Posted 7 November 2023
Looking for a ceiling light with motion detection (PIR) for hallway
I've been tasked with trying to find a ceiling light for a hallway for my parents new extension.
As it's only around 4 metres long and has no windows so they want a light in there for when they're walking into the new part of the house. It would be a bit of a faff having to flick the light switch at each end so I foolishly suggested they went with a motion sensitive ceiling light and then found out it would be up to me to suss one out!
It seems its not quite as straight forward as I'd hoped - there seem to be a lot of issues with lights not coming on unless it's almost completely black (the minimum lux setting being too low) like this one from Screwfix. I guess another option is to find a light with a separate sensor - they'd rather have it as an all-in-one but from what I've seen, it might be difficult to fine one of those that would work with the light positioned in the middle of the hallway as the sensor may be obstructed by the actual light - kind of like this
Has anyone got a motion sensitive ceiling light similar to what I'm looking for that they can recommend or any similar products?
So far, my father was looking at a sensor and separate light from Screwfix (he's limited to in store options) but the sensor is rather large and really ugly and my Mother really isn't liking that option!
As it's only around 4 metres long and has no windows so they want a light in there for when they're walking into the new part of the house. It would be a bit of a faff having to flick the light switch at each end so I foolishly suggested they went with a motion sensitive ceiling light and then found out it would be up to me to suss one out!
It seems its not quite as straight forward as I'd hoped - there seem to be a lot of issues with lights not coming on unless it's almost completely black (the minimum lux setting being too low) like this one from Screwfix. I guess another option is to find a light with a separate sensor - they'd rather have it as an all-in-one but from what I've seen, it might be difficult to fine one of those that would work with the light positioned in the middle of the hallway as the sensor may be obstructed by the actual light - kind of like this
Has anyone got a motion sensitive ceiling light similar to what I'm looking for that they can recommend or any similar products?
So far, my father was looking at a sensor and separate light from Screwfix (he's limited to in store options) but the sensor is rather large and really ugly and my Mother really isn't liking that option!
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16 Comments
sorted byNot sure that the coverage of the PIR would be adequate though, and you'd loose two way manual switching of the light.
Here's an example switch, either override switch would turn the light on, there's no facility with this model to make the light stay off: cpc.farnell.com/pro…hes
Another option, probably better, would be recessed ceiling PIRs, so they are fairly unobtrusive, there's a few examples here:- tlc-direct.co.uk/Mai…tml
Might be best to fit one at each end.
The problem is the reviews, as always! Some people say they're fantastic and other people complain the exact same product doesnt work and is junk!
The one you showed looks good but I cant find more than a couple of reviews.
The screwfix one has mostly good reviews but some shockers too!
I find is a little too keen to illuminate when not dark (enough) - but that is presumably preferable to not illuminating until too dark.
It is probably equiv to between 60W-100W incandescent and natural white;
about 30secs max on unless re-triggered by movement within that period.
Current £7 FBA (free del to locker/pickup counter or usual Prime option) is not cheapest ever but certainly low:
keepa.com/
Note that it is radar not PIR so will be liable to illuminate when it detects motion above & to sides,
which may make it unsuitable if the location is within say 2 metres of significant unrelated footfall.
Had mine 1yr+ no issues.
Note sure of sleep consumption but imagine minuscule.
Hilarious angry review suggests the user tested functionality during daylight hours
I've not come across the "Radar" option, that's something to look into - are there advantages over PIR? Is there anyway to adjust the sensitivity or duration that it stays on for - realistically it only need 15 secs max. Where have you got yours positioned?
As for price, they'll be happy spending more for something that does the job and doesnt look like a dogs breakfast like the screwfix combo!
As it's a hallway, I'm not worried about it being triggered accidentally in fact being a little hair-triggered would be handy (there may well be light coming through from the rooms as the doors are open and if the light only comes on in reeeeaaally low light, it might not trigger) as if there's any movement detected then it means there's someone in the hallway (only a little wider than the hallway), the issue would be if it didn't detect and come on. There's a bedroom door on either side that opens onto it but the main usage will be from either end - from the living room to the extension and in reverse.
amazon.co.uk/gp/…WXO
I'm happy with it.
(Assumed) off-fitting adjustment of:
daylight / lux sensitivity (2 -> 2000 lux)
trigger sensitivity (1 -> 10m)
on duration (10 -> 120s).
No obvious force-on override.
£19.92 direct Amazon UK / EU
amazon.co.uk/YRH…YV/
Warm white £22.95: amazon.co.uk/YRH…XX4
There aren't any switches on the walls, the hallway is brand new, it goes through one of the existing bedrooms that's now got a stud wall and is a bit smaller.
We have it for our hall, landing and utility rooms and it works well. I gusss it's starting to buy into thay ecosystem though.
Hue in particular gives lots of options on how sensitive it is and how much light is required to trigger it etc