Internal lighting using pir motion sensors?

[khampson01]

Hi, I am looking for motion sensors that can fit to an general light fitting or a motion sensor bulb to fit in the fittings, also I would like a motion sensor lamp or a motion sensor plug that will operate the lamp, I know you can get the night light ones but I need to power a standard low energy bulb, can anyone tell me the cheapest place to buy these please.

Keith

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You are right to buy a cheap one, because it will drive you mad and you'll be removing it and going back to a normal switch within a few weeks.

 

[ianblue]

I have just bought a couple of occupancy sensors on Ebay, although I think its horses for courses. These are ideal for hallways, stairs etc where the occupancy is momentary. The ones I have replace the wall switch and are ideal. They bring the light on then shut down after a time delay thereby saving energy by people leaving lights on. There is a light sensor within so they only come on when its dark.
Not really suitable for a room as, unless you keep moving about the light will go out after the timed period.

 

[OwainDIYer]

if you want to power a low energy bulb the PIR will probably require a neutral, therefore you will have to wire in to the light fitting at a point where you can get live/switchedlive/neutral

The bulb replacement ones are unlikely to work with CFLs.

 

[ianblue]

Yes Owain absolutely, but since these lights are only on for short durations I am using incandescant lamps.

 

[dhutch]

I thought about fitting one in my downstairs loo as everyone keeps leaving the light on.

Either that or a microswitch on the door, to a fan delay unit, to give 2minutes light or whatever. Or a push-delay hallway type switch.


Daniel

 

[ianblue]

Daniel, Something to consider.
You have two things here
1. The light which you would want to come on only when its dark and while someone is in the room. When the person vacates the room the light will go out say after 2 minutes. This means for the light to stay on it needs to see movement every 2 minutes.
2. The fan on the other hand needs to come on light or dark and needs to be a different type of sensor capable of handling an inductive load. It would normally have a run-on time of about 6 to 8 minutes to purge the vitiated air.
You could ofcourse use the latter for both light and fan but with the obvious drawbacks.

 

[dhutch]

Daniel, Something to consider.

Hi, Thanks.

The room has no window or external wall, so the light is needed whenever it is used. There if no fan, but there proberbly should be. Even if the fan unit isnt adjust about 8minutes is a lot better than 2hours, but point taken!


Daniel

 

[ianblue]

GO for it then. Yes ,obviously, if you need the light on the latter would be ideal. Here is one which would do the job. Not that pretty, but cheap around a tenner would let you try it out. More aesthetic models are available at prettier prices.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180-2000W...al_Electrical_Fittings_MJ&hash=item588c22e287

Good luck

Ian

 

[sparkwright]

I thought about fitting one in my downstairs loo as everyone keeps leaving the light on.

Either that or a microswitch on the door, to a fan delay unit, to give 2minutes light or whatever. Or a push-delay hallway type switch.


Daniel

You want to think about exercising a bit of discipline at your place so they don't keep leaving the light on.

A simple telling off should do it.

Why should everyone else have to put up with an annoying timer or sensor?

A good old fashioned bolocking is what is needed in this case.

 

[dhutch]

You want to think about exercising a bit of discipline at your place so they don't keep leaving the light on.

Yes, but im an engineer and its much more fun this way! The right timer/sensor set up correctly shouldnt be annoying.

But im hijacking this thread somewhat, enought of that, sorry Keith!



Daniel

 

[viewer]

Have used a ceiling mounted circular one (from TLC) for about 5 years now in the hall. Looks neat. It took a while to set up as the 'windows' need covering/uncovering little by little until it covers just what you want With LEDs it is perfect for midnight excursions to bathroom especially for guests. Recommended. I don't think that one should be used in the bathroom or on/above stairs as sudden darkness could be dangerous. HTH

 

[cherryred]

Reminds me of the time a friend approached for help. He was a member of the local church and their was a problem of elderly parishoners using the toilet and not switching on the fan.
I told him about a motion sensor which he had fitted to the delight of the congregation.
Maybe I should have just told him to tell the vicar to give them all a right good bolocking from the pulpit and save the meagre church funds.

 

[OwainDIYer]

I told him about a motion sensor which he had fitted to the delight of the congregation.

Wouldn't it have been better fitted to the extractor fan?