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Motion-sensor light switch that is illuminated

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April 10, 2025, 06:11 PM
corsair
Motion-sensor light switch that is illuminated
I'm looking to update my garage light switches and I can't believe this is not as common, I went into my local Home Depot and Lowe's, and neither of those locations had this kind of switch...or, I got the wrong guy to help me.

I've updated several closets and bathrooms with Lutron switches, do they make what I'm looking for...or, who does?
April 10, 2025, 06:15 PM
konata88
I'm pretty sure they did but not sure about now. I've had some. Most of these switches have been replaced with dimmers (that have tiny leds to indicate brightness level).

Try Leviton if not Lutron.

I think I used something like this....
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005...b_fed_asin_title_108




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April 11, 2025, 07:36 AM
Georgeair
From design standpoint it is probably counterintuitive - you go into the room or open door and light is on, so why would you need a glowing locator?

In reality I can see it though (HA!). If you set for max time in a garage for instance, you may be there beyond that and need to find it. Or in our case closet with this is best we have for a tornado warning. After putting these in and the lights went out after 5 or 10 minutes, first thought was OH SHIT. Then realized waiving my hand suddenly brought the power grid back up....

If I might make a suggestion, for spaces where you are thinking this might work consider instead a timer switch. I've used this in my garage so I can tap it once for a quick trip, or if I know I'll be there a while four quick taps to 60 minute max. It has worked great.

Intermatic EI210LA 10/20/30/60 Electronic in-Wall Countdown Timer



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April 11, 2025, 08:42 AM
ryan81986
What's the purpose if you don't mind me asking? Usually, the illuminated light switches are so you can either find it in the dark or know it's been left on. Both of which cases are moot with a motion switch.




April 11, 2025, 08:59 AM
HRK
quote:
the illuminated light switches are so you can either find it in the dark or know it's been left on.


Wouldn't the lights, being illuminated, be an indication of them being on Big Grin

I have a Lutron Motion in the mud room, there are no windows to keep the room lit with natural light, and the wife likes to come behind me and turn it off, even though it's dark and I'm going back and forth on a project to the garage, the motion switch fixes that issue.

It has small LED lights on the side, not really illuminated but they are there. Being motion basically eliminates the need for it to be.
April 11, 2025, 09:00 AM
ryan81986
quote:
Originally posted by HRK:
quote:
the illuminated light switches are so you can either find it in the dark or know it's been left on.


Wouldn't the lights, being illuminated, be an indication of them being on Big Grin


Not if it's a switch for outside lights, basement or attic Big Grin




April 11, 2025, 09:20 AM
HRK
quote:
Originally posted by ryan81986:
Not if it's a switch for outside lights, basement or attic Big Grin


OK I guess it depends on which side of the door you're standing Razz
April 11, 2025, 09:26 AM
bendable
Trying to understand here.

Are you looking for a wall switch that is illuminated when it's dark ?

Or are you seeking a wall switch that illuminates only when it's in the up position , indicating that the lights are on outside or in the basement or attic ?

Or
Both?





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April 11, 2025, 10:16 AM
corsair
I should've been more specific, the switch would be a MANUAL on, AUTO off...hence the search for an illuminated switch versus an Auto on/off.
April 11, 2025, 01:10 PM
stoic-one
I use a motion activated switch with the form factor of a GFCI and then add a SnapPower cover plate:

https://www.amazon.com/Single-...ps%2C170&sr=8-2&th=1

This way you can buy a switch that operates in whatever manner you like, and the illumination is a separate function...


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April 11, 2025, 01:21 PM
tatortodd
I went a different route with my exterior motion light switch. I bought a plastic cover to put over it, and you have to intentionally get a eyeglass screwdriver to turn it off. I also used the label maker on it with an "on" arrow.




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April 11, 2025, 04:17 PM
HRK
https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/st.../1910350004650209666


April 12, 2025, 02:14 AM
Rey HRH
quote:
Originally posted by corsair:
I should've been more specific, the switch would be a MANUAL on, AUTO off...hence the search for an illuminated switch versus an Auto on/off.


I bought one of those. It's an electronic version of the old mechanical switches that you turn the knob to turn on and the knob goes back slowly like an old kitchen timer and when it reaches zero, it turns off.

The brand is Kasa. Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200-LA. The switch isn't illuminated however. But it is controlled via an app.

My use for it is the light switch inside a walk-in closet. The switch is outside the closet door. My wife turns the light on. She walks in. She walks out closes the door and leaves the light on. I also do the same, especially during the day.



"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
April 12, 2025, 10:14 AM
gpbst3
quote:
Originally posted by Rey HRH:
quote:
Originally posted by corsair:
I should've been more specific, the switch would be a MANUAL on, AUTO off...hence the search for an illuminated switch versus an Auto on/off.


I bought one of those. It's an electronic version of the old mechanical switches that you turn the knob to turn on and the knob goes back slowly like an old kitchen timer and when it reaches zero, it turns off.

The brand is Kasa. Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200-LA. The switch isn't illuminated however. But it is controlled via an app.

My use for it is the light switch inside a walk-in closet. The switch is outside the closet door. My wife turns the light on. She walks in. She walks out closes the door and leaves the light on. I also do the same, especially during the day.


I have this switch. It does in fact have a small lighted ring which you can set to either be off or on when the light is on.


April 12, 2025, 10:16 AM
gpbst3
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Le...-L5611-2LW/315717567


Is is what your looking for?


April 14, 2025, 12:05 AM
corsair
quote:
Originally posted by gpbst3:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Le...-L5611-2LW/315717567


Is is what your looking for?

If it had a Vacancy motion sensor it'd be perfect.


Thanks all for the advice, I ordered up a couple of these, we'll see how they turn out.

https://www.amazon.com/Enerlit...ps%2C182&sr=8-1&th=1