• Added security comes with motion lighting.door and motion detector image by Larry Roberg from Fotolia.com
  
  Motion lights are used to add lighting to the exterior of your building and turn on when someone approaches. This makes it safer for you when returning home in the dark and also detours robbers. The added lights can also enhance the exterior landscaping of your home and are available in solar designs to save money. When problems arise with motion lights you don't have to turn to an expensive electrician–instead try troubleshooting them on your own.
  
  

No Light

• If the motion lights won't turn on at all check to make sure the light switch is set to the on position. Each individual light will have their own on/off switch. If you are using solar motion lights make sure the lights were fully charged according to the manufacturer instructions before turning the lights on. Also check to ensure your lights do not have a daylight off function which might be running if the lights won't turn on in the daytime–check again in the evening to see if the lights turn on. For electrically wired lights you may need to check the wiring if the lights have never been able to turn on. If the light was running and then stopped running the problem may be as simple as a new light bulb. Cleaning the sensor regularly can help keep it operating properly.
  
  

Lights on All the Time

• Some motion lights have an option to control them manually as well as automatically. If your light remains on during the daytime and at night, check to make sure the control switch is set to automatic mode. Automatic mode allows the light to turn off when there is no movement nearby. Another possibility for a light that is constantly on is the sensor is too near another object–reposition the sensor so it's away from any conflicting objects.
  
  

Flashing Light

• The most common cause for a flashing light is interference with the motion sensor and a heat source. Ensure the motion sensor isn't directly near a heat vent or other heat sources and reposition the light if necessary. Some motion lights come with a metal lamp protector to keep light from leaking through the reflectors, check to see if your lights use this type of protector and install them if they're not attached.
  
  

Mystery Reason Light Turns On

• Small critters are the usual suspect for the motion detector triggering the light when you don't see any reason for the light to be turned on. Reduce the sensitivity and range on the motion detector so it will only turn on when a large object approaches close to the sensor. You can also try repositioning the sensor slightly higher so it will miss small animals on the ground, but be careful not to position it so high that it misses children or adults who may walk by it.