Motion Sensor with Floodlight Lamp is Easy DIY Project

Outdoor lighting in your front, back, and side yards is an excellent way to deter burglars.  They prefer to do their work in the dark and shadows, so a well-lit yard can make your house a less appealing target.  However, it's unlikely you want to run your energy bill up by leaving the outdoor lights on all night long (your neighbors may take exception as well if your floodlights are shining into their bedroom window). 

A motion sensor hooked up to the outdoor lights is an easy way to get the best of both worlds.  Not only do lights turn on when anyone with nefarious intent approaches, but they also welcome you home in the evenings, so you don't have to worry about leaving a porch light on and again running up the energy bill.

There are many kits out there that are easy to install, so you don't have to be a home improvement expert to get things up and running.  For example, motion sensor and floodlight combo from X10 is relatively inexpensive and designed for the do-it-yourselfer to handle.

$50 gets you the floodlight kit and sensor, which can also be programmed to turn on up to four other houselights when motion is detected.

Outdoor Motion Monitor with Floodlight

Comments

[Pamela]

Thank you for the info. I think most people neglect the simple things they can do around their homes to make them less attractive to burglars.

[Ace Lamps]

Very useful article, using a sensor is a very good way of saving energy, money and the life of the bulbs. Another way to improve the efficiency is to use energy efficient bulbs. The most efficient types of bulbs at the moment are LED lamps, using very little power.

[Tina]

Great diy tip. A sensor is definitely a good way to be more efficient and is a good place to start when designing a home security system.

Your blog is very informative and provides lots of useful information in an easy to understand manner.

[Justin]

Even a simple web cam can do a good job on recording a burglar, not to mention more expensive security systems. I use web cab that can detect motion. It's amazing how burglars strike whenever they see an opportunity. Now, when the vacation time is coming I took an extra step to make my home, and not only car secure. I have purchased a CD with burglar deterrent sounds, which I play every day in my apartment when I leave it for work. And I will play it non stop when I go on vacation. The sound quality is OK, nothing spectacular, but since you are listening to it through the closed door, it works great.