Best indoor motion light switch?

Joined
Oct 28, 2002
Messages
78,247
Location
Everson WA - Pacific NW USA
I bought a couple and they both were fails. One doesn't come on unless you do the nakid dance in front of it (garage) the other comes on whenever it feels like it, more or less just switches the light on when no one around and never switching off (comm gear room)

Need a couple reliable motion activating 120V light switches that fit in normal single box.

Suggestions?
 
I installed one of these in the hallway of our home, because my wife gets up frequently, during the night. It's sensitivity is just about right. If I recall correctly, the sensitivity is adjustable, but I haven't changed it since installation. At current setting, the sensor sometimes detects my 5# Yorkie, and other times it does not.

It is also dimmable, I turned ours down, so the light is softer, for those late night trips to the bathroom. It also has a light sensor, so the motion sensor function does not work during the daylight. The light automatically turns off after 1 minute which, if I recall correctly, is also adjustable.

My installation is in a 3-way, and I've been very pleased how the motion/dimmer switch controls light function, even when the light is turned on at the other switch, which is a normal on/off 3-way.

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Lutron has a reputation for being the standard for consumer lighting controls. The switch pictured above is one of theirs.

Not cheap, but they just work with no hassle. I've found that to be true with their smart dimmers, which also don't require neutral wires like most of them do. Support resources are also very good.

It started as a lighting controls company, and has branched out to other products, but not to the extent that some brands do. They stay in their lane, and also serve professionals.
 
I bought a couple and they both were fails. One doesn't come on unless you do the nakid dance in front of it (garage) the other comes on whenever it feels like it, more or less just switches the light on when no one around and never switching off (comm gear room)

Need a couple reliable motion activating 120V light switches that fit in normal single box.

Suggestions?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CN63H6S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Installed one of these for a customer in her laundry room liked it so much I installed one in my laundry room and master walk-in closet. Same customer called me to install a new light fixture with another one of these motions. In total I’ve worked with 4 of these non were duds and are holding up 6 months-years time.

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at the hospital where I worked, we used either Pass and Seymour or Legrand occupancy sensers which are a commercial grade. try going to a electrical supply place and see if they can sell you what you want.
 
TP link switches have done well for me. Isolated on an IoT network and not allowed to talk to the internet. they integrated flawlessly with Home Assistant and all of my crazy automations. 58 or so switches in my house working flawlessly over a year now.
 
I had a whole bunch of power pack relays and motion sensors from a doctors office demo that I just threw away. I would have mailed you some on my dime. They are the best IMO, but you’d need to have attic access. You can have as many motion sensors as you’d want wherever you want all talking to the relay. (Relays are $100ish new. Sensors are around $15. You’d need some 18-3 wire.)

I’m not a fan of motion sensing switches.

I stand corrected on pricing.
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Litho...MI0sekkr-ekAMVVC7UAR2myTGMEAQYASABEgLBgvD_BwE
 
I bought a couple and they both were fails. One doesn't come on unless you do the nakid dance in front of it (garage) the other comes on whenever it feels like it, more or less just switches the light on when no one around and never switching off (comm gear room)

Need a couple reliable motion activating 120V light switches that fit in normal single box.

Suggestions?
Wire those switches up to Alexa, and just tell that nosy B to turn the lights on in “xxx” room as you’re traipsing through the house 😂
 
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