each motion light has to have it's own switch ?

[Stevenfyeager]

A customer had me look at a motion light he put up outside. He gave me the instructions, it wasn't working right. I couldn't get it either. The test mode worked but wouldnt go out of test mode. I called the company (I can't remember which company now) The lady said it has to be reset. I said I will read further in the instructions to do that. She said that's not on the instructions. So she told me the 5 steps. It still wouldn't come out of test mode. Then somehow she asked me if there is any other light on that switch. I said yes, an inside light in foyer is on it too. She said that's the problem. It won't work with any other lights. Have you ever seen this ? I'm getting ready to install 7 motion lights for a different customer. I guess I'd better make sure the brand I use is different than whatever that one was...

 

[mopowr steve]

No, sounds like you just have a defective motion light.

 

[Buck Parrish]

No, I've always put them on a circuit with other lights with no problem.

I always try to persuade people to not put it on a light switch. Some of them if you switch it on off quickly it will go in a different mode.
Or if they want a switch, I'll put it in an unusual place, so it doesn't get switched by mistake.

Most of them will reset themselves after a night

 

[readydave8]

I always put a switch, (often in an odd location), so customer can reset after power failure or interruption

 

[Stevenfyeager]

No, sounds like you just have a defective motion light.

That's what I was thinking. I had never seen a flood light that only works alone or had any one tell me that. I wish I could remember that brand.

 

[ptonsparky]

By your title, I would say, Yes, each motion light should have it's own switch if you want to be able use the switch to change modes as Buck describes.

Additional fixtures on the branch circuit sounds like BS.

 

[Little Bill]

I don't know if the lady was talking about separate switches or circuits as the OP only said "switches". Either way, it should work.
I think she thought she was "dazzling you with briliance" but actually she was "baffeling you with BS"!

 

[LarryFine]

It sounds like an interior light is directly wired to the same switch as an exterior motion-sensor light.

The company is saying that another light between the sensor's line and neutral wires is the problem.

I see no reason an additional load on the sensor's line wire should have any effect on its operation.