Motion Sensor Switch - Fixable or Just Swap Out?

[Dan in Pasadena]

I know ZERO about electrical.

The switch has started intermittent acting up. Works fine - shuts off after a few minutes as it's always done. This bathroom was primarily used by small children of prior owner so I understand why they used one of these.

Now it works regularly, then sometimes comes on momentarily, sometimes nothing at all.

Should I just swap it for an On/Off switch?

 

[Jim greengo]

I know ZERO about electrical.

The switch has started intermittent acting up. Works fine - shuts off after a few minutes as it's always done. This bathroom was primarily used by small children of prior owner so I understand why they used one of these.

Now it works regularly, then sometimes comes on momentarily, sometimes nothing at all.

Should I just swap it for an On/Off switch?

Swap it out,or just install a regular switch would be my suggestion.

 

[mikedodge]

Swap it out it's starting to fail.

 

[The Cobbler]

this is Garage Journal
swap it with a toggle , take the motion switch apart, buy 1k worth of meters & test equipment, find out what is failing, replace the part , re install

 

[MBfreak]

This is the GJ, we love repairing things. Agree with the cobbler.
Check what electrolytic capacitors sit on the PCB and replace them.
Caveat
If surface mounted, it is a lot more difficult.

Ola

 

[htmdude57]

Motion sensor switches usually have an adjustment that lets you adjust the "stay on" time. The minimum setting could be about 5 seconds. (I have one in a walk-in closet that I have set to about 10 seconds, because that's all the wifey needs when she goes in there) Try opening the front cover on the switch and twisting the setting to a longer time. This might be all it needs? If this doesn't fix it, it probably needs to be replaced with a new one.

 

[Marsim]

You can swap out the bulbs with newer ones that have the sensor built in. Fairly inexpensive, but might not be practical depending on where it is.

 

[vwpieces]

this is Garage Journal
swap it with a toggle , take the motion switch apart, buy 1k worth of meters & test equipment, find out what is failing, replace the part , re install

May as well ad a few years of electronic schooling to the Tab too. Why not... might have another $20 part fail in the future.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks guys!

Thanks for the comedy too, made me laugh. Especially the part about spending a ton rather than just swapping out the switch. This switch is in the secondary bathroom and like the entire house it has flush fit LED lights so swapping in bulbs with built in sensors is not an option. Also, the front of this switch does not open. Maybe it would have an adjustment once I take it out, we'll see.

 

[nadogail]

There is nothing so simple that we can’t make it more complicated.

 

[Mooky]

May as well ad a few years of electronic schooling to the Tab too. Why not... might have another $20 part fail in the future.

No need for school. Just ask the question that was asked a thousand times every week. Get pages of rambling, ridiculous answers.

 

[Meursault74]

I'd just swap out the motion sensor for an ordinary toggle switch.

My brother had a guest house built at the back of his property a few years ago. Those type of motion sensor lights were required by some energy conservation code to pass inspection when the structure was built.

He had issues with some of them not much later. I just put in toggle switches for him. No one cares after the inspection........ or whoever does isn't going to see them ever again.

 

[htmdude57]

Just ask the question that was asked a thousand times every week.

Ok, but yes, I realize that this is the electrical subforum: Should I insulate my garage? I live in Antarctica, if that matters.