Wall Timer Switch For Room Lights

jyl · jyl's Garage

I'm looking for a wall light switch that includes a timer and can control CFL bulbs without flickering.

We have a couple of rooms where the light never seems to get turned off. The basement, the kids' rooms, etc.

The "ideal" would be a switch that looks inconspicuous and "normal", very simple, and not over $20.

Does anyone have something like this in their house? What would you recommend?

Edit: something like this looks nice (if it controls CFLs) but would be nice to find something cheaper.

http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/96848.htm

stomachmonkey · 04-27-2008, 08:20 AM

I have the same issue, my wife is the major guilty party.

I think you would be better off with an occupancy sensor switch.

The one you listed looks to have preset timed settings and I assume the unlabled switch is permanent on/off.

If you are having trouble getting the family to turn lights off good luck getting them to use anything other than the on/off switch.

notmytarga · notmytarga's Garage

They sell these switches with 2,4,6 hour etc too. I've used those to do exterior lights and fountains. You need the white neutral wire to make them work - a switch leg will require getting the neutral there. The bottom switch shuts it off at any time. Might work for what you want. Get one and see how it is accepted.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

I think you would be better off with an occupancy sensor switch.

Used one of these in our laundry room. Seemed like our hands were always full of clothes baskets, or we were struggling with an armful of dirty laundry, whenever we went in there. Carrying the clean stuff out was a challenge too, so this occupancy sensor worked out just fine.

Randy

jyl · jyl's Garage

The thing w/ an occupancy sensor switch is I wouldn't want the CFLs turning on and off constantly as kids run in and out of the room. Shortens their life.

I'd rather have the CFL "on" in an empty room for 10 minutes, than turning "off" then "on" every 10 minutes. My objection is when the light is left on all day, 8 hours while no-one is home.

If the occupancy sensor responds to cats (?), that would be a problem too.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

With these switches, you can set the amount of time the light remains on after it stops sensing someone in the room. The lights stay on for 15, 30 or 45 minutes after it stops sensing a presence. This way, if the light is on when the kids leave the room, it will still be on when they return, say 20 minutes later, if set appropriately. No on/of/on/off of the lights.

As far as pets setting them off, my Shih Tzu weighs about 16 lbs and he doesn't set it off. Of course that could be because of where the switch is, in relationship to the rest of the room, and the patch way. It's never been a problem though.

Randy

jyl · jyl's Garage

Hmm, that sounds good. I'll check it out. Thanks.

DByers · 04-27-2008, 08:49 PM

John,
Look for a Title 24 compliant sensor. It will be manual on with a motion sensor to turn the lights off when not occupied for a period of time. Also your CFL's will always flicker when they come on. It is the nature of the beast with residential CFL's bought at Costco or the like. It will also take them a good 20-30 seconds to get to full brightness.
If you would like to try a good sensor out PM me and I can set you up.