Problems With the RAB Stealth 110 Motion Light

Motion-detector lighting systems are often overshadowed by locks and security alarm systems with respect to home safety. Motion-detector lighting systems are based on the premise that criminals will stay away from lit areas to avoid being seen. The Stealth 110 system, manufactured by RAB, features a pair of 150-watt lights and a maximum coverage area of 110 degrees. Although the system is user-friendly, problems can occur. Most problems, however, are straightforward and easy to resolve.

If the lights will not turn off, they may have inadvertently been switched to manual override mode. In the manual override mode, the lights will stay lit regardless of whether the sensor detects movement. Turn the power switch to "OFF" and allow at least 10 seconds to pass. Then turn the power back on and wait for approximately five minutes. The system will automatically switch to the automatic mode.

If the lights still do not turn off, the sensor on the bottom of the front of the light assembly may be pointed at an object that frequently moves, such as a branch or the fan blades of an air conditioning compressor. Note also that the system will turn the lights on if the sensor detects temperature changes, so make sure that the sensor does not point to a window with an exposed heating or air conditioning unit. The sensor may also trigger the lights if the light assembly is attached to something that moves, such as a tree.

If the lights do not turn on, make sure that the power switch is flipped to the "ON" position and allow at least five minutes to pass for the system to automatically switch to automatic mode. The problem may also be a sensor adjustment problem. Locate the sensor sensitivity knob on the control panel and wait until the time you would like the lights to illuminate, such as dusk. The sensor sensitivity knob is the knob on the far left of the three control knobs. Rotate the sensor control knob in a counterclockwise direction only until the lights illuminate. Also check the position of the sensor, as it may be facing a light source such as a neighbor's porch light or a streetlight. Position the sensor away from that light source.

If the sensor was mounted above the lights, the heat radiating from lights may be triggering the sensor to turn them on. Position the sensor below the lights. If the lights attract flying insects, the insects may also be triggering the lights. Reducing the sensor's sensitivity should solve this problem. The sensor sensitivity knob is knob on the far left of the three control knobs located on the control panel. Turn the knob in a counterclockwise direction to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor. If you installed the system yourself, you should also check whether the wiring was installed in a dedicated circuit. If you had a professional install the system, contact the professional to check the wiring. The system could be overloading if not installed in a dedicated circuit.

Whereas some of the other problems were caused by a foreign light source reaching the sensor, this problem may be caused by the system's own lights. The lights may be shining off a reflective surface and bouncing back to the sensor. The sensor may be mistaking the systems lights for sunlight and turning the system's lights off. Try adjusting the photocell control knob first. The photocell control knob is the middle of the three knobs located on the control panel. Turn the control knob in a counterclockwise direction in small increments until the system works properly. Moving the sensor away from the reflective surface can also solve the problem.