Having automatic outdoor lights can provide safety, security, and convenience for your home. Here are some tips on how to make your existing outdoor lights turn on and off automatically.
Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Lighting
When selecting outdoor lights to automate, opt for energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs are durable, long-lasting, and available in a range of brightness levels. The two main types of outdoor lights that work well for automation are:
Floodlights
Floodlights mounted on your home or pole lights in your yard can effectively illuminate large areas. Choose adjustable floodlights to aim the light where you need it most.
Path Lights
Path lighting placed along walkways, driveways, or steps help guide visitors and enhance safety. Low-voltage path lights are easy to install.
Decide on an Automation Method
There are a few options for automating your outdoor lights:
Photocell Sensors
Photocell sensors detect when it gets dark and turn the lights on automatically. They function via photo resistors that activate the lights at dusk.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors turn lights on when they detect movement within a certain range. They turn off after a set time with no motion detected.
Smart Lighting
Smart bulbs can connect to a home automation system and be controlled remotely via smartphone, voice assistant, or on a set schedule. Smart flood lights are also available.
Timers
Programmable timers allow setting a precise outdoor lighting schedule, such as turning on at night and off at sunrise. Some timers are solar-syncing.
Install the Automation Accessories
Once you’ve chosen automation accessories compatible with your lighting, it’s time to install them:
- Carefully review the product instructions for each automation device. Pay attention to any app setup or wiring instructions.
- For photocell sensors and timers, connect the wires to the outdoor lights as directed. Ensure the photocell sensor is placed properly.
- With motion sensors, determine the best positioning to effectively detect motion in the desired area. Adjust the sensitivity as needed.
- For smart lighting, follow the manufacturer’s app setup then connect the bulbs or floodlights to your home WiFi.
- Set schedules, modes, and settings in each device’s app or interface for the desired functionality.
Choose Placement Strategically
Proper placement is key to maximizing your outdoor lighting automation:
- Install floodlights angled to brightly illuminate key areas like doorways without glaring into windows.
- Put path lighting along routes used for entering the home, walking pets, accessing sheds or garages, etc.
- Position motion sensors to cover the main zones of activity around your home and yard while avoiding excessive false triggers.
- Photocell sensors should be positioned away from other external light sources which could interfere with automated activation.
Consider Pairing Automated Lights
To enhance outdoor coverage, consider pairing multiple automated light types:
- Combine smart floodlights covering key areas with path lights along high traffic routes for complete coverage.
- Use motion sensors for high security zones like side yards and driveways along with photocell-automated path lighting for general illumination.
- Place automated floodlights and path lighting to light up your yard while using motion sensors exclusively for darker sides and back areas of your home for optimal security.
Enjoy the Benefits
Automating your outdoor lights provides:
- Convenience: Lights turn on and off precisely when needed without flipping manual switches.
- Security: Motion-activated lighting deters intruders and lights up activity areas.
- Safety: Path lighting guides visitors and aids navigation at night. Floodlights illuminate hazards.
- Energy Savings: Lights only turn on when required versus staying on all night unnecessarily.
With strategic setup using the automation method best suited for your needs, you can enjoy these benefits and custom control over your outdoor lighting. Automated lights paired with smart home technology provide optimal illumination, security, and convenience for your exterior spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Outdoor Lights Automatic
Making outdoor lights automatic can seem complicated but these FAQs will help simplify the process:
How do I convert regular outdoor lights to automatic?
There are a few easy ways to automate existing outdoor lights:
- Install smart bulbs to integrate lights into an automated smart home system.
- Add plug-in timers, motion sensors, or photocell sensors. Follow instructions to wire them to outdoor lights.
- For hardwired fixtures, hire an electrician to integrate wiring for automation accessories.
What are the best automatic outdoor lights?
The best options are LED smart bulbs, plug-in smart floodlights, motion activated floodlights, and solar path lights with built-in sensors. Choose weather-resistant fixtures.
Where should motion sensor lights be placed?
Position motion sensors to cover key zones like entryways, driveways, and side yards without excessive false triggers. Avoid aiming them at busy streets or neighboring homes.
How do I set timers for outdoor lights?
Check the timer’s instructions for programming. Set the on time for dusk and off time for dawn for all-night coverage. Or schedule specific on/off times if motion sensors also provide some coverage.
Can outdoor string lights be automated?
Plug-in string lights work well with smart plugs. These allow them to integrate with smart home systems and turn on and off automatically via app, voice, or schedule.
Automating your outdoor lights is easy and affordable. The right lighting accessories and placement will provide maximum security, visibility, and convenience through automated control.
Conclusion
Automating your outdoor lighting delivers many benefits for home safety, security, and convenience. Strategically installing and pairing smart bulbs, motion sensors, timers, and photocell sensors allows customized control over your exterior illumination. With proper placement to avoid false triggers and glare, automated lights provide peace of mind by lighting up your outdoor areas precisely when and where needed. The hands-free nature of automated lighting saves time and energy while enhancing your home’s ambiance after dark.