Closet motion lights

gmhammes · 03-02-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Gift

Building codes are strict about lights in closets which could get hot and smolder or ignite something: hat packing tissue, frilly fabrics, etc.

I wanted to use a CFL bulb but inspector said someone could latereplace it with an incandescent bulb.

Would LED lights be bright enough?

I like LED's however they are more directional and i would hate to spend that amount of money for it not to be bright enough.

I am researching lights right now but it's difficult to find much. Am i correct in that the light has to be 12" from the wall?

Would 4" cans probably not give off enough light for a closet?

Robert Gift · 03-02-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmhammes

I like LED's however they are more directional and i would hate to spend that amount of money for it not to be bright enough.
I am researching lights right now but it's difficult to find much. Am i correct in that the light has to be 12" from the wall?
Would 4" cans probably not give off enough light for a closet?

Yes. LEDs are too expensive.

Inspectors are concerned that "stuff" can be piled directly under can lights or against other lights or may shift to where things can be ignited.

They will allow a lighto be placed directly above the door thinking nothing can pile up beneathe light above the door. (Haven't seen my wife'storage abilities!)

But I can't get wiring above the door without it exiting the wall from the side of it.

What about a fluorescent tube light?

gmhammes · 03-02-2011, 02:53 PM

Okay, so i have come to a decision... I think. After pricing out some of these motion sensors and comparing that to the value of my house i have chosen a less expensive route. Not to mention if i purchase the sensor and it doesn't work the way i want i could be out $120.

Let me bounce this idea off of you guys.
Use the standard Cooper motion switch three way but mount it in the ceiling on the back side of the closet header.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_43593-334-K6...ring%20Devices

Wire it to a three way switch on the outside wall next to the closet and the 3 lights. The switch would only be $20 plus the $1.50 three way standard switch.

Thoughts?

Also i would run into the problem of using CFL bulb as the motion switch states that it will not work with them. Would Dimmable CFL's work even if it states "will not work with CFL or elctronic ballasts? I have only found one motion switch that says it will work with standard CFL's but it is a no-name brand.
If all else fails i can resort the incandescent globes.

thadsaab · 03-02-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmhammes

Use the standard Cooper motion switch three way but mount it in the ceiling on the back side of the closet header.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_43593-334-K6...ring%20Devices

That motion switch you linked to may not be 3-way in the way you think. It is a single pole (2-way) switch with on-off-auto (3 positions). The description is confusing.

This motion sensor by lutron appears to be compatible with CFLs (it requires a neutral connection). A companion switch for multilocation control is available.
http://www.smarthome.com/6620WH/Lutr...h-White/p.aspx

gmhammes · 03-02-2011, 09:50 PM

hmmm... you could be right but can you take a quick glance and let me know the differnce between the 6105 and 6107 switches ?
http://solutions.cooperwiringdevices...&brandName=CWD Residential&category=Lighting Controls: Occupancy & Vacancy Sensors: Standard Switch&id=18450

I like the lutron stuff, just a little pricey is all but if my hand is forced to it then so be it! lol

Saturday Cowboy · 03-03-2011, 04:56 AM

I hate to say this but i don't think you will be happy with a motion switch mounted inside the closet(they detect heat not motion and would not be likely to see you mounted at the front due to FOV or at the back due to blockage), or one outside(to many false trips).

However another recent thread gave me an idea. Magnet reed switch turns on lights under sink?

As I could not come up with a solution for the center door.

What about using magnetic reed switches utilizing a low voltage control circuit and a relay. Mounting a magnet on each door and reed switches wired in parallel mounted above the closed position of the doors. That way if any door moves from its home position the lights come on.

Saturday Cowboy · 03-03-2011, 05:17 AM

i found something on that link chips posted
http://www.smarthome.com/2421/Trigge...-Sensor/p.aspx

thadsaab · 03-03-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmhammes

hmmm... you could be right but can you take a quick glance and let me know the differnce between the 6105 and 6107 switches ?

I stand partly corrected. The 6107 is a single pole switch but can be used with a 3 way switch when in auto mode. The Lowes description is a bit short on details. This Amazon review describes it well:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2VZLA7...R2VZLA73GX29XB

Quote:

This product (Cooper K6107) is misrepresented as a 3-way switch, which implies SPDT (single-pole double-throw). It is not. Rather, it is a single-pole single-throw switch (SPST) with a 120V trigger that activates the connection when it is off, but only in automatic mode. In a typical 3-way circuit with two travelers and a SPDT switch at the other end, the installation requires placing a jumper on the SPDT switch, which causes one of the travelers to be continuously connected regardless of the switch position. You can turn the light on and off manually or automatically with the motion sensor switch, and when it is set to automatic you can turn the light on with the other switch. (Flipping it activates the trigger.) However, if the K6107 is in manual mode and the light is off, you can not turn it on with the other switch, and if the light is on you can not turn it off with the other switch. Quote from installation instructions, "Note: After jumper is installed, this switch will turn light on only."

gmhammes · 03-03-2011, 08:41 AM

Thank you very much for looking into that and clarifying it. I do understand what you mean now. I thought it may only work wihen in the on position which it essentially what i want. Let's say the motion stops working for anyreason. I could flip the switch to on and then use the outside switch to control it but since that doesn't sound like it's going to happen.

Geez, maybe this will have to be a pull chain lighting system.. lol

Looking for more great ideas if anyone has them.

gmhammes · 03-03-2011, 08:53 AM

Think i may look into beam sonsor option. Let me know if anyone has experience with those what sort of relay/ power supply i may need to make those work.

Thanks again for everyone's help and input!