Replacing back garden light - PIR sensor or just normal light?

[Jenhouse]

Hi everyone,

We're looking to get our old back garden floodlight replaced, and we're trying to decide whether to get one with a built-in PIR motion sensor or just a standard switch-operated light.

The sensor does sound like a good option, but does it get triggered by anything like animals or wind, and does it end up being annoying?

Also, as we are getting an electrician to replace it, are the PIR lights usually much more expensive for them to supply and fit compared to a standard one?

Do you want to sit out with light son or just have light when popping out to the bin? Decide on the switching mechanism based on your use.

Sensor light every time. You can override the setting if you want it on whilst sitting outside.

Do you have someone living at the back of your garden? I mention this because you need to position a 'static' light so that it lights your garden but not theirs. Not so much an issue with a sensor light perhaps but still worth bearing in mind.

Sensor operated coach light by the back door as I park my car at the back and use the back gate to access the house, next door's cat does trip it occasionally but it's not a problem because it's not a massive floodlight. I've got a switched light by the front door as it would be triggered by anybody walking past, in any case there are streetlights at the front.

PIR lights are good as you don't have to switch them on and off. Ours do get triggered by foxes etc, and sometimes by trees moving in wind. I don't recall them being very expensive.

Our neighbour has installed a sensor light at the back of our house.
Every bird and tree branch blowing sets it off.
It's not pointed at our house but it illuminates the whole garden and was waking me through the night lighting my whole bedroom up.
I've had to install black out blinds.

Can't help feeling sorry for the nocturnal wildlife.

The cost difference between PIR & non-PIR is minimal, around £10-20.
The PIR sensor is adjustable for sensitivity, time, light level, range etc so don't think it has to remain on the default, as installed settings.
Look at Screwfix for an idea of availablity & cost.

We have pir security lights around the house and yes, animals trigger them. But so would unwanted people! They are separate from the garden lighting which is via house mounted lights and patio mounted lights. I’d never have a flood light! Too glaring.

I’d probably go for a PIR one, especially since it's a back garden. They’re handy when you actually need the light and you don't have to remember to switch it off.
Also yes, they can get triggered by cats or other animals but it depends on the sensor and its position. A decent PIR doesn't constantly go off because of wind, and normally you can adjust the sensitivity and detection area as well. You can also get a rough idea of the overall look and placement in programs like Gardenbox 3d before buying.
As for the cost, I wouldn't expect a huge difference for the electrician to fit one, though the fitting process can be more or less complicated depending on access and wiring. Not sure it'll affect the price a lot but it's probably worth asking them to price both options while they’re there.

Probably moving branches is the thing that most triggers mine.

I guess the issues on annoyance is who it is annoying. It may not annoy you but may annoy the neighbours.

The thing with my PIR is it doesn't have an on off switch. I would like a switch that can change it between PIR switched on, permanently on and permanently off. Maybe I'll look into doing it.