Motion Sensor Switch

[Onemikekelly]

My 4 year old son won't go to bed without the light being left on and insists his door is closed when I leave. When the door is opened later to turn the light off he frequently wakes him up.

I wanted to put a motion sensor light in his room if possible by replacing the existing light switch that has a standard back box.

Wanted advice on what to buy as it takes him around 20 mins to go to sleep after I have left so wanted something that doesn't turn off for around 40 mins after I have left the room or around 20 mins after he is sleeping and not moving around anymore.

Any help or recommendations you could give would be great.

Also is it as simple as changing the light switch for a motion detector switch or dies anything else have to be done to make it work.

 

[James]

Have you tried a night light?

 

[mainline]

My 4 year old son won't go to bed without the light being left on and insists his door is closed when I leave. When the door is opened later to turn the light off he frequently wakes him up.

I wanted to put a motion sensor light in his room if possible by replacing the existing light switch that has a standard back box.

Wanted advice on what to buy as it takes him around 20 mins to go to sleep after I have left so wanted something that doesn't turn off for around 40 mins after I have left the room or around 20 mins after he is sleeping and not moving around anymore.

Any help or recommendations you could give would be great.

Also is it as simple as changing the light switch for a motion detector switch or dies anything else have to be done to make it work.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lighting-Occupancy-mounting-Presence-Detection/dp/B00AVZLXK0/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=motion+sensor+light+switch&qid=1684131021&sr=8-5

 

[James]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lighting-Occupancy-mounting-Presence-Detection/dp/B00AVZLXK0/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=motion+sensor+light+switch&qid=1684131021&sr=8-5

I was going to suggest that switch, except the max time delay is 6 minutes.

 

[Onemikekelly]

Have you tried a night light?

Hi James, yes, my son doesnt like them, says they are not bright enough. He like to read his books in bed and fall asleep when doing so.

 

[Onemikekelly]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lighting-Occupancy-mounting-Presence-Detection/dp/B00AVZLXK0/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=motion+sensor+light+switch&qid=1684131021&sr=8-5

thanks for the link, i have seen this one before but not sure 6 minutes is long enough, think i would prefer something a good bit longer as he make wake up if it is such a short time

 

[littlespark]

A standard occupancy sensor may need a neutral to operate, which may or may not be present at your switch.

There are mechanical timer switches that push in, operate for a set time, then switch off….

Edit.
Something like this

400A | ELKAY | White 1 gang Pneumatic push delay timer | Wall Timer | Push Button Timer | Stairwell delay off switch | Wall mounted Timer switch -Superlec Direct

www.superlecdirect.com

 

[Avo Mk8]

This one has an adjustable long delay, but does require a neutral at the switch:

Wall PIR Presence Detector with Adjustable Lux Level Sensing

Sparks Electrical Wholesalers sells a wide range of electrical items including Wall PIR Presence Detector with Adjustable Lux Level Sensing and Time Delay,.

www.sparksdirect.co.uk

 

[Rockingit]

Simple clockwork plugtimer on a bedside light would do the trick here.

 

[littlespark]

The way I’m understanding is, we don’t know exactly what time the light needs to be on, so a timer that references real time won’t be suitable.

The motion sensor is the best idea, as the timer can be adjusted and will trigger with movement… I wouldn’t like the sudden instant bright light happening in the middle of the night though…
This would need a neutral at the switch, as previously mentioned.

You can get sensor operated light bulbs that simply replace the bulb in the pendant, but I can only find, shall we say, less than professional suppliers.

 

[Avo Mk8]

delay timer set for the 40 minutes previously mentioned? No neutral required.

2 Wire Push Activated Electronic Time Delay Switch

Saves cost and energy

www.cef.co.uk

 

[littlespark]

delay timer set for the 40 minutes previously mentioned? No neutral required.

2 Wire Push Activated Electronic Time Delay Switch

Saves cost and energy

www.cef.co.uk

After I posted my suggestion about the same idea, I thought about what happens when child wakes up in the dark and needs to get out of bed and over to the switch to turn it back on.

Sensor, he could just wave his hand

 

[James]

 

[mainline]

Put a ceiling one in.

Then you can turn it off when not needed via the light switch.

Another option is to use a pir bedside lamp, they probably do mains ones as well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Auraglow-Wireless-Battery-Powered-Hallway/dp/B00NHRX0GO

 

[Avo Mk8]

Or put a Philips Hue (white!) bulb in the ceiling fitting, which can be remotely controlled using the Philips app. on a phone (Bluetooth) theoretically from anywhere within 10 meters.
If the wall switch is subsequently operated off-on, the light would come back on, so you still have 'normal' functionality from the light switch, but the added ability to turn the bulb off remotely when it's on (which you can also automate if you wish )
No wiring changes needed!