Faulty security light

JennyW_2

We've got one of the sensor security lamps in the back garden. However Saturday night before I went to bed, I noticed that it hadn't gone off which isn't right as it only comes on for a few seconds, plus it wasn't windy outside (enough to trigger it off). Anyway, It was midnight and I got a ladder to see if it had a manual on/off switch (which it doesn't) - all I could find were buttons for the sensor/timer etc. Now I followed the cable and it runs to some sort of junction box in the garage, along with cables for the lighting/freezer/tumble. However I'm no electrician so therefore wasn't going to open it up. I therefore went to the fusebox and turned off the switch which runs power to the garage. This is fine for the time being, however I could do with restoring power back to the garage but without the light coming on again. Does anyone know if these lights have an on/off switch or another way I could disconnect it? My husband is currently away for another month (not contactable) and my father in law is on holiday. Thank you.

alanobrien

All of those i have seen are switched outside, which when you think about it is a bit daft for a security light i mean an accessible switch at low level you can simply switch off is not very secure !

That said the switches are usually fitted as a seperate unit when the light is installed.

If you have followed the line from the light to the fuse box and cannot see one, its likely there isnt a switch and its controlled via the sensor. If that is the case the controls on the light itself will dictate how long the light comes on for.

You can either fiddle with those or leave the thing off with the fuse removed. The latter sounds easiest and safest if its only short term.

fatblokexl

Good chance the dawn/dusk sensor is faulty. this allows the light to come on when dark and movement is encountered and to stay off during daylight hours (as it is a waste of elec).

make sure the sensor (usually on the back of the sensor ) is not covered by anything.

the only other thing is that most lights are programmable by turning the power on/off in a certain way will tell the light to come on on the sensor or always remain on. if the manual for your light cannot be found, take a look in B&Q for a similar model and read the instruction on how to do this and then give it a try

Mikeyorks

With the mains switch to the garage still off - remove the halogen bulb from the security light. You should just need a screwdriver to loosen the screw at the top of where the glass face is - and that should swing down. But watch that sometimes the glass is loose in the frame - so hold onto it until you're sure.

The halogen bulb is removable by moving it to the left or right (needs a bit of pressure as it's usually a strong spring) until the opposite end is free - then easing it out. BUT - wrap a bit of tissue / cloth around the bulb as you're doing it so as not to contaminate the glass with direct finger contact.

Screw the frame / glass back - and you can power the garage up again until hubby comes home;) (Take it there's no freezer in there!)

ianian99

they normally have a sequence to set the light via the switch. Something like on /off on/off on to set it to work on the pir then off/on etc to switch it on permanent. do you have the original instructions?

JennyW_2

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Re the sensor - I have turned it around to face the wall but the light still remains on so I think the best thing would be is to remove the bulb. Can I just ask though, would the unit remain "safe" with the bulb removed and electricity continuing to feed the unit? I assume it still wouldn't use power?

Mikeyorks

Jenny - yes it's safe - and it will only be using minute amounts of power on the sensor (as obviously it's not now working properlly)

Just make sure the power is off - and the bulb cool as you remove it.

tim_n

& I hope you don't have a freezer in your garage like we do = )