security light wiring issue?

[diy_fun_uk]

when i moved into my house 3-4 years back the outside security light (halogen with pir sensor) didn't come on and i just figured the bulb was blown. recently i found the inside switch for it (don't ask!), turned it on and it worked. however i think i know why the previous owner maybe left it turned off.

when it senses movement in dusk/night it duly comes on, stays on for x mins then goes off. so what's the problem you ask? 10 secs or so after it goes off it comes back on, then off x mins later, then on etc. it repeats this for a good 1/2 hour before it eventually stays off.

i know it's not something triggering it so what's wrong? the wiring? circuitry? the pir?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

It would be difficult to say without seeing it in real life, but the first thing would be to check for loose connection at the switch, light fitting and any associated junctions and terminals.
Once you are sure they contacted correctly and the problems still occurs check that the lamp is making good contact within it's holder if okay, then it is very likely the PIR is knacked!

 

[winston1]

Foliage or something else near it can cause these exact symptoms.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

thanks all. it's not foliage or anything like that. i've had that in a previous house and there's nothing close by to trigger it in that way. plus it can stay off all evening then i go out and trigger it, then it starts its little light shot for the same duration before stopping.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I would be 90% sure it is the sensor that is faulty but would check for loose connection first before replacing.