Motion-activated lights deter intruders, light your way with your hands full, and save energy by only running when needed. Placement and adjustment make them effective rather than annoying.
Where to place them
Cover entry points, dark walkways, the driveway, and gates — anywhere you want to see or be alerted to movement. Mount them high enough to cover a wide area but angled to catch the path of approach, not just straight down.
Adjust sensitivity and timing
Most sensors let you set how far and sensitive the detection is and how long the light stays on. Tune them so passing cars or swaying branches don't trigger them constantly, while still catching someone approaching. A short on-time saves energy; a longer one is more convenient.
Options
Battery and solar motion lights need no wiring and are easy DIY for sheds and far corners. Hardwired fixtures are brighter and reliable but replacing or adding one is electrical work — straightforward to swap an existing fixture, but new wiring needs an electrician.