SUPPORT & DELIVERY · BUYER GUIDE
Why Won’t My Sensor Light Turn On? A Dealer’s Guide
“I switched it on, but it went dark. Is the light faulty?” Before arranging a return, show the customer what makes their sensor light turn on. A simple demonstration at the point of sale can explain more than a long troubleshooting sheet.
First, explain which sensor the customer is buying
“Sensor light” can mean different things. A dusk-to-dawn control responds to ambient light. PIR and Radar detect movement; they can also be combined with a light-level control so the lamp operates only when it is dark enough.
| Type | Simple explanation | Does someone need to move? |
|---|---|---|
| Dusk-to-dawn | A light sensor switches the lamp according to surrounding brightness. | No. In automatic mode, darkness enables the light. |
| PIR | Passive infrared sensing detects changes in thermal radiation as a person moves through its detection area. | Yes, for the motion-triggered mode. A night setting also requires low ambient light. |
| Radar / microwave | An active sensor uses emitted electromagnetic waves and their reflections to detect movement. | Yes, for motion-triggered operation. Whether darkness is also required depends on its light-control settings. |
The key distinction is light level versus movement. Night-only operation is a control setting, not the definition of PIR or Radar technology. Technical background: PIR and high-frequency sensing.
Why a daytime test can cause confusion
An installer reported that six new dusk-to-dawn lights briefly lit and then switched off. The follow-up confirmed that all six worked at night. The customer had not yet seen the lights under the conditions that enabled them. Read the original question and outcome.
That does not make every startup flash normal. It means the dealer should explain the expected trigger before using a daytime observation to decide whether there is a fault.
Show the two trigger sequences side by side
Dusk-to-dawn: Power on + dark enough → light on. No person needs to pass.
PIR in night mode: Power on + dark enough + movement detected → light on.
For the PIR example, use PW050-SEN / GD-PW050 with PIR sensor. Its product view lets the dealer point out the sensor on the front of the base. The dusk-to-dawn sequence describes a separate control type, not another confirmed mode of this same model.
Open the box and demonstrate it before the customer leaves
Invite the customer to watch a short demonstration. A trained staff member should prepare the fitting on a secure, enclosed demonstration supply with the correct lamp installed. Make connections with power isolated; do not improvise exposed wiring at the sales counter.
- Identify the version. Show the model, sensor and selected operating mode, and allow any startup period required by its instructions.
- Create the right light conditions. Use a darkened demonstration area. For dusk-to-dawn operation, observe the lamp turn on after the specified response delay.
- Add movement for PIR. In the selected night mode, walk through the detection area. Darkness alone is not the complete trigger.
- Show how it switches off. Move out of the detection area and wait for the configured hold time. For dusk-to-dawn control, restore bright conditions and observe the response.
- Let the customer repeat the demonstration. Hand over the matching instructions and explain the settings used.
This confirms the switching behaviour observed during the demonstration and helps the customer recognise normal operation at home. If the expected response does not occur, check the setup and ask technical support to assess it before handing over the unit.
Give the customer an explanation they can keep
Use the trigger diagram as a small handover card, or record the same sequence as a short video showing the actual sample, ambient conditions and person walking into range. Keep any waiting period identifiable. The customer should be able to see why the light comes on, not just a close-up of a glowing lamp.
For an importer, a clear product image, a trigger diagram and a model-specific demonstration guide make a useful dealer support pack. Confirm the supplied settings and timings for each version so the explanation follows the product all the way to its end user.