Motion sensor for garage light?
- Thread starter rodm1
- Start date
driftpin
Well-known member
The Liftmaster 8500 jackshaft garage door opener comes with a two-bulb wireless garage light. Of course it needs a 120 V hard-wire, but it wirelessly-communicates with the Liftmaster 888 LM https://www.liftmaster.com/for-homes/accessories/control-panels/model-888lm wall-mount, which offers many other features, including suitability for monitoring your installation on the internet (additional router interface required).
I understand you're probably looking for an infrared sensor as a stand-alone addition to activate your light, but if you are planning to update to a new door opener, the Liftnmaster 8500 is one to consider, not as-easy to defeat by a burglar as ones mounted in the middle of the door.
Here are choices from the Big White & Orange Box store: https://www.homedepot.com/s/lutron%20motion%20detector?NCNI-5 A variety of features, including three-way switches.
I understand you're probably looking for an infrared sensor as a stand-alone addition to activate your light, but if you are planning to update to a new door opener, the Liftnmaster 8500 is one to consider, not as-easy to defeat by a burglar as ones mounted in the middle of the door.
Here are choices from the Big White & Orange Box store: https://www.homedepot.com/s/lutron%20motion%20detector?NCNI-5 A variety of features, including three-way switches.
Last edited:
PhysicsDude
Well-known member
Most obvious solution is an occupancy sensor wall switch such as this one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...upancy-Detector-White-R02-IPS02-1LW/203826482
Its limited to 300 watts, so you might need a more expensive one depending on how many lights you have. Make sure you get one that specifically says its compatible with LED and CFL. That also typically means it requires a ground connection, which not all light boxes will have, so make sure to check if yours does.
In my garage I used a motion sensor from an older outdoor fixture I had laying around. It works really well. Its something like this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant...-Outdoor-Motion-Sensor-DF-5716-BK-A/203739884
Again, check the specs, many motion sensors are only rated for 150-300 watts, or are not compatible with LED/CFL.
I've had good luck with motion sensors in unheated garages, but they will usually be "triggered" when the garage door opens and changes the ambient light level, which I think is a plus.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...upancy-Detector-White-R02-IPS02-1LW/203826482
Its limited to 300 watts, so you might need a more expensive one depending on how many lights you have. Make sure you get one that specifically says its compatible with LED and CFL. That also typically means it requires a ground connection, which not all light boxes will have, so make sure to check if yours does.
In my garage I used a motion sensor from an older outdoor fixture I had laying around. It works really well. Its something like this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant...-Outdoor-Motion-Sensor-DF-5716-BK-A/203739884
Again, check the specs, many motion sensors are only rated for 150-300 watts, or are not compatible with LED/CFL.
I've had good luck with motion sensors in unheated garages, but they will usually be "triggered" when the garage door opens and changes the ambient light level, which I think is a plus.
I can't tell you how it works yet, because my home is still being constructed...but I'm going to use a Wattstopper DT-355. The 355 is specific for line voltage, the 305 is for low voltage. It's a duel technology (PIR/Ultrasonic) that will be used with two Liftmaster 8500's, as I did NOT want to use the factory bubble light.
That is a nice unit but expensive! I'm going to look into this more any other suggestions?
CJ7VFR
Well-known member
How much do you want to spend on this?
Is the motion sensor just for lighting up the garage while you are going in and out quick to get stuff or put the trash out?
Or do you want all your garage lights on a motion sensor so the whole place lights up while you are working?
Jim
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Intermatic sensors are good quality: https://www.intermatic.com/en/sensors
walta
Well-known member
This light is motion activated and can be set to only operate when light level is low.
The motion sensor is a little strange in that it will sensor you thru the door and turn on the light before you enter the room.
https://www.costco.com/Winplus-45”-LED-Utility-Light-with-Motion-Sensor-.product.100329453.html
Walta
The motion sensor is a little strange in that it will sensor you thru the door and turn on the light before you enter the room.
https://www.costco.com/Winplus-45”-LED-Utility-Light-with-Motion-Sensor-.product.100329453.html
Walta
BuffettFan
Well-known member
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-...on-Activated-Flood-Light-with-Timer/999949020
I've got 2 of these in my garage to illuminate it enough for getting in and out of the vehicles and coming in through the service door.
Pretty easy.
I've got 2 of these in my garage to illuminate it enough for getting in and out of the vehicles and coming in through the service door.
Pretty easy.