Introduction
If you live close to neighbors, their security lights can cause your PIR sensors to false-trigger. The lights themselves emit IR, and they also illuminate areas that your sensor sees.
How Neighbor’s Lights Cause False Triggers
Direct IR from the Light Source
Halogen and incandescent lights emit significant infrared. When the light turns on, your sensor sees a sudden IR increase.
Illumination of Warm Objects
When the neighbor’s light turns on, it illuminates objects that may warm slightly, creating moving IR patterns.
Stray Light
Light shining into your sensor’s lens can create thermal gradients on the lens itself.
Symptoms
- Your sensor triggers whenever neighbor’s security light turns on
- Triggers at night, correlated with neighbor’s activity
Solutions
Reposition Your Sensor
Aim your sensor away from the neighbor’s property. Use walls or fences to block the view.
Use a Different Lens
A curtain lens with narrower field can help you avoid seeing neighbor’s lights.
Add Shielding
Add a physical shield or hood that blocks light from the neighbor’s direction.
Talk to Your Neighbor
Explain the issue. They might adjust the aim of their lights or switch to LEDs (which emit less IR).
Conclusion
Neighbor’s lights are a common source of false triggers. Physical shielding and repositioning are the most effective solutions.