will illuminate regardless of whether you need them, and that can be annoying. However, with vacancy motion sensor lights, they need to be manually turned on and only turn off when the area under the light is empty. The other potentially annoying occurrence is the motion sensor turning off when you’re using them because you’ve not moved for a short while.
How do Lighting Timers Work?
How lighting timers work is quite straightforward, operating on a pre-set schedule based on individual preferences or set manually to stay on for a certain length of time. They work well in spaces which aren’t used too often and only for a short amount of time, so may not be the perfect fit for outdoor lighting.
Why Choose Lighting Timers?
The obvious benefits of lighting timers are convenience and energy saving. With the ability to set the light on at a certain time, it ensures less energy is being used to light up an unused space.
Are there Any Negatives to Lighting Timers?
Lighting timers do have some negatives. When up against motion sensor alternatives they’re not quite as efficient, and because they’re set to be on a schedule you may find they’re on even when the area isn’t in use.
This has been a brief overview of motion sensor and light timer solutions, explaining positives and negatives of each to provide a clear picture of what may be best for your outdoor space. We have a full range of motion sensor lights and lighting timers on our website whilst you can contact us if you require more information.