Best Overall
Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch
Best Bang For The Buck
ECOELER Motion Sensor Light Switch
Best Motion Sensor
Leviton IPS02-1LW Decora Motion Sensor In-Wall Switch
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For those who leave to turn lights off , a motility sensing element light switch offers an excellent result for empty rooms that always seem to be illuminated — even when no one is in them .
question sensing element light switches detect motion or organic structure warmth , turning on the light when a individual recruit and turning it off after the person exits . Plus , most DIYers cantrade out an old twinkle switchwith a motion detector light permutation with just a few uncomplicated creature .
This usher will examine the essential factors to regard when shopping for the just gesture sensor flip-flop and place some of the top modeling on the securities industry .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Motion Sensor Light Switch
Though amotion sensing element lightswitch perform the unproblematic project of turning on or off the lights in a room , there are a surprising act of factor to consider when shit for one . forwards , learn about the two trenchant types , the difference between fighting and passive sensors , and other vital characteristic of these convenient electrical devices .
Occupancy vs. Vacancy
Motion sensor light switching are available in moving in and vacancy type , with many performance as both eccentric .
Although emptiness lighting switches may not be quite as convenient , they are more vim effective as the drug user may often not need hokey light in a way when there is enough rude light from windows . Occupancy light permutation , in comparison , will turn on the light disregardless of the brightness horizontal surface in the room , unless they have a lightheaded sensor .
Active vs. Passive Sensor
Motion detector ignitor switch use one of two sensor to discover moving in in a room : passive and combat-ready .
Extra Functions
Motion sensor twinkle switch include additional function that allow the drug user to customize how they work .
Light Bulb Compatibility
Motion sensor light source switches can handle a significant amount of wattage . Most have a capacity of up to 500 watts for incandescent bulbs and 250 watt for light-emitting diode and CFL bulbs , which is far greater than any individual igniter lightbulb . This may be a vital feature to conceive if the replacement manoeuvre a wakeful fixedness that uses multiple light bulbs . A kitchen lightness reparation that uses six 60 - watt incandescent bulbs , for example , would need a easy electric switch with a capacity nifty than 360 watts .
Wiring and Installation
When taking the right safety safeguard , replacing a received light switch with a motion detector Inner Light switch is a project most DIYers can complete in less than 30 minutes . No special tools are required , although it ’s a good idea to buy a potential difference detector — an inexpensive equipment that notice if a wire is alive — for base hit purposes .
Mostlight replacement installationsrequire only a standard Phillips - head screwdriver and a flathead screwdriver . Single - rod light switch have two wires and a undercoat wire . A hot wire , which comes from the home ’s power germ , connects to one of the substitution ’s end . A second telegram , which goes to the unclouded fixture , join to the other terminal . A copper wire that dish out as the grounding conducting wire connects to a third terminus , which prevents the unaccented switch from short-circuit out during a ability surge .
Our Top Picks
These top pick narrow the playing area to some of the best gesture sensor shift on the market . These switches have numerous circumstance that earmark the exploiter to fine - melody sensitivity , adjust void and occupancy options , and set time holdup . Some are compatible with three - way switches and dimmers , while others can unite tosmart devices .
An inaccurate motion sensor Christ Within either leave a person in the dark or leaves an unoccupied room fully lit . Lutron ’s advanced motion sensor engineering is what set this switching apart from much of the competition . Its XCT sensing technology is sensitive enough to detect the small motion characteristic of typecast at a desk or reading . The permutation also can smell ambient inflammation , helping save energy when there is already enough lifelike twinkle in the room .
Other heedful features include a programmable time - out that turns off the Light Within after 1 , 5 , 15 , or 30 minutes of no bm in the way . This switch feature a streamlined look and come up in 25 culture , draw it well-heeled to check with the decor of just about any room . The Maestro Sensor Switch is a single - pole , so it ’s only compatible with light-headed fixing controlled by a single switch .
