Why won’t my outdoor light switch off?

Question

I have a light in my garden which features a motion sensor to activate it. However, recently, it will turn on and stay on the rest of the night inexplicably. 
Does this sound like a problem with the settings that can be tweaked or that something in the light has broken? 
Ideally I would like to be able to change the setup to make it turn off after a time like previously did.

Nigel · Accepted Answer

sounds like it needs switch turned of for 5 seconds and back on.

Jason · Answer

I suspect that the P.I.R (motion sensor) has been put into floodlight operation, this is usually done by quickly flicking the switch a couple of times. My advice is to turn it off and leave it off for about 5 minutes and then turn it back on.
You might find the light stays on for longer than usual on start up whilst it sets up but after that it should have returned to the normal setting.

Luke · Answer

Being honest after reading Leo's advice follow it. Sound advice by someone with their head screwed on. 

Unfortunately, it is very likely that this is a faulty sensor that you have in the light that’s causing this. 
Often Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors do go faulty as they are made quite cheaply – particularly with outdoor lights where water can get into them. 
Whereas if this was a dusk-til-dawn sensor, this would sound like it is working correctly. Does the light turn off in the daylight? If so, then it may be the type of sensor or perhaps even a mode it is set to. 
It would be advisable to look for yourself and check if there are any settings that could be tweaked like you mentioned. At worst, you’ve taken down a light that couldn’t be fixed anyway, at best, you find you can fix it yourself.

Stephen · Answer

Hi it could be as simple as a wipe over the pir would be worth a quick try.  If that doesn’t help it maybe that the settings are stuck on the light.  Failing that try a new light these are very cheap these days or changing the pir this Will cure your problem.   Thanks Steve

Leo · Answer

Unfortunately, it is very likely that this is a faulty sensor that you have in the light that’s causing this. 
Often Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors do go faulty as they are made quite cheaply – particularly with outdoor lights where water can get into them. 
Whereas if this was a dusk-til-dawn sensor, this would sound like it is working correctly. Does the light turn off in the daylight? If so, then it may be the type of sensor or perhaps even a mode it is set to. 
It would be advisable to look for yourself and check if there are any settings that could be tweaked like you mentioned. At worst, you’ve taken down a light that couldn’t be fixed anyway, at best, you find you can fix it yourself.

Sean · Answer

The sensor is dirty from the winter and needs cleaning. 
All it needs is water and soap.

Why won’t my outdoor light switch off?

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