As you might know by now, I am a big fan of Philips Hue. I have got myself a new gadget for our home.  This time the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor.

Review of Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor

If you hate getting home to a dark home in the winter season, this Philips Hue Outdoor Sensor might be just what you need. This motion sensor is easy to install and does not require any wire at all. It runs on battery and just need a single screw in the wall. In order to use this device, you will also need something to turn on. In my case I got the Philips Hue outdoor Turaco lamp. Maybe an idea for a Christmas gift this year.

Placement of the Outdoor Motion Sensor

The Outdoor sensor will have to be placed a central place where it can detect when you or someone else enters your ground or driveway. You don’t want it to turn on because someone drives nearby your home. On the other hand, it does not make much sense if it does not detect you, before you stand in front of your front door. You might want to try different locations before you start drilling holes in your house or garage. It might take a little while to find the best location for the sensor. In my case, I have installed the sensor on top of the garage in the driveway. It detects when I enter the drive way in my car or by foot. It also reacts when I open my front door. I would say that I have found the perfect spot for my Outdoor sensor.

Corner bracket

If you need to install your sensor on the corner of a building or some kind of post to get the right angle, Philips have included a plastic bracket for just that in the package. This allows you to mount the sensor in just the angel you need for the sensor to react correctly. This bracket gives you a lot of option to find the best location in your scenario. 

Configuring Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor

Configuring the Hue Outdoor motion sensor is just as simple as it is with other Hue devices. You go to the “Settings” menu and select “Add Accessory” and select “Hue Outdoor Sensor”. One new thing you need to decide is, at what hour you want the motion sensor to be active on and how fast it should turn off again, once activated.

Philips Hue have made a nice little Step-by-Step guide to configure the device: How to setup a Hue outdoor Sensor

Specification of Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor

Key specification of the Hue Outdoor Sensor:

• Requites 2 x AA Battery
• Sensor depth – 56 mm
• Sensor height – 76 mm
• Sensor width – 76 mm
• Weatherproof
• Wireless installation
• Color – Black
• Operational temperature – minus 20 C to plus 45 C

Final verdict of the Philips Hue Motion Sensor

Overall, I am very happy with my new Philips Hue Outdoor Sensor. I found the perfect spot, on top of the garage, that covers the driveway perfectly. The sensor reacts every time I enter the driveway by either car or by walking. Now the light always turn on when I enter my driveway.