Outdoor Motion Detectors - Which are the Best?

[mollypup]

I've spent too much time this morning sitting here in front of the computer comparing outdoor motion detectors. Solar powered ones sound great except they don't work well if you have a few cloudy days in a row, and you have to be particular to make sure the solar cell gets full sun light.

I found a battery powered one here (Mr. Beams) that has gotten a lot of good reviews:

Amazon.com: Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell - Weatherproof - Battery Operated - 140 Lumens: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Beams-Wireless-Spotlight-Photocell/dp/B002P6EQPW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS?ie=UTF8&colid=FTY8VGUJ7KPZ&coliid=I3UH6A5Y1S4OLK)

but each one takes 3 D -size batteries and it only puts out 140 lumens which is around a 25 watt light bulb.

Also, my house is 100% brick with very little wood trim with which to mount a detector too. I would have to mount it directly into the brick wall which I kind of dread doing.

Are any of you using motion detectors (stupid question lol!) and if so, which ones and how well do you like them?

Thanks for you help in advance!
~molly~

[carly]

How far away from a power source do you need to mount it? That can really affect your options.
Here is a good battery powered alternative with an output of 2030 lumens (about the same as a 100 watt hallogen) that uses 4C batteries:

Shop Utilitech 110-Degree 2-Head LED Motion-Activated Floodlight at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_231039-1390-GU8002-LED-DC_4294798225_4294937087_?productId=3371528&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sale s_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Security%2BLighting_4294798225_42 94937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C% 7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=)

Don't forget that you can put them places other than on the house. A post, well house, or out building are good options. I am gonna order this one for my Dad's house to put on his out building since it has power and it will be easy to hardwire it:

X10 PR511 or PHS01 X10 Motion Detector Floodlights - Smarthome (http://www.smarthome.com/4080XT/X10-PR511-or-PHS01-X10-Motion-Detector-Floodlights/p.aspx)

The one above uses the x10 home automation control system. I like it because you can make it as elaborate or as simple as you like. You can buy an adapter to screw into a light socket inside, and if the motion light is triggered the light inside will come on. I put the x10 security camera system in my Dad's home and have so far been really pleased. It was easy to install and easy for him to use. The motion sensors work really well too.

[mollypup]

Thanks Carly! The Shop Utilitech floodlight looks a lot more like what I want. Something with a powerful light that will upset anybody lurking around. And it flashes too, which will catch the eye faster than just a constant light. I've got to go to Lowes today anyway so I'll definitely be giving these a closer look. Thanks a lot!!! :)

[realist]

I find that the best are those that have the built in phasers that way when the motion detector is tripped then the approaching offender is vaporized. Quick, easy and efficient.

Now if you just want light then I guess it is off to the hardware store. When I buy the light type I always have to see before I buy. I just picked up a nice coach light from Home Depot that works very well. I try to only use wireless but this one is hard wired in.

[Taz Baby]

These work great and are always sold out fast.

Solar Powered Security Light (http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-powered-security-light-93661.html)