Outdor Pir Light Problems - Please Help

[Jcp91]

Hi

For the past year I have had a PIR sensor lantern outside my house which has worked without problems. It is the hi-lo sensor so it basically comes on automatically at dusk and stays on Low...when it detects movement it goes brighter and then back to Low again when the movement has gone. When its morning again, the light turns completly off - Sounds great !

However, last week it stopped working and i realised the bulb had gone so i changed it. However, now its just PERMENANTLY STAYING ON at full brightness. So my view is that its ignoring the sensor which tells it that its day/night or there is movement or not.....

Anyone had similar problems with this - please help

 

[Chri5]

Most units, when turned on-off-on within 4 seconds (or so) then switch to always on (it's used when you want perm light in the evening, say a BBQ if the light was fitted near a patio area).

Have you tried turning off, counting 20 and then turning it on. In daylight this should then mean the unit is in standby awaiting night fall.

If you get that far and want to test for night, cover the sensor with a rag to see if it activates.

 

[Jcp91]

Hi Thanks for your reply

Yes I have counted to 100 and turned the light on but it just stays ON even in daylight!

 

[Steve]

The bulb blowing has caused a surge through the PCB of the sensor.

You need a new light.

Buy something CFL, and it'll cost you less than leaving the light on "low" all night.

11 watts for a CFL, 20 watts for a 60w light on "low" - seriously, the dimming and power consumed isnt proportional.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

20 watts for a 60w light on "low".

You'll be lucky.

At 33% the output would be so low as to be pointless.

I'd not be surprised if "low" was over 50% power consumption.

 

[Jcp91]

Ok Thanks

Whats PCB mean ?

 

[securespark]

Printed
Circuit
Board

The electronic guts running the fitting.