RAB motion sensor security lights. They are my preferred choice around the homestead where AC power is accessible. What makes them unique is the motion sensor itself and its many attributes (listed below). Excellent for security, or simply lighting the way at night.
RAB makes a variety of outdoor exterior motion sensors. I definitely have a favorite sensor which I will detail in a minute…having installed lots of them.
RAB makes reliable superior quality motion lights (and other lighting too).
RAB Security MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS – Why I Install Them:
Here’s why I have no doubt whatsoever – They are the best outdoor security motion lights: RAB Super Stealth 360, made in the USA. RAB makes the highest quality consumer-available motion sensor on the market, in my opinion.
Why do I say that? I have installed lots of them! Moreover I have been completely satisfied with their outstanding performance over the years.
Continue reading for the technical reasons why I believe they’re the best motion sensor security lights.
– the criteria, features & FAQ
– specifications
– installation tips
I believe these are the best outdoor motion sensors that you can get today. The sensor itself is the most important part of the motion light assembly (more on that in a minute). If you are a do-it-yourself person, the following sensors can be purchased separately and either adapted into an existing motion light fixture assembly or purchase and add your own outdoor floodlight bulb fixtures yourself (Home Depot example: Model # OFTH 300PR 120 WH M12).
When purchasing through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you (Learn More).
RAB Stealth 360 Sensor (Brown)
RAB Stealth 360 Sensor (White)
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Since my original writeup of this article, here are the current LED choices from RAB lighting for outdoor motion sensor lights:
STL 200HB/L 3600 Lumen (White)
STL 200HB/L 3600 Lumen (Black)
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Alternatively I do recommend the following AC-powered outdoor motion sensor lights which I’ve researched on amzn – being the most popular and well reviewed…
LUTEC 32W 2500 Lumen
LUTEC 72W 7500 Lumen (super bright!)
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Update on my RAB Security Lights
The RAB motion sensor lights that I have installed have been in service for MANY years without any problems whatsoever! In fact, I have installed several more here on the property this year.
Note: I have been using LED floodlights in the RAB fixtures for many years (in all sorts of weather) with no issues at all. The following LED floodlights are rated for outdoors…
Waterproof PAR38 LED, Dimmable, 5000K Daylight, 1600 Lumens
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[ Read: Replace Flood Lights With LED Equivalent – Saves LOTS Of Electricity ]
What makes the RAB Super Stealth 360 the best outdoor motion sensor security lights?
(Keep reading!)
I installed several more of the RAB Super Stealth 360’s to beef up my home security. They compliment the motion sensor lights that I installed a number of years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to discover even more improvements to this stellar product!
RAB Security Lights
Motion Light Features | Frequently Asked Questions
– Motion Sensor Detection Distance
– Motion Sensing Angle (detection pattern width)
– False Triggering Stability
– Power Handling (watts)
– Surge Protection
– Reputation!
While the majority of ordinary outdoor motion sensor lights may sense and trigger out to 30 or 40 feet, the RAB Super Stealth sensor will detect motion out to 60 feet when installed correctly.
It has two sensors. One detects 180 degrees out to 60 feet, while the other (mounted underneath) detects down (under the unit) and 360 degrees around to 15 feet. There’s no escaping it’s sensors!
In most installations which focus on security, yes, it’s worth it. The additional features, functionality, and reliable reputation of a quality brand is worth the peace of mind.
RAB Motion Sensor Security Lights On Each Corner Of The House
I mounted this motion sensor light on each corner of the house, covering the entire immediate perimeter for better security. They’re also mounted on my garage, shop, and other out-buildings.
Burglars ARE deterred when a motion light is triggered.
Long distance matters and RAB Super Stealth senses the longest.
The RAB Stealth will detect out to 60 feet!
ABOUT the RAB Motion Sensor “Super Stealth”
Long Range Motion Sensor Detection
The primary motion light sensor (there are 2 built in) has very long distance sensitivity compared with other cheaper brands.