Get the Lutron switch onAmazon , The Home Depot(2 - pack ) , andAce Hardware .
With its inexpensive per unit price , this pack of four light switches from ECOELER is a neat option for those looking to deal out multiple switch in a home . And despite the low cost , these electrical switch volunteer more customizable functions than most higher - priced motion detector light switches . Among these utile preferences are an adjustable prison term time lag that go down the time between when the detector picks up motion to when it turn off the light to 15 second and 1 , 5 , 15 , and 30 minutes .
An moving in function serves as an override that prevents the light from flex off , while a vacancy function preserve energy by requiring the drug user to turn on the light manually when entering the room . These switches are compatible with light-colored fixtures that work with a single light permutation and add up in a clean finish .
Get the ECOELER light switch onAmazon .
One of the nicest features of this movement detector light source switch from Leviton is its versatility . The switch will rick on the light when it sense motion when in occupancy way or will command the user to manually sour on the light when in vacuum mode . This feature saves zip by keeping the light off when natural light conditions are sufficient .
The time wait for the auto - off feature of speech is also programmable from 30 seconds to 30 minute . With its 180 - degree field of vision and power to cross up to 900 square feet , this permutation is idealistic for larger room . It is compatible with light-colored fixtures that tie in to a single light shift and available in white , brown , gray , and almond refinement .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Leviton switching onAmazon .
Best Smart
GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Motion Sensor Switch
voguish potentiality , a horde of control condition options , and its power to work with fixtures insure by multiple electric switch make this movement sensor brightness level switch from GE one of the most technologically advanced ways of hold in the lights in a place . When link up to a Z - Wave hub , this impudent movement sensor works with a variety of smart home hubs , including ADT , Ring , Trane , and Vera , as well as personal assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant . The user can operate the lights via a impertinent machine or interpreter control , set custom fit with other smart electrical switch , docket lights , and even send alerts .
While most switches are limited to short fixtures operated by a single switch , this model works with reparation that use two or three switch , making it ideal for kitchens and aliveness room . The user can also set motion - detection options for occupancy , vacuum , or full manual with clock time - out preferences ranging from 5 second to 30 minutes . Both ashen and weak - Prunus dulcis paddles are included .
Get the GE Enbrighten sensor Christ Within onAmazon .
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Best Customizable
ELEGRP Occupancy Sensor Light Switch
Being able to customize the setting of an occupancy detector light switch is cardinal to making indisputable the lights turn on when they ’re ask and persist off when they ’re not . To do that , a sensor light permutation must be able to evaluate the light condition in the room . Each light switch in this two - pack from ELEGRP features three tenancy manner that allow the user to coif the light conditions for when lights will turn on , help to write energy by keeping them off when not required .
These motion sensor light-colored switches function as occupancy sensor , turning on automatically when a someone enters the way but shutting off after a position amount of time when the distance is unoccupied . Like other apparent motion sensor switches , this model permits the user to put the shut - off delay from 30 instant to 30 minutes . They come in a mat whitened finishing .
Get the ELEGRP luminousness permutation onAmazon , The Home Depot , andWayfair .
Photo: amazon.com
Best With Dimmer
TOPGREENER PIR Motion Sensor with Dimmer Light Switch
With its incorporate dimmer and compatibility with light fixtures with multiple switches , this movement detector light switch from TOPGREENER is idealistic for rooms with chandelier and other enceinte fixtures , such as kitchens and dining room .
The transposition ’s occasion are like to other infrared sensor switch , using organic structure heat to trip the lights to turn on and off after a determine amount of metre , from 15 secondment to 30 hour . A paddle - style switch with commodious LED arrows allows the user to blind the light levels manually . The lights then conveniently rest at that stratum when the switch turns off and on . With its 1,200 - straight - pes coverage , this switch is also well suited to manage larger rooms . It comes in a blanched finis .
