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Smart Security & Motion Sensor Lighting in Miami | Solomon Electric
Smart Home & Security

Smart Security & Motion Sensor Lighting in Miami | Solomon Electric

April 4, 2024
6 min read
Solomon Electric Team

Light Up. Automatically. Intelligently.

You pull into your driveway at night. Before you even open the car door, your pathway lights illuminate, garage floods on, and entry lights welcome you home.

You’re not flipping switches. You’re not fumbling in the dark. Smart lighting does it automatically.

Modern security and sensor lighting protects your home, saves energy, and adds convenience. Here’s how to design and install intelligent lighting systems for South Florida homes.


⚡ Quick Answers: Smart Lighting FAQ

Are motion sensor lights worth it?

Absolutely, especially in Miami. Benefits:

  • Security: Deter intruders with automatic illumination
  • Convenience: Never fumble for light switches with arms full
  • Energy savings: Lights only on when needed (60-80% energy reduction)
  • Safety: Illuminate pathways, steps, entries automatically

Motion sensors pay for themselves through energy savings in 1-2 years.

Where should I install motion sensor lights?

Essential locations:

  • Front entry/porch
  • Garage door and driveway
  • Side gates and walkways
  • Backyard access points
  • Pool deck entrances
  • Trash/utility areas

Interior locations:

  • Bathrooms (occupancy sensors)
  • Closets and pantries
  • Laundry rooms
  • Garages (interior sensors)
  • Stairways

Do smart lights need special wiring?

Depends on the system:

  • Smart bulbs: Use existing wiring, control via phone
  • Smart switches: Replace standard switches, require neutral wire
  • Hardwired sensors: Professional installation, proper circuit wiring

We install all types and recommend solutions based on your needs.


Types of Smart Security Lighting

Motion-Activated Flood Lights

Outdoor security staple:

  • Detect motion up to 70 feet away
  • 180-360 degree detection zones
  • Adjustable sensitivity and duration
  • LED for energy efficiency (10-40 watts)

Installation requirements:

  • Weather-resistant junction boxes
  • GFCI protection
  • Proper mounting height (8-10 feet optimal)
  • Aimed away from false trigger sources

Dusk-to-Dawn Security Lights

Photocell-controlled lighting:

  • Automatically on at sunset
  • Off at sunrise
  • No manual switching needed
  • Perfect for perimeter/always-on security

Common applications:

  • Entry lights
  • Driveway lights
  • Perimeter lighting
  • Decorative landscape lighting

Smart Flood Lights with Cameras

Integrated security systems:

  • Motion-activated lights + HD cameras
  • Phone notifications when triggered
  • Two-way audio communication
  • Cloud recording

Brands we install: Ring, Arlo, Eufy, Nest

Pathway & Step Lighting

Low-voltage landscape lighting:

  • 12V or 24V systems (safer, more efficient)
  • LED fixtures (3-5 watts each)
  • Timer or photocell control
  • Illuminates walkways safely

Professional installation includes:

  • Transformer sizing
  • Proper burial depth (6-12 inches)
  • Waterproof connections
  • Strategic fixture placement

Interior Smart Lighting Applications

Occupancy Sensors for Bathrooms

Hands-free bathroom lighting:

  • Lights turn on when you enter
  • Auto-off after vacancy detected
  • Prevents lights left on accidentally
  • Code-required in some commercial applications

Settings we configure:

  • Sensitivity (prevents false triggers)
  • Time delay (5-15 minutes typical)
  • Manual override option

Closet & Pantry Sensors

Convenience lighting:

  • Lights on when door opens
  • No hunting for pull chains
  • Perfect for walk-in closets
  • LED bulbs never overhe at

Stairway Smart Lighting

Safety automation:

  • Motion sensors at top and bottom
  • Lights illuminate before you step
  • Prevents tripping hazards
  • Adjustable brightness for night mode

Garage Interior Sensors

Automatic garage lighting:

  • Lights on when door opens or motion detected
  • Timed shutoff prevents lights left on
  • Bright illumination for safety
  • Reduces energy waste

Smart Home Integration

WiFi Smart Switches

Whole-home lighting control: -Replace standard switches

  • Control via smartphone app
  • Voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri)
  • Scheduling and automation

Brands we install:

  • Lutron Caséta (premium, reliable)
  • Leviton Decora Smart
  • TP-Link Kasa
  • GE/Jasco Z-Wave

Installation requirement: Neutral wire at switch box (not always present in older homes—we can retrofit).

Smart Lighting Scenes

Create custom automation:

  • “Good Morning”: Gradually bring up lights
  • “Away Mode”: Random light patterns simulating presence
  • “Movie Time”: Dim living room lights
  • “Goodnight”: Turn off all lights except nightlights

Geofencing Automation

Location-based control:

  • Lights turn on when you arrive home
  • Lights off when you leave
  • No manual switching needed
  • Integrates with phone GPS

Security Lighting Design Principles

Layered Lighting Approach

Layer 1: Perimeter Lighting

  • Illuminate property boundaries
  • Motion-activated flood lights
  • Deter intruders from approaching

Layer 2: Entry Lighting

  • All doors and windows well-lit
  • Motion sensors at each entry
  • Eliminate hiding spots

Layer 3: Pathway Lighting

  • Safe navigation in darkness
  • No dark approach areas
  • Step and grade change illumination

Dark Sky Compliance

Minimize light pollution:

  • Downward-facing fixtures
  • Shielded bulbs prevent upward light
  • Appropriate brightness levels
  • Respect neighbors

Miami-Dade recommendations: Use fixtures that direct light downward, reducing sky glow.

Color Temperature Selection

Warm white (2700K-3000K):

  • Welcoming, residential feel
  • Best for entry lighting
  • Creates inviting ambiance

Cool white (4000K-5000K):

  • Alert, security-focused
  • Best for flood/motion lights
  • Mimics daylight

Installation & Wiring Requirements

Motion Sensor Wiring

Proper installation requires:

  • Dedicated circuit or tie into existing outdoor circuit
  • GFCI protection (code requirement)
  • Weather-resistant boxes
  • Sealed wire connections
  • Proper grounding

Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

Professional installation process:

  1. Calculate total wattage load
  2. Size transformer appropriately (usually 150-300W)
  3. Install transformer near power source
  4. Run low-voltage cable underground (proper depth)
  5. Make waterproof connections
  6. Test all fixtures

Smart Switch Installation

Requirements for smart switches:

  • Neutral wire at switch box (white wire)
  • Sufficient box depth for smart switch
  • WiFi coverage at switch location
  • Compatible LED bulbs (if dimmer)

We handle: Rewiring for neutral if needed, box upgrades, pairing devices to networks.


Intelligent Security. Automated Convenience. Energy Savings.

Serving Miami homeowners who value security, efficiency, and modern convenience.

Upgrade to Smart Security Lighting

Professional installation of motion sensors, smart switches, and integrated security lighting.

Schedule Smart Lighting Consultation
Tags: Security Lighting Motion Sensors Smart Lighting Home Security
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