Motion detectors and pets or extra switches? Experiences?

  • Erstellt am 2020-06-16 19:02:19

kati1337

2020-06-16 19:02:19
  • #1
Hello again!

We still haven't finalized our electrical planning. We would like to have a motion detector for the upper floor that turns on the lighting in the hallway when someone opens a door / steps into the hallway. According to the electrician, our hallway is quite suitable for this (I attached a picture - the red dot is supposed to be the position of the motion detector). Now we are concerned because we have 2 cats. We want to avoid the cats turning on the light half the night when they move. We have thought about trying it anyway, hoping that the cats won't trigger the device. But we asked if we could get an additional, regular light switch in the bedroom/guest room area, in case we have problems with the cats and occasionally don't want the device to be on automatic mode. If it is not possible to operate the motion detector together with a regular light switch, would you still take the risk? Are there any smart alternatives I might be missing?

Best regards
 

danixf

2020-06-16 19:45:32
  • #2
The hallway is actually quite suitable. However, there are more disadvantages than just the cats, which can only be avoided with a switch. So that would actually be possible and is not a big effort. Especially upstairs, it is very annoying when the light turns on at full brightness if you have to go to the toilet at night. The same in the morning. One time into the bathroom and you are briefly in the spotlight. Personally, I can't stand that at all, but that is certainly a matter of taste. We hardly ever have the light on in the upstairs hallway because it is simply a passage room and people hardly stay there. If you do spend more time upstairs and have tasks in the rooms, then you can also use normal switches. It would look different on the ground floor. There, you are more often moving between the kitchen, utility room, toilet, etc. Especially in the evening or when guests are there, but you are usually still awake and not half asleep... I would have had classic push-buttons installed here.
 

Mycraft

2020-06-16 20:28:37
  • #3
Quite simple:

Two different modes. 100% in the evening and 30% at night (or so). Then mount the detector so that it does not respond to cats or use a lens that is appropriate.
 

Vicky Pedia

2020-06-16 21:09:34
  • #4
I believe this is one of the 99 reasons why I don't like cats. But whatever. The detectors can be set so that they almost don't trigger with cats. Additionally, you can also minimize the "light on" time. And if the cat still triggers it at night and the light burns for 30 seconds, then so be it. That's just what you get with a cat.
 

Steven

2020-06-23 15:24:19
  • #5
Hello

I have (besides the "normal" light) a wall light equipped with a dim LED. It is controlled by a switch on both the left and right sides of the bed.
You could also control the motion detector from the bed.

Steven
 

kati1337

2020-06-26 09:27:37
  • #6


Thanks, that would actually be pretty cool. But we also want it to work for our guests and the child, so in the hallway.
We have now taken the motion sensor. The electrician asked internally again and in their opinion, the cat should not trigger it. We'll see.
We have now dared it without an additional switch, because I also think it is likely that the cats will mainly stay outside at night, and because when they are inside, they mostly sleep on the other floor. The litter box is also there, and we have to install a baby gate at the stairs for the first few years. So hopefully that won't be a problem.
 

Similar topics
02.09.2013Outdoor lamp motion sensor13
20.06.2015Electrical and door questions34
04.05.2016Motion sensor for outdoor lighting15
11.08.2016Lighting / Ceiling Spots31
29.01.2018Lighting semi-detached house - Dali & DMX or REG-LED controller?21
31.12.2018Bedroom idea - bed / wardrobe arrangement32
01.08.2019Trouble with the electrician / tolerance range?!42
29.10.2019Burglary protection motion detector or continuous lighting?12
19.02.2020Number of recessed spotlights in the upper floor hallway50
08.04.2020How many lamps are in the 7-meter long hallway?13
22.09.2020Motion detector in hallway/entrance area27
16.10.2020Planning recessed spotlights for hallway and wardrobe - tips62
20.05.2021Are there indoor motion detectors that do not respond to animals?37
03.10.2021Main lighting with LED strips: is it useful?43
07.12.2021New single-family house construction: Placement of light switch35
22.03.2022Outdoor ceiling light with motion sensor16
27.08.2022Lighting recommendation for roof overhang27
21.10.2022Outdoor lighting with motion sensor and continuous operation?18
28.02.2023Motion detector instead of switch?19
12.03.2025Lighting design for a multi-story apartment with indirect LED lighting50

Oben