Get the TOPGREENER PIR sparkle switch onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Three Way
ECOELER 3 Way Motion Sensor Light Switch
way such as kitchen and large living rooms with scant secureness controlled by multiple substitution necessarily command switches with three - rod wiring capability . This theoretical account from ECOELER is one of the best options . In summation to three - way of life wiring , numerous musical mode permit the user to customize this electric switch to fit various lighting demand .
The exploiter can toggle between both robotic and manual “ on ” modes and automatic and manual “ off ” modal value . The adjustable time delay boasts a wide-cut range of options from 15 sec to 30 minute and dials that line up light and motion sensitivity offer a high level of customization .
Get the ECOELER 3 elbow room light switch onAmazon .
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Best Versatile
TOPGREENER TDOS5-W-2PCS Motion Sensor Light Switch
With its broad range of colour options , this readiness of two motility sensing element light switch will match with a diverseness of different way interior decoration . uncommitted in white , ivory , idle almond , gray , brown , and smuggled , these switch also boast plenty of function to go with their form . Each electrical switch offers several operating modes , include vacancy — which does n’t wrench the sparkle on but mechanically turns it off — and tenancy that automatically turn the brightness level on and off .
These substitution also appropriate the user to set programmable time delays that range from 15 seconds to 30 minutes . They are single - pole switches , get to them compatible with lightheaded fixtures see by one electric switch .
Get the TOPGREENER lighter switch onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Our Verdict
We select theLutron Maestro Switchas our favorite choice since it has gamy - motion sensitiveness and several adjustable options . It also comes in several color options to suit many color palette . Alternatively , for a budget - well-disposed selection , theECOELER light switchcomes with moving in and vacancy setting , comes with adjustable timers , and can be programmed to run mechanically or manually .
How We Chose the Best Motion Sensor Light Switches
These recommendations let in the basic features ask of most movement detector light switch : adjustable options , robotlike and manual fashion , and compatibility with most common light or fans . Their ability to detect motility relies on unobstructed detective work approach to bm or warmth sources , so there are varying degree of effectualness based on the elbow room they ’re installed in . However , we include product that work in smaller rooms or rooms up to 1,200 straightforward feet .
Our favorite have choice to purchase a single whole or multiple if you have several rooms that want movement sensor light switches . extra features we review let in dim capabilities , daylight sensing , and smart engineering science compatibility . Some products we reviewed can be installed without a neutral wire , which makes them suitable for old homes , and others have stricter installation requirements to meet current construction codes .
FAQs
If you ’re still wondering about how a motion detector light electric switch works or if it is a cost - effective option , then interpret on for answers to these and other unwashed questions .
Q: What is a PIR switch?
PIR stands for passive infrared emission . Unlike a motility sensor , which turns a light on and off when it identifies motion , a PIR electric switch detects the heat created by people and animals . When a PIR switch detects heat , it grow on the light . When the switch no longer observe oestrus , it turns off the light based on the set clip delay .
Q: Can I put a motion sensor on a three-way switch?
A motion detector will work on a three - way permutation ; however , the motion sensing element Inner Light switch must be a three - way switch . It is not possible to wire a single - rod switch to a light controlled by two or more fixtures .
Q: Do motion sensor light switches save money?
motility detector light switches can save money in rooms that receive low to medium traffic , such as closets , guest room , bathroom , and storage rooms , by turning off lights that one might otherwise unnecessarily go out on . They are n’t as effective for high - traffic elbow room in which frequently switching the visible radiation on and off can really be less energy efficient .
Q: Why does my motion sensor light stay on all the time?
This is most probable due to the occupancy mode on the switch . Many apparent motion sensing element lightness electrical switch have an occupation mode that the drug user can sprain on or off . If the moving in fashion is on , the light will turn off according to the delay time set up on the electrical switch . If the occupancy mode is off , the light will remain on indefinitely .
Q: How do I keep my motion sensor lights off all the time?
Most motion sensor luminousness switches have an override feature article that allows the user to stop the car - on features for the light . deactivate the automobile - on feature by switching it to the “ off ” position .
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