What are the best options for motion sensor lighting inside and outside my garage?

Motion sensor lighting is one of the most practical upgrades for a garage because it eliminates fumbling for switches with full hands and provides automatic security lighting outside. There are several approaches that work well for Ottawa garages, each suited to different needs and budgets.

For exterior motion lighting, wall-mounted LED flood lights with built-in motion sensors are the most popular choice. A quality dual-head LED motion light from brands like RAB, Lithonia, or Heath Zenith costs $40 to $120 and provides 2,000 to 4,000 lumens of bright white light when triggered. These mount above the garage door, beside entry doors, or at corners of the building and detect motion from 10 to 25 metres away depending on the model. For Ottawa's climate, choose fixtures rated for wet locations and temperatures down to minus 40, which most commercial-grade LED fixtures handle without issue. Cheap imported fixtures sometimes fail in extreme cold because their motion sensors use components that become sluggish below minus 20.

A step up from basic motion floods is an integrated LED wall pack with a photocell and motion sensor. These provide a low-level ambient glow at night via the photocell and ramp up to full brightness on motion. They cost $80 to $200 each and give your garage a more finished look than traditional dual-head floods.

For the garage interior, the simplest approach is replacing your existing light fixtures with LED fixtures that have built-in motion sensors. Several manufacturers make LED shop lights with integrated occupancy sensors for $40 to $80 each. You walk in, the lights come on, and they shut off automatically after 5 to 15 minutes of no movement. This works perfectly for a storage garage where you are in and out quickly and do not want to deal with switches.

If your garage serves as a workshop where you are stationary for long periods, pure motion sensors can be frustrating because they may turn off while you are sitting still at a workbench. In that case, a ceiling-mounted occupancy sensor connected to your existing light switch is a better option. These sensors detect both motion and micro-movements like the rise and fall of your chest while breathing, so they keep lights on as long as someone is in the room. A quality occupancy sensor from Leviton or Lutron costs $30 to $60 and replaces your existing wall switch, making it an easy retrofit.

For a comprehensive setup, many Ottawa homeowners combine approaches. Exterior motion floods on the driveway side and entry door side provide security and convenience. Interior occupancy sensors on the main garage lights handle everyday use. And a manual switch for dedicated task lighting over a workbench gives you direct control where you need it.

Installation costs vary based on whether you are replacing existing fixtures or adding new ones. Swapping an existing exterior light for a motion-sensor model is a direct replacement that most homeowners can do themselves since no new wiring is involved. Adding new exterior fixture locations or wiring interior occupancy sensors into existing circuits typically costs $100 to $250 per location if you hire an electrician. If new wiring is required, an ESA permit applies.

Smart motion sensors that connect to your phone through Wi-Fi or Zigbee are another option, allowing you to adjust sensitivity, timing, and receive alerts when motion is detected. Ring, Wyze, and Philips Hue all offer outdoor motion sensors in the $30 to $80 range that integrate with their respective smart home platforms.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• JC Carpentry
• L.L. Renovation
• Leeds Property Maintenance
• GDS - Garage Doors & Openers Ottawa