Replacing back garden light - PIR sensor or just normal light?

Yorkie1

My neighbour has a PIR spotlight which points towards the side of my house. At times it goes off unexpectedly and lights my kitchen / hallway. After a few times I got used to it - but consider whether you're likely to annoy neighbours who are in the line of sight.

I also have an outside light (dim) which is only operated by a light switch in the kitchen. There are times when I'm coming home in the dark when it would be useful to be able to see what I'm doing …

So, various considerations for you there!

Bigphil1474

We have a PIR light at the front and another at the back. The back one is great if you nip out in the dark to the shed or to bring the washing in. The front one needs replacing as the sensor is knackered so is currently turned off - that was flashing on and off every 15 seconds. The back one does come on occasionally with larger animals (cats etc.) but we only have woodland at the end of our garden so it doesn't shine onto anyone else's property. I definitely wouldn't go for just a light though as you either have to leave it on all the time, or you are guaranteed it won't be on when you need it most.

bjorn_toby_wilde

PIR lights are great, with the caveat that they need to be set up properly so they are triggered at the right time, aren’t angled to upset neighbours and stay on for the right length of time.

They don’t have to be floodlights that light up the whole county either. There are very attractive PIR outdoor lights with lower output. Shop carefully for the right one.

Another consideration is whether the PIR should be part of the light or separate. We have a light near the front door but the sensor is on a wall to the side. If the sensor was part of the light then it wouldn’t come on until you were almost under it as PIRs aren’t good at picking up objects moving straight towards them.

We have plenty of fox activity in our back garden but they don’t trigger the back door light because they don’t come that close to the house.

twopenny

A lot depends on why you need them.

I had a big floodlight in my last place because of potential intruders but it did cost more to run because as said, it was set off by trees in the wind, cats etc. it did have an on off switch by the door. Tried the shield for the PIR you get with it but that didn't work in the location. A cheap one from Argos the light itself was very good.

I now have ones you switch on when needed to go out - or if you hear noises.

I also used a small pir battery indoor one in the porch over the front door so I could find my keys when getting back at night.

FreeBear

I also have an outside light (dim) which is only operated by a light switch in the kitchen. There are times when I'm coming home in the dark when it would be useful to be able to see what I'm doing …

A smart light switch and an app - use your phone to turn the light on as you get near to home. Or if you have a smart home control system, use geofencing so that the system turns lights on when it detects your phone is in range.

Me, I just stumble around in the dark and curse the gods if/when I fall over something.

nottsphil

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82113772#Comment_82113772

Are his bushes heat emitting?

victor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123669#Comment_82123669

Branches and leaves can set off PIRs when the wind blows them in front of a sensor. They have warmed up in the daylight and have a different temperature to the surrounding air.

Most intruders appreciate the light from a PIR triggered light, as it helps them see whatever they're breaking into. They've got their hoodie on anyway, so that cameras don't catch them!

Altior

The Eufy floodlight cam is absolutely amazing and pretty sophisticated. The features are too many to list. For example, you can set it to only recognise humans. It obviously doubles as security if you want as well, and connected to your WiFi clips can be automatically saved to the cloud, all controlled via the app. Areas can be blocked off digitally, your neighbour's property for example.

GrubbyGirl_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123669#Comment_82123669

I have no idea why they go on and off constantly when it's windy but they do - I'm not making it up, Trust me I'd rather they didn't because they are floodlights and shine directly into my lounge

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123669#Comment_82123669

Are his bushes heat emitting?

Plants can shield objects which are warmer than their surroundings - when the wind blows the plants around the PIR can 'see' the warmer object and potentially (but not always) detect it.