Thanks for the feedback, Chris. I’ve not had quite the same experience, myself, though. I don’t use my PIR lights to startle intruders. They’re primarily used to light the area well, rather than surprise people by coming on suddenly, so I’ve found the combination of PIR and compact fluorescents works well for me. Different strokes, I suppose.

As to the Smartflood PIR combination, if the ‘startle’ effect is not the primary concern, then I’d definitely have to disagree with you ;). I’ve a farmer friend who has these around his cattle sheds and he absolutely swears by them.

For PIR siting I’d entirely agree. For most homes a combination light PIR is good and very convenient to fit. But where you’re trying to light a big area, then siting such a unit high can certainly be a problem, and I’d recommend having separate lights and PIR, with the PIR trigger sited lower down, and well designed tiltable lighting set high - this would be the best combination. This might mean getting an electrician in rather than DIY, but it would in the long run prove the bets bet.

Thanks for the useful feedback, and hope you’ve found the site useful.

The Eyelid probably wouldn't suit this location. The PIR detector is very small and I've found that in enclosed areas it doesn't work as well as I'd like. I'd suggest that you have a look at this one instead . . .

http://tinyurl.com/pqcarj

I've recently fitted one for my wife's workshop and have been very happy with it, and the PIR detector is very good.

Thanks Alister. It's always good to hear about another good supplier. Their eyelid lights look pretty good . .

http://tinyurl.com/co87ff

Confusingly, there are contradicting reports of all-night lighting having either no impact on reducing crime, or actually increasing it.

See the 'Campaign for Dark Skies' site for more info about Lighting and Crime:

http://tinyurl.com/cboyn3 for examples.

Good luck with your lighting, though, and glad you found my site helpful.

Solar powered lights are, in principle, a good idea, as they use renewable power and don't require complex wiring to set up. In addition, because LEDs aren't as bright as conventional bulbs, they don't repeat the mistake made by halogen security lights which are simply far too bright for average domestic use. Instead they provide just as much light as you really need without blinding everyone who lives nearby.

As to this model, it appears as though the light unit itself is not a very good cut-off. That is, if the light is aimed badly much of the light will simply be wasted into the sky. However, if you are careful to aim it downwards then it looks like it'll do the job for you.

If you're trying to light a big area, though, you may be better with 2 or three smaller solar powered lights dotted around the area you want lit. That way all lights can be kept pointed down and you'll still get good lighting. A model I've been looking at recently and hope to review shortly is the Solar Powered Courtesy Light

See: www dot Gizoo dot co dot uk (sorry, but URLs are blocked on the guestbook to prevent spammming)

A friend of mine has bought several of these to put along his home, and seems happy with them. They're not over-bright, and they only switch on when needed. Worth a look.