How to Save on Electrical Costs by Installing Motion Sensor Light Switches

Installing motion sensor light switches can help you save on electrical costs by reducing unnecessary lighting usage. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to install motion sensor light switches and realize savings on your electricity bill.

What are Motion Sensor Light Switches?

Motion sensor light switches, also known as occupancy sensors or motion detecting light switches, are special light switches that can automatically turn lights on when motion is detected and turn them off after a set amount of time when no motion is detected.

They work by using passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect heat and motion from people or objects. The PIR sensor is able to detect the difference between ambient infrared radiation and emissions from a moving human body. When motion is detected, a signal is sent to turn the lights on.

Key Benefits of Motion Sensor Light Switches

• Energy savings - By automatically turning lights off when not needed, motion sensors can reduce lighting electricity usage by 30-80%. This leads to lower electricity bills.

• Convenience - Lights turn on and off automatically. No need to manually flip light switches on and off.

• Flexibility - Sensitivity and time settings can be adjusted to optimize functionality.

• Long lifespan - Motion sensors last 10+ years with little maintenance needed.

How Much Can You Save by Installing Motion Sensors?

The amount you can save on your electricity bill depends on:

• The number and wattage of the bulbs controlled by the motion sensor
• How frequently the lights are used
• Your duration settings - how long lights stay on after activation
• Your electricity rate per kWh

As a general estimate, a motion sensor controlling a 75W bulb that's used 5 hours per day could save $30-40 per year. The more bulbs controlled and the higher the wattage, the greater your savings.

Savings add up quickly if you install motion sensors in high traffic areas like hallways, stairwells, kitchens, garages, and bathrooms.

Key Considerations When Choosing Motion Sensors

• Area of coverage - Measure the room size and look for a detection range that covers the entire space. Long, narrow coverage is better for hallways.

• Lighting load - Check the maximum lighting wattage supported. Purchase a sensor with enough capacity for all connected bulbs.

• Sensitivity - Adjustable sensitivity to avoid false triggers.

• Time settings - Adjustable shut off time from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Auto-on may also be adjustable.

• Daylight sensor - Prevents lights from turning on if there's sufficient daylight. Saves more energy.

• Manual override - Lets you manually turn lights on/off without altering sensor settings.

How to Install a Motion Sensor Light Switch

Installing a motion detecting light switch is a relatively simple project you can DIY in about an hour with basic electrical knowledge and some tools.

Supplies Needed

• Motion sensor light switch
• Wire strippers
• Voltage tester
• Flat head screwdrivers
• Wire nuts
• Electrical tape

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Turn off power to the switch at the circuit breaker. Verify power is off with a voltage tester.

2. Remove the existing switch cover plate screws and carefully remove the old switch.

3. Take a photo of the switch wiring for reference and then disconnect the wires. There are usually three wires - neutral (white), live (black), and ground (green or bare copper).

4. Connect the neutral and ground wires to the corresponding neutral and ground terminals on the motion sensor switch using provided wire nuts.

5. Connect the live wire to the load terminal. This powers the switch.

6. Connect a wire from the line terminal to the light fixture hot terminal. This powers the lights.

7. Push wires back into the electrical box. Carefully mount the sensor switch into the box and attach the cover plate.

8. Turn power back on and test functionality. Adjust settings as needed.

Helpful Installation Tips

• Ensure power is OFF before wiring.
• Take photos of original wiring to get connections right.
• Ensure tight wire nut connections and tidy wire stuffing to prevent loose connections.
• Test operation and sensitivity before closing up the switch. Adjust settings as needed.
• Refer to manufacturer instructions for detailed wiring diagrams.

Choosing the Best Settings for Your Motion Sensors

Optimizing your motion sensor settings can help maximize energy savings and convenience. Test out different combinations to find what works best for each situation.

Key Settings to Adjust

• Sensitivity - Start low to avoid false triggers, then increase as needed.

• Time delay - Shorter for brief tasks (e.g. 10-30 secs for closets), longer for occupied rooms (5-15 mins for kitchens).

• Auto-on - Disable for daylight savings. Lower time delay if enabled (e.g. 5-30 secs).

• Daylight sensor - Enable to prevent triggering if sufficient ambient light.

• Manual mode - Temporarily disable motion sensing when needed.

Make small adjustments incrementally to hone in on the optimal settings. Change settings seasonally based on shifting daylight and occupancy patterns.

Troubleshooting Common Motion Sensor Issues

Motion sensors are reliable, but occasional issues can arise. Try these troubleshooting tips if your motion sensor switch is not working properly:

• Lights won't turn off - Extend the time delay or check for obstructions triggering the sensor.

• Lights turn off unexpectedly - Shorten the time delay, increase sensitivity, or rearrange furniture blocking detection.

• Lights flicker - Clean the lens, increase sensitivity, and/or check for wiring issues.

• Lights stay on - Disable manual mode or auto-on. Check daylight sensor adjustments.

• Lights won't turn on - Replace batteries if applicable. Check power connections and wiring.

• False triggers - Decrease sensitivity, reposition sensor, and/or reduce coverage area.

Replacing batteries or resetting the switch will also reset the sensor and fix many problems. Check manufacturer troubleshooting guides for advanced diagnostics and repairs.

Make the Most of Your Motion Sensor Light Switches

Installing motion sensors can seem intimidating, but a DIY installation is totally feasible for many homeowners. With a bit of planning, electrical care, and testing of settings, motion sensors can significantly reduce unnecessary lighting costs.

Optimally tuning sensitivity, time delays, and other settings will maximize functionality for each space. Take time to find the motion sensing sweet spot for each room. The long term savings on your electricity bills will be well worth the effort and expense.