Motion-sensing switch with longer duration?
I LOVE having a heated towel bar. I’ve been just leaving it on all the time, but realize that, at 90 watts, it wastes a lot of energy. I’d like to put it on a timer- controlled outlet, but have been unable to source a motion-activated switch (occupancy sensor) with a duration longer than 30 minutes, I think I need at least an hour, if not two, to guarantee a warm towel if my wife takes a long bath like she enjoys. I’d set the switch so that it automatically turns on the towel bar outlet whenever motions is detected, but I can’t install the switch where it would ‘see’ her in the tub, only before she gets in, so after 45 mins or so the towel would be cold. Any ideas for a solution appreciated.
Thanks
Replies
You might need two switches.
https://www.leviton.com/en/docs/Instruction_Sheet_IPP0R-1LW.pdf
one for the sensor,
https://www.leviton.com/en/docs/Instruction_Sheet.pdf
and one for the timer. you can get timer switches good for 2 hours max, or two hours min.
(you could just put the timer if she would be willing to operate a switch before getting in the tub)
Good Idea, thanks
After a bit of a ponder, I’m not sure this would work.... assuming the timer is wired in series between the motion sensor and the outlet, doesn’t the switch on the timer need to be physically pressed to turn it on and start the timer?
from the second sheet I linked to:
Multi-Location Control
The Timer can be turned ON or OFF from any of the Vizia +® Remote Switch locations. The default ON time when a remote is pressed to turn the load ON will be the last countdown time chosen. ......
These remotes are not wired in series, rather, they are wired as indicated in the instructions for the application.
Thanks... I’m still not clear on how the motion sensor would start the timer, but will study your kindly-supplied docs. The solution offered by catmandeux below seems to be the simpler approach.
Up to 2 hour time delay:
https://www.leviton.com/en/products/ossnl-idw (made in China)
https://www.leviton.com/en/products/ossnl-iaw (made in USA)
PERFECT, thanks!