60 feet detection in a 180 degree pattern on primary sensor.
(proper mounting required)
[ Read: The Best Way To Set Up Motion Lights Outdoors ]
This criteria is very important to me because I want the earliest notification and deterrence possible. High quality motion sensors pay off in this area – the maximum distance possible.
RAB Security Light 360 Degree Motion Sensor
The RAB Super Stealth 360 has two sensor detectors!
One reaches out for distance as mentioned above.
A secondary sensor ‘looks’ BEHIND, including UNDERNEATH and itself has a reach of about 10 – 15 feet. That, combined with the 60 foot reach of the front 180 degree swath makes it a true 360 degree motion light!
Outdoor motion sensor lights are also rated by their detection pattern. That includes sensor coverage width – their sensing angle measured in degrees. For ultimate security protection a 360 degree full circle coverage is absolutely the best. This will leave no dead zones whatsoever.
There is NO sneaking up on this motion light without it turning on!
How-to Stop Windblown Trees & Branches From Triggering Motion Detector
I had recently installed another unit. Later I discovered that when it was windy, some trees were triggering the lights when they blew around. Same thing could happen with bushes, branches, etc. However, here’s another nice thing about the RAB motion sensor design… This can be mitigated. And you might be able to do it without having to turn down the motion sensitivity, depending on your unique installation. A picture is worth a thousand words:
It comes with a set of tabs that can be trimmed (bent back-and-forth and snapped to what you need). They can be positioned anywhere on the face of the sensor. They snap on. In my case, about 40 feet away, there’s a stand of pine trees that were setting off the detector when it was very windy. Being on the side, I was able to position a strip of the blocking tabs to eliminate sensing on that edge. This way I could keep the sensitivity set to maximum.
RAB Motion Sensor Temperature Compensation
The outdoor temperature affects motion sensing ability. The RAB Super Stealth automatically adjusts for outdoor temperature to optimize motion detection regardless of the degree of hot or cold.
Surge Protection for the Sensor
Built in surge protection up to 6,000 volts will protect your investment. This could be caused by voltage spikes from thunderstorms, lightning, power tools, etc..
RF Immunity Sensor Protection
This motion sensor is protected from Radio Frequency interference potentially caused by wireless and other devices.
Scanning LEDs
Three Red LEDs are always scanning across the face of the motion sesnor. This feature itself is a great deterrent!
RAB Motion Sensor Security Lights >> Advanced Logic
They have figured out a way to minimize false triggers. While no motion light is completely immune, this is where many others fail. You can be confident that when this light turns on, there’s a reason…
Hight Wattage Capacity
An outdoor motion light is also rated by how many watts (adding up the total watts of the bulbs). The typical maximum for outdoor motion lights is usually 300 watts (e.g. two 150-watt bulbs).
The RAB Stealth can switch up to 1,000 watts by adding additional external fixtures.
Ease of Installation
It’s not that difficult to install an outdoor motion sensor light for an electrician or those who know what they’re doing. With that said, some light fixtures are easier to install than others.
Note: The RAB Stealth comes with a convenience hanger for the light fixture while connecting the wiring. This greatly simplifies the installation:
My First RAB Motion Sensor Light
For the sake of my own nostalgia, here’s my first RAB motion light from ~ 10 years ago. I upgraded my existing motion light at the time with just a RAB motion sensor (which you can purchase separately, rather than the entire assembly with the lights).
You can get just the sensor:
RAB STL360
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CONCLUSION
There are additional features too, but those listed above are important to me and part of the reason I choose RAB security lights.
A very important part of general preparedness is one’s home security. Outdoor motion lights are one of the best deterrents you can have for a first level security defense at night.
Note: I have a background in electronics (among other things) and installed these motion lights myself. I can tell you that RAB has made it very accommodating for the installer (or electrician). There are several thoughtful and helpful inclusions to make the installation go smoothly. 1st class all the way.
Remember, “you get what you pay for”, and this one is worth the money.
