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I have a new outdoor floodlight that works in test mode. Adjusting the range works. It turns on when you walk in front of it. But as soon as I switch it to 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes... the sensor doesn't work at all. The red light is flashing so I know it's on.

I have tried in bright conditions and in very dark conditions but it doesn't work. I tried in auto mode and manual mode but nothing. The thing is it works in test mode which lasts for 5-10 seconds so I know it's working. What else could I try before returning it?

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2 Answers

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I assume you have turned it off and on to reset it after initial installation. Just return it, there is no reason if it is powered to malfunction other than defective. Good Luck.

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The only other thing would be see if they have a website and if they do check it for troubleshooting. But @shirlock homes is right, it sounds like it is defective so don't through a lot of time at it. – lqlarry Dec 29 '11 at 0:40
Sounds like the light sensor (which keeps it from activating during the day) isn't working, though it could also be the switch or internal electronics. Completely agree, no need to diagnose. Return it and get one that works. – BMitch♦ Dec 29 '11 at 2:56
I have six of these (DESA Specialty Products 5316-A) motion sensors, half on one circuit and half on another. One circuit works fine but the three on the other circuit have exactly the problem described by Jack. It seems unlikely that the three on one circuit would go bad while the ones on the other circuit remain working. Note that these problematic sensors are on a light switch. – rlandster Dec 27 '12 at 4:11
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You guys know that some of these sensors are designed to work on a light switch? You can blink the light switch to override the sensor and keep the light on. then you blink the switch a few times to turn it back to sensor.

I accidentally got hold of one of these, blew my mind troubleshooting. Evidently they called it a 'feature'.

When I wired up mine, I ran parallel the sensor with a light switch. this way either can control the light. Works really well, with no blinking the switch like a chump.

good luck with this one....

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