Motion sensor light in Exeter
Professional motion sensor light services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-135
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Automatic PIR security light fitted and configured. Light comes on when you approach, turns off when you don't need it. Simple, effective, energy-efficient.
Never Fumble For Keys In The Dark Again
Coming home at night, arms full of shopping, trying to find the keyhole? That's what motion sensor lights are for. Light when you need it, dark when you don't.
Plus anyone prowling around gets instantly lit up - brilliant deterrent.
💡 Pro tip: LED sensor lights use about 90% less power than old halogen ones. They pay for themselves in energy savings within a year or two.
Done Right vs DIY Disaster
| ✅ Properly Installed | ❌ Common Mistakes |
|---|---|
| Aimed to cover approach path | Pointed wrong way, doesn't see you coming |
| Sensitivity adjusted for location | Goes off constantly or never triggers |
| Wiring protected and secure | Cables exposed to weather |
| Set to sensible duration | Either too short (annoying) or too long (wasteful) |
What's Included
🔧 Complete Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Find best mounting point for coverage |
| Wiring | Connect to power supply safely and neatly |
| Mount | Secure light firmly to wall |
| Configure | Adjust detection angle, sensitivity, duration |
| Test | Walk test to ensure it triggers properly |
📦 You Get
- Light positioned for maximum coverage
- Properly wired and weatherproofed
- Adjusted to your preference
- Tested and working
Pricing
| Job Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Replace existing light | 1-1.5 hrs | £85 |
| New installation (cable exists) | 1.5-2 hrs | £110 |
| New installation (run new cable) | 2-2.5 hrs | £135 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Light itself £30-70 depending on spec and brightness.
⚠️ Note: If running new cables involves major work, this becomes an electrical project needing proper certification - I'll quote separately for that.
Perfect Locations
✅ Back door - light up the path from the gate
✅ Side gate - deter people trying access
✅ Garage - hands-free light when unloading
✅ Driveway - see visitors approaching
Why Choose Us for Motion sensor light in Exeter?
Light when you need it, dark when you don't
Deters potential intruders
No fumbling for switches at night
Adjustable sensitivity and timing
What to Expect
Step 1: Survey & Plan
I check the best mounting position, confirm the cable run, discuss what area you want covered and how sensitive you want it.
Step 2: Mount & Wire
Light goes up securely, wired properly with weatherproof connections. If replacing an old light, it's a straight swap.
Step 3: Configure & Test
Adjust the detection angle, sensitivity, and timer. Then we do walk tests from different angles until it works how you want.
🔧 DIY Tips
This involves electrical work - only attempt if you're confident working with mains power. Here's what's involved:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdrive rs
- Drill and appropriate wall plugs
- Wire strippers
- Insulation tape
- Voltage tester (essential!)
- Weatherproof junction box if needed
📐 Installation steps
- Turn off power at consumer unit
- Test cables are dead with voltage tester
- Mark mounting position (consider detection pattern)
- Drill and plug wall
- Connect wiring (usually L, N, E - but check instructions)
- Secure light to wall
- Restore power and test
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not turning power off (seriously, don't)
- Wrong height - too low and it's ineffective
- Pointed at road - constantly triggering from passing cars
- Junction box not weatherproof - corrodes within months
- Over-tightening cables in terminal - damages insulation
💡 Pro trick: Aim the sensor head slightly downward toward where people walk, not horizontal. And remember the sensor detects across its field of view best - walking parallel to it triggers more reliably than walking straight toward it.
🚨 Safety Warning This is mains electricity outdoors. If you're not 100% confident, get an electrician. Outdoor wiring needs proper IP-rated fittings and correct cable protection. Done wrong, it's a fire/electrocution risk.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 LED vs Halogen: Always go LED now. Similar brightness, fraction of the running cost, lasts 10x longer. No-brainer.
Two-head vs one? Dual-head lights let you point the light different directions from the sensor. Useful if you want to light a wide area. Most people are fine with single-head though.
Dusk sensor matters. Check the light has one - you don't want it triggering in daylight. Sounds obvious but cheap ones don't always have this.
Override switch inside. Some lights can be wired with an inside switch to force them on/off regardless of motion. Useful for parties or working outside at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I put a motion sensor light?
Above or near doors you use in the dark - back door, side gate, garage. Aimed to cover the approach path, not just right by the door. Height matters too - 2-3m up works well. I'll recommend the best position when I see your setup.
Will it come on every time a cat walks past?
Modern PIR sensors are adjustable for sensitivity and detection range. We set it up so it picks up people-sized movement but not small animals. Takes a bit of tuning but they work well once configured properly.
Do I need to provide the light?
Either way. If you've bought one, great - bring it in its box. If not, I can recommend a good quality LED sensor light (budget £30-70) and grab one from the merchant. LED saves a fortune vs halogen on running costs.
Can you replace my existing light with a sensor one?
Usually yes - I just swap it over on the same cable. Sometimes the old backbox needs updating if it's ancient. Either way, straightforward job as the cable's already there.
How long does the light stay on?
Adjustable - usually from 5 seconds to 5 minutes. Most people set it around 1-2 minutes. Long enough to get in the door, short enough not to annoy you when you're trying to sleep!
Motion sensor light Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your motion sensor light job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Motion sensor light in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your motion sensor light job in Exeter today.