PIR Motion Sensor to activate indoor lighting?

Fire_Fox

Following on from my query about energy saving bulbs (here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1419979) it seems I can easily replace the MR16s in my main living area with 35W equivalents for about £3 each.

However, most of the energy saving GU10s are an unsuitable shape for my fittings - the only options are 40W halogen lamps for £4 each or 11W fluorescent bulbs for £5 each (but not great looking). :eek:

Then accidentally came across infrared motion sensors for around £10, which is a lot cheaper than replacing 6 lamps and should save us quite a lot in energy as the hall is used infrequently.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Infrared-Motion-Sensor-PIR-Light-Garage-Roof-Security_W0QQitemZ270323032709QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Garden_Lighting?hash=item270323032709&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A4%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MC-760T-PIR-Motion-Sensor-detector-Intellisense_W0QQitemZ330287836306QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CCTV?hash=item330287836306&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A4%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Has anyone used one of these devices? Or recommend any alternative products? Or add any words of caution?

Mum_of_3_3

I can't see why it wouldn't work.

My Dad works all over the world & I remember when he came back from Sweden a while ago he was talking to my partner about how there was motion-sensitive lighting in all the offices he was working in. If the sensor detected no motion for 20 minutes then the lights went off.

I know that this is back to front to the way you want to use it, but I can;t see why PIR wouldn't work in a private house.

The other thing you could use is the time lag light switches that you get in communal hallways in flats - http://www.thelightworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=587

M_o_3

PS I came across your post on Google whilst searching for PIR indoor lights!

Sirbendy

We came from a flat in a complex that had the push delay switches - not bad. Not bad at all.

I also work in a school that has the motion sensors installed in a lot of rooms..ours are ultrasonic, but do the same thing. The only pain of them is that as stated, if you sit still the lights go out. It's the reason I had them removed from my office - having the lights go out when fixing machinery is no fair.

The one from my office got relocated to the skip by the electrician, and then further relocated by me to my mums garage, where I connected it up so that as soon as the garage door is opened or anyone walks in, the roof lights come on. Brilliant.

As it's an oldie, it has switches to flick for time delays of 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5, 10, 15 and 30. I have it set to 5 IIRC..

I also see no reason a PIR wouldn't work as a hall "autoswitch"...unless you have a cat/dog, in which case you may find you have triggering issues. Not sure if radiators would set them off..

Fire_Fox

Mum_of_3 wrote: »

I can't see why it wouldn't work.

My Dad works all over the world & I remember when he came back from Sweden a while ago he was talking to my partner about how there was motion-sensitive lighting in all the offices he was working in. If the sensor detected no motion for 20 minutes then the lights went off.

I know that this is back to front to the way you want to use it, but I can;t see why PIR wouldn't work in a private house.

The other thing you could use is the time lag light switches that you get in communal hallways in flats - http://www.thelightworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=587

M_o_3

PS I came across your post on Google whilst searching for PIR indoor lights!

All roads lead back to MSE.com!

Time-lag light switches and PIR light switches are not suitable, unfortunately, as my present light switch is near the front door not the sitting room door. At the moment I am awaiting my first cashback payout in Amazon vouchers, which I intend to use on a wireless Bye Bye Standby PIR motion detector and in-ceiling switch. I am considering this brand as I have a remote control plug set which is on it's last legs, and Bye Bye Standby make a similar product. This way I will be starting to collect a compatible range of products.

saveallmymoney

I have had PIR light switches in my hallway and landings (3 stories) for many years.

One drawback is its quite confusing if you stay at someone elses house and expect the lights to come on by themselves!