Motion Sensor Lights Cost

How Much Do Motion Sensor Lights Cost?

Low: Starts $15-$70

Medium: $60-$450 Installed

Home Security

Adding an Electrical Outlet

>> All Articles for Home & Garden

Motion sensor lights are activated by motion and can cast either a focused beam or a bright floodlight. Motion sensor lights are typically installed as security lighting in outdoor areas, at entryways or in garages, laundry rooms, storage sheds or other areas where you don't want to have to fumble for a light switch.

Typical costs:

Prices run about $15 -$70 starting with a basic two-blub floodlight and going up to a more stylish porch light fixture, but can be $75 -$200 or more a fancier outdoor fixture. Options can include solar power, dusk-to-dawn operation, a floodlight arc up to 240 degrees, remote control, or a remote sensor (detached from the light source).
Depending on the complexity of the fixture, installation can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes to a couple of hours per light if new electrical wiring is required. Most motion sensor lights are designed to be a fairly basic do-it-yourself installation project, but you can hire a handyman for anywhere from about $30 -$250 in labor costs depending on the time involved, the hourly rate and the minimum per-visit charge.
Motion sensor lights may be included as part of a professionally installed home security system.

What should be included:

A motion detection sensor is a fairly simple device that scans the infrared spectrum of light and picks up heat waves from moving objects. Once they detect something moving in the area, most motions sensor lights let you adjust how long they stay on (1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.). A good outdoor motion sensor detector has a field of vision of at least 180 degrees and for at least 75 feet. Reader's Digest provides an overview.
Installation can be relatively simple, requiring just a screwdriver, hammer and circuit tester. DIYNetwork.com explaisn how to install a simple motion-sensing light switch and Lowes gives more detailed installation instructions for a basic two-bulb motion-detection floodlight.
Installation can also be more complicated, requiring new wiring and possibly a permit and inspection by the local building department. Family Handyman Magazine describes the steps for adding new wiring for a motion sensor light.

Shopping for motion sensor lights:

Install motion sensor lights about 6-10 feet above the ground, aimed so that any movement naturally occurs in the middle of the sensor's active scanning area. The Reader's Digest overview includes diagrams showing the best positions for installing outdoor motion sensor lights.

Article updated January 2009