Automatic Closet Lights

Sav505

I have several closets in my house with pull chain lights in them. They get left on all the time. I would like to install door jamb switches in them. I have seen the normal push button type switch, and also a roller ball switch, but I cant find a magnetic switch.

I don't want the push button kind because you have to install it on the side of the jamb. It would be a lot easier to drill a hole from above with a long drill bit, and install a roller ball, or magnetic switch. I think a Magnetic switch would be a lot nicer because you could flush mount it, but the only one I can find is for alarm systems.

Does anyone know about any magnetic light switches out there?

Chris Johnson

Couldn't find anything magnetic

How's your humor level tonight? This is the best I could come up with...must wear sunglasses

Attached Images

 

__________________
Chris

Sav505

Haha! The closets are way too small for that! But it might not be a bad idea to get an inexpensive one and put one regular bulb in it....Hmm

The one I attached was my original idea, but it's $30. I think a jamb switch would be better for the money.

Chris Johnson

Jamb switches I know of require you to remove the trim, some drywall run a wire, patch it all up and paint. I use the $ 30.00 sensor. Actually HD has a cheap one for around $ 9.00, Not the greatest but if it works, great, if not hey it's HD they take back everything

__________________
Chris

frenchelectrican

speaking of closet luminaires the codes are very strict with this no open indscent bulbs in the clothes closet allowed you can add a motion switch when someone open the closet or use the door jamb switch one of the two will work good with it.

Merci, Marc

Stubbie

How about this closet light relay and a set of magnetic contacts at the door instead of the jamb switch.


http://www.tequipment.net/RemconRC-120S.html

Attached Thumbnails

 

wiredog

door jam switches require femoving the door frame and cuttin dry wall i recomend as others have the sensor on the light

chris75

That was my idea!!!! I've been doing that for years!

Stubbie

Yep it's a pretty slick way to go. Speedy Petey showed them to me about 3 years ago.

Sav505

The relay is a great Idea, but on the web site they are $37.15. I think I would would be better off with the $29 motion sensor. I have 6 closets that I would like to do this in, so I don't want to spend too much money.

I was thinking that with a magnetic switch, I would be able to go through the top of the jamb straight into the attic with a long drill bit.

I just found thesehttp://www.hamiltonsensors.com/glpca...=4719_4720&p=2
I wonder if they would work.

chris75

The magnets will only work if they are NC (normally closed) magnets, otherwise the light will come on with the door closed instead of the door open.

chris75

I use them in Progress Fluorescent lights, (P7008-30) They work very well together.

Stubbie

Great I'll file that away....

Speedy Petey

The problem with an occupancy sensor is where to put it. If the closet is small and the sensor is inside it may not sense you as you are 180 deg and behind from the sense area.
For large walk-in closets they work fine.

With that relay NO damage or repair is needed. You can put the ball contact in the top or side jamb and snake the lo-vo wire up to the attic quite easily.

Heck, I can typically put in a line-volt jamb switch with no damage at all also. They can be done "old-work".

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Troubleshooter

This relay and ball contact system sound like just what I need also! Got a link to the parts needed to complete this install from scratch?