skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Motion Sensor/Dimmer Wall Switch - does it exist?

16 years ago

The vestibule of my house serves as our entranceway and that of our tenants. The problem is that the light is often left on all night.

I would love to put a motion sensor wall switch in and have it go off after several minutes -BUT- I will also be hanging a chandelier in there and would love to be able to dim/control the brightness of the light as well. It doesn't need to be very bright for general entrance but I don't want to use such dim bulbs that when extra lighting is needed, that it is not available.

My wish- to find a wall switch that offers both a dimmer and motion sensor in it. I can't seem to locate one, and figured that I would ask if such an option exists.

Thanks!

Rob

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

dim4fun
16 years ago
It exists but I have no info on quality or the retailer.

Here is a link that might be useful: vacancy sensor with dimmer
andrelaplume2
16 years ago
would that be a safely hazard...say someone comes in, the light goes on, they start up the stairs and run into someone and chat a few minutes, the light goes off, now they must climb up or down in the dark...?
Related Discussions
Motion Sensor Needs Neutral, but none in box
Q
Comments (9)
"It can't be that much more expensive to run a 5-wire cable than it is to run a 4." Not at all, 14/4 costs about twice what 14/3 costs. It is not uncommon at all to not have a neutral at switch locations. That is until the latest code is followed, not sure if it is in 08 or 11 but switches have to have a neutral wire present. Most people will run power to the 1st switch, 14/3 to the next, and 14/2 to the light rather than bother with 14/4. Switch loops will use 14/3 and cap off the unused white in the box. And definitely a big no on grabbing a neutral from a random circuit. Someone working on the other circuit with the power off would get a nasty surprise opening the neutral connection on what they think is a dead device. Plus it is prohibited by code for other reasons as well.
...See More
Adding a motion sensor in the garage
Q
Comments (4)
I am not sure what is available as far as a ceiling mounted fixture with motion built in, but if you find one, you will need to leave one of the 3way switches in the "on" position at all times. I would assume when you want to turn the light on manually it would be annoying because you probably have to flick the switch and move around until the motion sensor sees you. But it does kind of defeat the purpose to use manually. I know they have outdoor wall mounted fixtures like this, never seen a ceiling mounted one. You can also run another 14/3 wire out of one of the switch boxes and put an additional 3way switch where you want and have two 3way switches and one 4way switch in the middle. Another problem you might find is finding a motion switch that will work on a a 3way or 4way setup.
...See More
Motion Sensor for Warm Color Dimming 3000K-2200K LED light?
Q
Comments (5)
I called Tech Lighting tech support again- the lumen output is 1200 lumens (raw light), which is compatible with a 75 watt incandescent. The pantry interior is 8' tall x 55" x 40". The very helpful technician this time, said that I could install a motion sensor which is compatible with an electronic power supply; just make sure it is 'compatible with fixtures with electronic ballast or drifter'. Can anyone recommend a specific models to use? A google search turned up a recommendation for Wattstopper; and I have entered a support request on their website.
...See More
Combined motion sensor and dimmer for ELV 120V light?
Q
Comments (17)
Did we ever find a decent ELV motion sensor/dimmer for this application? I wrote Lutron who suggested: Maestro Wireless model number MRF2-6ELV and our radio power savor sensor either the Ceiling-mount occupancy/vacancy sensor LRF2-OCR2B-P-WH or our Wall-mount occupancy/vacancy sensor LRF2-OWLB-P-WH But that's like $200+ in switches and sensors to do what should cost less than half that. I'm hoping some manufacturer has considered this rather common need after all this time.
...See More
lbny_rob
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the hint. I am familiar with Progress Lighting. The unit that was suggested was a vacancy sensor, and not an occupancy sensor. At first I thought that they were the same and was trying to figure out the difference. They do perform different functions.

I ordered the Occupancy Sensor (motion sensor) with the dimmer and installed it today.

You can adjust the length of time until it turns off, and no matter what setting the light dimmer is on, the light will dim for 30 seconds prior to shutting off to let you know.

The way that the entranceway is lit, it doesn't make a difference if the tenants go upstairs since their stairs have a wall switch top and bottom. At least they don't have to enter a dark room and fumble for their keys, leaving the entranceway light on all night.

Thanks,
Rob
cmc_in_sf
15 years ago
Can someone please tell me the exact difference between an occupancy sensor and a vacancy sensor?

We will have 3 incandescent outdoor lights mounted to the outside of our house around our deck area. We want a sensor that would stay on as long as there is someone on the deck. 2 of the lights are on the same wire and the 3rd is around the corner and is wired separately. What would you suggest? TIA
heimert
15 years ago
Can someone please tell me the exact difference between an occupancy sensor and a vacancy sensor?

One turns a light on if there's someone there. The other turns a light off if no one's around. ;)

For OP, what about a three-way switch occupancy sensor plus 3-way dimmer? Cost may end up being more, but another option to consider.
shadow700
15 years ago
Couldn't you just hook up a standard occ sensor switch in series with your dimmer switch in a two-gang box?
pharkus
15 years ago
yeah shadow, you could.

And this thread now has me envisioning a contraption with multiple dimmers, timing relays, and a PIR sensor.

Heck, maybe go all low-voltage and use a sensor from a security system.

Or tie it TO a security system...

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Install a Dimmer Switch

By Mary Jo Bowling

New project for a new year: Take control of your lighting to set the right mood for entertaining, dining and work

HOME TECH In Rarefied Air: Meet 3 Cutting-Edge Home Sensors

These new all-purpose sensors send alerts to your smart phone about temperature, air quality and a whole lot more. Why not?

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

KITCHEN DESIGN How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost?

By Rock Paper Hammer

See what upgrades you can expect in 3 budget ranges, from basic swap-outs to full-on overhauls

ACCESSORIES 8 Low-Cost Luxuries With a Big Payoff

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Consider the small stuff — like switch plates and throw pillows — to give your home a touch of class

LIGHTING Get Your Home's Recessed Lighting Right

By Elements of Style

Learn the formula for how much light a room needs plus how to space downlights, use dimmers and more

HOME TECH Is the Timing Finally Right for Framed Digital Art?

By R. Daniel Foster

Several companies are preparing to release digital screens and apps that let you stream artworks and video on your wall

LIGHTING So You Bought a Cave: 7 Ways to Open Your Home to Light

By Alison Hodgson

Make the most of the natural light your house does have — and learn to appreciate some shadows, too

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Color This Utah Home Terrific

Candy-colored walls lit up by sunlight and a streamlined, open layout make a family’s new house one of a kind

COLOR Bedroom Color: The Secret to More Sex and More Sleep

By Mitchell Parker

Look to surprising revelations about bedroom wall colors to get more of what you want

Sponsored

The Creative Kitchen Company

47 Reviews

Franklin County's Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

More Discussions

Samsung Frame TV over a fireplace

13

Kitchen backsplash Dilemma

10

How to place outlets within 24" of a sink (with dishwashers)

27

How much is reasonable to replace an exhaust fan in a bathroom?

15

challenging lighting situation - under upper flight of stairs

13