Where to Install a Motion Sensor Light at Home

Installing a motion sensor light is a great hands-free way to add ease and convenience to your daily activities while reducing your energy costs. In fact, some local building codes, like those in California, recognize the energy-saving potential of motion sensors by requiring their use in certain residential areas. 

What is a Motion Sensor Light?

Motion sensors allow you to control how long the device will wait to turn off when it stops sensing motion in the room – typically from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. You can also adjust both the ambient light sensitivity so the device will detect motion only when it is dark, and the motion sensor sensitivity to minimize false detections.

Best Places to Install a Motion Sensor and Light Switch

Motion sensors are useful anywhere you want lights to turn on automatically when you enter a space and turn off again when you leave. 

• California Title 24, for example, mandates occupancy sensors in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, walk-in closets, and utility rooms.
• Place motion sensors where they can effectively cover entryways and detect changes in the room.   Avoid placing sensors near heat vents, air conditioning units, moving curtains or bright lights that might trigger false alarms.  
• Children frequently forget to turn off lights when leaving their bedroom, bathroom or playroom, so these are ideal spaces to install motion sensors. 
• Consider areas that are potentially prone to security risks as well as locations that are dimly lit like entryways, alleys, pathways and decks.

Motion sensors can be used in conjunction with installed switches, dimmers and outlets. 

Types of Motion Sensors

• Wired vs. Wireless: Choose either a wired or wireless motion sensor to add to any wall or surface, indoors or out. Wireless sensors are powered using a button cell battery that has a typical lifespan of eight years. Most devices display a notification on your smartphone when it's time to replace the battery and the companion app usually also displays the battery level.
• Single Pole vs. 3-Way: You can install a motion sensor light switch on its own to control a light or fixture from a single location, or pair it with additional switches to control a single light source from multiple locations (3 or 4-way applications). Refer to detailed installation instructions for your chosen device. 
•  App-Controlled: Motion sensor lights as a part of a larger Smart Lighting system adds app-based access to indoor or outdoor motion sensors.