northeastgal's Full Review: Heath Zenith 300-Watt Motion-Sensing Twin Security...
While my brother who does electrical work was visiting me, I took advantage and asked him to replace my old backyard light. This was dawn to dusk automatic on/off portfolio chrome light that was ok but dim at night and was not that pretty anymore. Also, since it stayed on for many hours including those dark stormy days, I needed to change the bulb quite frequently. It was a pain to change since I'm short but it was ok for my husband since he was close to 6'. That was the reason I decided to change to this type; Motion Sensing Security Light for $24.97. My brother came with me to Home Depot for some home projects he was helping me with and after looking at some outdoor lights I chose this one. He installed it the next day and I watched but did not help. I noticed he had some difficulty with the center screw but overall he said it was an easy task. He used a portable screwdriver but I would think you can use any regular tools. I would not have attempted to install any electrical lights myself. If you have changed other light fixtures in your home this should be a simple project.
The instruction booklet is simple to follow. The package includes: Plastic Hanger Mounting Bolt 2 Shells Cover Plate Light Control 2 Wire Connectors Mounting Strap 6 Screw (3 sizes include) Gasket 2 Flood Lamps NOT included
~Features ~ I had this light installed on the wall next to my back door but it can also be installed under the eave of the house or in front of your driveway.
This light fixture has all metal housing. There were other fixtures without the lamp shields, but I chose this one with the shells which covers the bulbs and looks nicer. I did notice quite a few types with different features.
The sensor is a about 2" X 3" and rests below the cover plate. Under the sensor are 2 controls for testing and adjustments. The box states it can detect motion up to 7,600 sq. ft. but I have not tested that. The time control is for the light to stay on for 10, 5 and 1 minute. To the right of the switch, it has the test mode which can be difficult adjusting during the day since you can't see the light in daylight. To the right of the time switch is the range control. This is a small circular control for the range of the detector. I would leave this in the middle of MIN (least sensitive) & MAX (most sensitive). The sensor detector can be moved around to suit your needs. The sensor range is up to 70 feet but may vary slightly.
The lights have a thumb screw for adjusting the 180 degree directional lighting. It took some time for me to direct the light to where I wanted it but it was easy turning to adjust the aim and tightening the screw.
They have a phone number in the booklet for any technical assistance with the product. This product comes with a 10 year limited warranty.
This light uses 2 PAR38 medium base halogen or incandescents (no CFL, compact fluorescent light), maximum 120 watts each. I purchased 90 watts halogen flood lamps for 2000 hour life, indoor/outdoor which provides bright, white light. Buying the 2 bulb value pack saved me money but these bulbs are more expensive than regular 60 watt bulbs.
Since this light has an indoor wall swith, I can turn it off for a manual overide on days I don't want the light to be triggered on for reasons unrelated to security conditions.
~Summary ~ I replaced a simple backyard light simply because I did not have enough light by my BBQ grill for those nights the sun sets before dinnertime. I like to use my BBQ all year round and have not been able to do so. Also, I have a deck I use on special events in the center of my yard and could not sit out in the dark with guests during special parties that lasted after dark. This gives me plenty of light for my yard which allows me to do things outside in the dark. I can even rake my leaves in the winter when it gets dark with just a movement of the lights I can light up my whole back yard.
I like that now I don't need to keep my light on all night for security reasons which caused me to frequently change the bulbs that required me to remove the top of my fixture in order to reach inside to replace the bulb. The one bulb really did not give much light away from the back door. Most of my neighbors have these motion security flood lights in their back yards and I'm glad I finally changed mine.
This may not be the best motion security light in the market but it was at the right price, with features I wanted and easy for me to use. With my old light I needed to use a step ladder to change the bulb, had to remove the top screws to remove the top cover and sometimes in the dark I would drop the screws in the process causing me to get frustrated with changing the light bulb. I can now leave the back light on since it will only light when I want it for short periods of time and only when the sensor goes on for a few minutes.
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
Heath Zenith SL-5412-WH Motion Sensor Light Control with Protective Metal Lamp Covers, WhiteHeath Zenith is synonymous with quality, integrity and inn...More at Amazon Marketplace
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