Electrical & Lighting

BuildingWrench repair guide

Occupancy Sensor Lights Turn Off Too Soon: Fix the Annoying Problem

Lights that shut off while a room is occupied usually have too-short delay, poor sensor placement, low sensitivity, blocked line of sight, or a technology mismatch.

Last reviewed 2026-09-12 · General facility-maintenance information, not a substitute for site procedures, manufacturer instructions, codes, or qualified professional judgment.

Safe first checksSkill: Beginner-friendlyFormat: Diagnose → Fix → Test

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Safety boundary

This guide stops before energized wiring or panel work. Use qualified electrical personnel for internal diagnosis.

Full troubleshooting steps are in Pro

The safety boundary, quick answer and stop-work conditions above stay free. Pro opens the likely causes, symptom table, step-by-step procedure and preventive maintenance for this guide.

Stop and call a licensed professional when

Line-voltage access is required
Sensor is part of a networked control system you are not authorized to program
Changes affect code-required controls

Mistakes, FAQ, parts and tools

Pro opens the rest of this guide: common mistakes, field FAQ, the parts list, and the tools for the job.

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