How can I hook up lights in my house to go off and on when I enter/leave a room?

Question

Just like I said above, but I can't spend an arm and a leg either....I've already spent those. Thanks

Answer 1

motion detector light switches. they replace the switch you push on and off in the wall.

you can adjust the time the light stays on when you leave.

Answer 2

You can purchase motion detectors with built in timers at your local home improvement store. The will s***w into the light bulb socket and the light bulb screws into the detector.

They are relatively inexpensive, but they do make your light bulb a couple of inches lower.

Answer 3

Step 1:  Go to your local electrical supply and buy something called a wall-mounted occupancy sensor.  The Pass & Seymour catalog number is WSP200W (the last W stands for white, you can change it to I for Ivory or LA for Light Almond, for example, WSP200LA)  The guy at the counter should be able to cross that number to his own manufacturer.  You will also need a matching "decor" cover plate.  This sensor also has a manual push-button switch.

Step 2.  Turn off the power to the are of the house you will be working in.  Be sure to try out the lights to be sure the power has been disconnected (sometimes it's easy to get the wrong breaker or for the guts of the breaker to stick)  Take off the cover of your light switch.  Carefully remove the the light switch without touching the wires.  Use a tester and check the switch for voltage. If none is present, proceed to disconnect the wires from the switch.  Price: anywhere between $35 and $80 each, depending on your salesman, the manufacturer, and the quality.

Step 3.  Attach the wires to the proper terminals on the Occupancy sensor.  Black is the "Hot" wire and should be connected to the gold terminal labeled "Line".  White is neutral and should be connected to the silver terminal next to the hot terminal that should be labeled either "load" or "neutral".  Green is ground and should be connected to the green s***w or the s***w that is attached to the frame of the device.  Some occupancy sensors come with "pigtails" (short wires) so that all you have to do is wire-nut the corresponding wire colors together.  s***w the device to the box and replace the cover.  Turn on the breaker and test.  If your breaker immediately trips, you've wired the device wrong.

Disclaimer:  Electrical work can be dangerous and should always be performed by a professional.  Electricity can KILL.  Devices that are wired wrong can also cause fires in the even that a breaker should fail closed.  If you are a clumsy, absent-minded, or ADHD individual, please refrain from do-it-yourself work involving electricity.

Answer 4

You would need some sort of motion or infrared detection