Heath Zenith’s SL-5597 bundles a motion sensor and a two-light halogen floodlight in a single package, but with a lot of extra features you don’t see in similar setups.Unlike most motion-activated security lights, this one features “pulse count” technology that reduces the number of times that lamps are triggered due to wind and rain. In addition, the “Dual Brite” feature allows you to use it for low-level accent lighting in addition to the full-light effect you get with motion-ac (more…)
I installed this 10 months ago and it functions as advertised. The dual-brite function is nice, it delivers low light then kicks up to high beam when it senses motion. Design looks good, flexible aiming of the lamps.
However, the first bulb blew out only two months after I installed it, and the second blew out a few weeks ago. I think that is a bit too high a burn rate, especially on the first one. The replacement bulbs were a bit hard to find, as someone else already mentioned. (For the record this takes 2 x T4 100W, G8 (or GY8) tungsten halogen bi-pin 120 VAC bulbs. An internet search for “Q100GY8/120″ will turn these up.)
Additionally, physically changing the bulbs is an issue. The screws holding the shades in place are tiny barrels with inset slots, the type that break or mar if you apply too much force. You will need a miniature screwdriver for them. Security feature? If so, it works; in the end I had to break the casing to replace this second bulb, because after a winter outside the screw wouldn’t budge. Oil, heat, force, nothing could make it move. The light should still function, but having to break it to accommodate frequent bulb changes is not what I expected.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Olathe J
I also purchased this light from Home Depot, but I would not buy another one like it. I really like the idea of the dual bright feature, but this light it not reliable at all…
I did not buy these lights via Amazon; they were installed by my electrical contractor. The bulbs are expensive (best price is about $4.50 on the net); they are not energy efficient and no efficient alternative exists; and they are very difficult to change, esp. on a ladder, since you have to remove a lens before you can get to the bulb itself. Whovever designed these bad boys was not thinking, and they never had to change a bulb themselves. Do not buy these lights. My experience with Heath-Zenith is okay–I would get one of the models that handle full size reflector bulbs.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Works well enough, but lamp life is awful!
Like the other reviewers, I also hate this fixture. I’ve replaced the lamps three times in the past year, with the last two giving me about 3 days’ life before blowing out.
1. I have used various models of this type of light for years. This is, by far, the most finicky and hard to get adjusted right. Mine keep going on and off at odd times, and no adjusting makes them work easily or as well as others I have used.
2. As noted, the bulbs are an odd size, are not easily found, and are not easily replaced in the units compared to other types of units.
I am very unhappy that I purchased three of these units and installed them. I plan to replace all three of them and return them as quickly as I can. If I only had one of these, I’d think the problem was that one unit and return it. But I have three, and they all are trouble.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Works, but can’t find replacement bulb
It works. I installed it on the side of the house as security light, also its motion sensetive could prevent forgetting turn the light off.