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Professional Guide

Best Motion Sensor Light Bulbs for Home Security: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 18 December 2025

Fumbling for keys in a dark porch or worrying about unlit side alleys is a common frustration for homeowners. Installing professional floodlights often involves drilling through solid brick and chasing wires—hassle that many people, especially renters in Leeds' back-to-backs, want to avoid.

Motion sensor bulbs (PIR) offer a brilliant 'stop-gap' solution. They fit directly into your existing B22 bayonet fittings and provide instant illumination without the need for an electrician to chase wires or install new circuits. However, not all sensor bulbs are created equal; some flicker, some fail after a month, and some trigger constantly.

In this review, I've compared three specific bayonet bulbs available right now: a budget-friendly option for cupboards, a high-output bright white pair for garages, and a clever 'continuous detection' bulb that solves the problem of lights going out whilst you're still in the room.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "PIR Sensor through Glass"

The Theory

"Many people assume motion sensor bulbs work inside any outdoor lantern."

The Reality

PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors detect heat changes. Glass blocks this heat signature. If you put these bulbs inside a closed glass lantern, they will NOT work. You need an open-bottom fitting or a microwave sensor bulb.

The Spec: "Dusk-to-Dawn Function"

The Theory

"The bulb only comes on when it detects movement at night."

The Reality

This relies on a lux sensor. If you install the bulb in a dark hallway or a shadowed recessed porch, it might 'think' it's night-time even at 2pm, activating unnecessarily and wasting electricity.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

5w B22 LED Motion Sensor lights Indoor - Warm White

Budget Pick
5w B22 LED Motion Sensor lights Indoor - Warm White

MSC

This is a straightforward, no-nonsense option for indoor spaces. At 5W, it's not a floodlight, but it provides a gentle warm white glow perfect for reliable navigation in cupboards or under-stairs storage.

Price£7.49 (at the time of writing)
Wattage5W (50W Equivalent)
Colour Temp3000K (Warm White)
The Good
  • Very affordable price point
  • Warm white is easy on the eyes for indoor use
  • Energy efficient (save up to 90% vs incandescent)
The Bad
  • 5W is not bright enough for large outdoor areas
  • Won't work behind glass shields

Installer Tip:

This is perfect for those deep Victorian cupboards or coal cellars where the light switch is in an awkward place. Just remember, it needs to 'see' you, so don't fit it inside a deep shade that blocks the sensor tip.

Priced at £7.49 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Powstro LED Smart Motion Light Bulbs - 12W Cool White (2 Pack)

Quality Pick
Powstro LED Smart Motion Light Bulbs - 12W Cool White (2 Pack)

Powstro

If you need brightness, this is the one. The 12W output is significantly brighter than standard bulbs, and the cool white (6000K) colour temperature is sharp and crisp—ideal for task lighting in garages or deterring intruders in a porch.

Price£13.99 (at the time of writing)
Wattage12W (High Brightness)
Colour Temp6000K (Cool White)
The Good
  • High brightness (12W) improves visibility significantly
  • Cool white light is excellent for security/alertness
  • Fully enclosed lampshade prevents dust/insect accumulation
The Bad
  • The light is very clinical/harsh (not cosy for living areas)
  • Sensor located at the tip requires downward installation for best results

Installer Tip:

I recommend these for garages or side alleys. The cool white light mimics daylight and is much better for spotting trip hazards or discouraging unwanted visitors than warm white alternatives.

Priced at £13.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

HEKEE PIR Motion Sensor Light Bulb 9W B22 - Continuous Detection

Problem-Solving Pick
HEKEE PIR Motion Sensor Light Bulb 9W B22 - Continuous Detection

HEKEE

This bulb solves the biggest annoyance of motion sensors: waving your arms to turn the light back on. The continuous detection technology keeps the light on as long as you are in the area, resetting the timer only after you leave.

Price£12.50 (at the time of writing)
Wattage9W (60W Equivalent)
FeatureContinuous Detection Technology
The Good
  • Continuous detection prevents lights going out whilst you're present
  • Dual probe technology for better sensitivity
  • Quality inspection mode features (lights up initially for checking)
The Bad
  • Cannot be used with sound/light control switches
  • Must be installed downwards for optimal performance

Installer Tip:

This is the best choice for a utility room or a hallway where you might be standing relatively still (e.g., folding laundry). Standard PIRs would time out, but this one is smart enough to keep the lights on until you actually walk away.

Priced at £12.50 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these motion sensor bulbs in any light fitting?
Not exactly. The PIR sensor needs a clear 'line of sight' to detect movement. They work best in open pendants or battens. They will NOT work inside enclosed glass lanterns or thick plastic shades, as the material blocks the heat signature the sensor looks for.
Will these bulbs work outdoors?
The bulbs themselves are generally not waterproof. You can use them in a sheltered outdoor porch if the fitting itself protects the bulb from rain (IP44 rated or higher), but the bottom of the fitting must be open for the sensor to work.
Are these suitable for homes with pets?
PIR sensors can be triggered by pets, especially larger dogs. If you have a cat that wanders the hall at night, expect the light to trigger. For outdoor security, we can install adjustable sensors that ignore smaller animals—something these simple bulbs can't do.
Why does my sensor bulb flash or stay on permanently?
This often happens if the switch is a dimmer switch (these bulbs are non-dimmable) or if there is moisture in the fitting. In older Leeds properties, it can sometimes be a loose neutral connection. If a standard bulb works fine but the sensor one acts up, check the switch type first.
Do I need an electrician to install these?
No, these specific products are plug-and-play replacements for standard B22 bayonet bulbs. However, if you need a proper security light installing high up on a wall where there is no existing wiring, that is a job for a qualified electrician like us at OR Electrics.

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