pir sensor light

[Jupiter01]

I fell for the lure of a Chinese 50 watt LED PIR light for the rear exterior of my house. This is approximately 5 metres high up and covering a garden which is 15 metres long.

it fails to work consistently as the PIR doesn't cover the area properly but has also started flickering. All within 2 months of occasional use!

what do you guys recommend as a suitable replacement?

 

[winston1]

Well for a start take it back. i.e. reject it and get a refund or replacement.

 

[motorbiking]

I'm assuming this was a purchase direct from china. Personally, I'd buy a standalone PIR and then use whatever lights i wanted. As often you don't want the sensor near the light.

 

[Jupiter01]

it's from eBay and the buyer isn't responding. There isn't much that eBay can do apparently.

I think the sensor has to be near the light as else there will be cable trailing across the house.

 

[Jupiter01]

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for this? I'm slightly concerned that its mounted quite high up and I want to ensure that the PIR is effective.

 

[Doggit]

Did you check the PIRs sensing range, as 5m high is pretty unusual. Most work on the basis of you move across their sensors, not towards them. Setting them at about 2.4m hich is fairly common, and they'll then go about 15m along the path, but from 5m high, I'm not surprised at the issues. A UK supplier would have to give a years warranty, but overseas suppliers aren't covered, so if it still doesn't work when you lower it, then bite the bullet, and start agin.

I think the sensor has to be near the light as else there will be cable trailing across the house.

No they don't, unless it's a presonal aesthetics issue. Combined PIR and lights are cheaper, but seperate units will work longer, and be more repairable. If you put the wire in trunking, then there's no problem with it, or you drill it through the wall, take it around to where you want, and then take it back out.

 

[bernardgreen]

Probably the best PIR sensor.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Steinel/ST180.htm

There is no need fro the PIR sensor and lamp to be close to each other. Often the best results are when the sensor and the lamp are separated items.

 

[Jupiter01]

understood guys but I was trying to avoid the need for cable/trunking running along the house. I appreciate that it can be done.

I would prefer a reliable light with attached sensor, if poss

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I fell for the lure of a Chinese 50 watt LED PIR light for the rear exterior of my house.

Be thankful that all it did was to go wrong without injuring anybody. And make a note never to buy anything in that way ever again.

it's from eBay and the buyer isn't responding. There isn't much that eBay can do apparently.

There is.

They can make money by facilitating the transaction between you and the seller of flaky, possibly dangerous and illegal items, and then confirm (as if by doing the facilitating in the first place they had not made it blindingly obvious) that they have nothing but contempt for their customers.

You must not be upset by this - it is the way it should be, I am told, and under no circumstances must any laws be introduced which might hamper eBay's profiteering. JohnW2 might be able to explain it to you - I can't, because I am utterly baffled by such an attitude to safety, trust, morality, decency etc.

what do you guys recommend as a suitable replacement?

Something from a proper manufacturer who actually cares about having good products, and has a supply chain where the end of it is within the jurisdiction of UK courts.

 

[Jupiter01]

thanks for the input guys bit I'm still none the wiser on a combined sensor and light that will meet my requirements. Are we saying that I definitely have to have a separate sensor?

 

[Doggit]

The combined sensors tend to be bulky (obviously) but 2 seperate units will be a lot neater.

http://www.timeguard.com/products/l...360-ceiling-pir-presence-detector-flush-mount
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-fixed...bathroom-downlight-polished-chrome-240v/67764

 

[Jupiter01]

But the neatness needs to be balanced by the trunking I will need to install for the cable between the light and sensor. I hope I am not barking up the wrong tree but I have a light (combined sensor and light) at the front of my house at the same height and it works a treat. However, this is only 22W and I am after something far brighter for the back.

 

[Doggit]

Sorry Jupiter, wrong thread. I was helping someone with a similar problem last night that was using soffits to hide the cabling. Just reread the thread, and I still think you need to drop the pir lower, whichever one you decide to go for, or at least drop the sensor down. As to combined or seperate units, that's purely your choice. As you've already found, cheap isn't always worth it.