Outdoor lighting fixtures that are actuated by motion have a number of advantages. First, motion sensors that are integrated into or added to outdoor lighting can simplify your life. If you've ever fumbled in the dark for the appropriate key while holding an armful of groceries, possibly even a wailing infant, and doing it all while balanced. Troublesome, especially if you live on a street without street lights, is returning home to a dark front porch.
Home security is an advantage of a motion actuated light that is more significant. According to Ackerman Security, conspicuous security signs are among the top 10 burglar deterrents, along with cameras and other monitoring equipment.1 Additionally, according to US News and World Report, motion sensors are essential for keeping out prospective intruders.2 It's wonderful if you have an exterior camera setup. However, if it doesn't have night vision, you won't get much use out of it at night. Additionally, the yard sign for your security system isn't doing much help if it's hidden by shrubs in the dark. A motion-activated light may discourage burglars on its own, support exterior cameras, and even illuminate your security sign in addition to acting as a standalone burglar deterrent.
Of course, you could just keep your exterior lights on while you're away from the house, but doing so would be expensive (a 150-watt outdoor flood light running for 8 hours would cost you around $52 a year3). Additionally, you would add to the troublesome problem of light pollution, which keeps so many residents of cities and suburbs from truly seeing the stars at night.
