motion-activated lights for interior

ThumbBanger | Posted in General Discussion on September 6, 2006 03:06am

DW would like a motion-activated ceiling light in her new pantry so she can go in hands full and have light. All we see locally are exterior lights that work only in night time darkness. Ceiling is wired. For several reasons, the jamb-mounted pressure switch will not do. Looking for suggestions, with advance thanks to those who have some.

Replies

Junkman001 | Sep 06, 2006 03:17am | #1
If you have a wall switch in the pantry now or can mount a box there you could get on of the motion detector switches used in some commercial restrooms. Fit a std. box.

Mike

Insert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.
apiersma | Sep 06, 2006 03:35am | #2
I installed a motion switch in the basemnet. It worked great. I have not seen a ceiling mounted interior motion switch, but you can search the electrical parts web sites and find all kinds of odd stuff. I just bought 20 amp pediatrican/hospital tamper proof receptical.
BillHartmann | Sep 06, 2006 05:33am | #3
I don't know what kind/size of pantry this is.

But probably a good option would be a wall mount unit that "scans" the door so that you would cross the path entering.

But yes they do make ceiling mount sensors.

http://www.sensorswitch.com/o/prodapp5.htm

http://www.sensorswitch.com/o/linevoltagesensors.htm

http://www.sensorswitch.com/o/wallswitches.htm

You can also get the sensor that is used on outdoor units by itself. I think that I saw them on ebay.

if you can find those you can get basic outdoor motion sensor flood light and remove the sensor (it is all self contained).

Then mount it on a metal cover plate and install it in the ceiling or top of the all oposite the door.

the advantage of that unit is it can be aimed.
Stuart | Sep 06, 2006 06:00am | #4
Another company that sells occupancy sensors is http://www.wattstopper.com/
Dave45 | Sep 06, 2006 06:21am | #5
One of my customers has motion activated lights plugged into the hall receptacles. I'm not sure what kind they are, but they look like an oversized nightlight. They aren't bright - just enough light to avoid tripping over stuff.

Another customer has a motion detector/light switch just inside the door from the garage. It turns on all of her hall lights as soon as the door is opened.
CloudHidden | Sep 06, 2006 07:11am | #6
Any electrical supply should have a motion sensor switch. Easy stuff. We use them in all closets.
VermJr | Sep 06, 2006 07:12am | #7
Our electrician uses an alarm contact set with a relay for this application. It's way cleaner than the door jamb switch.