Outside PIR lights will not turn off.

[danno707]

My outside PIR wall lights will not shut off.
They are connected via a switch (to turn on manually when sitting in garden) and then to the consumer unit.
I have tried various ways of resetting them :
On/off 4 times then leave for 30 sec, then on again.
Left off overnight via breaker.
Left off for 1 hour via breaker.
replaced both bulbs, not difference.

One pir has a small crack and a piece of the lens missing (I have taped over this damage, approx 90% of lens is uncovered.

Anyone have any ideas what else I can do ?
I thought they'd just need resetting.

Thanks in advance.

 

[EFLImpudence]

New PIR.

 

[danno707]

ty.
Not sure if the PIR is repairable.

Any other ideas I can try 1st please ?

 

[terryplumb]

Does each light fitting have its own PIR ,built into the fitting ?

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Your switch- does it switch the lights off or is it a choice between PIR and always on? If the latter then the switch might have failed (unlikely and usually you can feel the difference in the switch action). You'll need a mutimeter and some electrical knowledge to determine the fault for certain

 

[danno707]

Terryplumb, Yes they do. These are the lights I have.

Oldbutnotdead, yes the switch does give me the option to go between PIR and always on? The switch itself feel fine, it is not used very much and it was installed only 4yrs ago.

 

[terryplumb]

It's unlikely that both pir's have failed, more likely the switch. Isolate the circuit at the consumer unit ( or fuseboard) undo the switch and post pics of the wiring / terminals of the switch.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

If each light has a separate PIR and all are misbehaving, then the fault is common to all of them and probably the switch.

If the lights share the same PIR, then the possibility is that the relay in the PIR has had its contacts weld up. It might be possible to free it up, by turning the power off and giving the PIR a sharp tap with a screwdriver. If they have welded up once, chances are that it will happen again.

 

[bernardgreen]

It's unlikely that both pir's have failed

If the Switched Lives from the two PIRs are connected in parallel ( either PIR turns both lights on ) then only one PIR has to fail for the lights to be permanently ON.

Personally I would replace the PIRs with a separate PIR as the PIR in the lamp is unlikely to be repairable or replaceable.

Not cheap but very good build quality and reliable https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/STIS180B.html

 

[terryplumb]

If they are wired in parallel ,that's also a possibility ,but before following your suggestion of investing in more kit ,it would make sense to rule out the switch is not providing a permanent live.

 

[danno707]

Hello all.
Thank you for all the replies.
My lights were installed by a qualified electrician when my extension was erected. Here is a picture of the switch wiring, which ive never touched since the install and has worked fine for 4 years.

also here is the picture of the damaged PIR on one of the lights.(the tape is to stop water coming in)


Silly Q. If I replaced the Lens on the damaged pir, would this cure it or do I need to replace the light itself, as a replacement PIR is hard to find.

Thanks again.

 

[terryplumb]

Turn off the power to the circuit at the MCB. Remove the single cable from the switch ( the one that is in a terminal on its own )and put it into an insulated terminal block . Turn on the power at the MCB. If the lights now go off ,but will operate as usual by the PIR's ,then the switch is duff. If they come on and stay on then it's a PIR issue.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Silly Q. If I replaced the Lens on the damaged pir, would this cure it or do I need to replace the light itself, as a replacement PIR is hard to find.

The lens to match might be impossible to find as a part, best you could hope for is oe in another light to use for the part. If moisture has got in, it is generally scrap anyway.

 

[333rocky333]

if either side of a doorway, run off just 1 pir, disconnect the suspect pir

 

[75pete]

Some will keep the lights ON if you switch the power off and ON within 3seconds. Try switching the power off and leave it off for say 10seconds .