How much electricity do occupancy switches use?

Question

I am considering installing an occupancy switch in my bathroom but am trying to figure out how much electricity the switch itself uses. My concern is that the switch is going to cost me more energy than occasionally forgetting to turn off the light. I am not sure if these switches are set up so they are just using energy when the light is on (since that is when it would be "searching" for someone in the room) or if they have a constant "phantom load". Anyone know how much electricity occupancy switches use?

Answer 1

TURNING LIGHTS ON IS WHEN YOU BOOST THE ENERGY OF THE WATTAGE COUNT ON YOUR METER DIAL ,IT IS NOT A JUST SYSTEM,ALL METERS HAVE WHEEL SPINNING AROUND,THE HOUSE I OWNED I BOUGHT OFF  A OLD SWEDE OF 80 YEARS OLD.HE COMPLAINED TO THE HYDRO ABOUT THE INCREASE OF A NEVER ENDING RISING OF A BILL,AND DIALLED IN THE METER TO SLOWER SPEED,I WOULD LOOK AT THE METER AND WOULD NT MORE,UNTIL I TURNED THE DRYER ON USING 220 APPS

Answer 2

120/277 Volt AC 60Hz

Answer 3

The amount of energy consumed by the sensor is negligible.  The biggest concern would be correct installation and the correct type of sensor to insure that it does not turn on falsely.  If the sensor turns the lights on when no one is in the room, this will cost you more than it saves.

My suggestion is that for home use, occupancy sensors are way too expensive and complicated.

Better to just remember to turn the lights off.

Answer 4

it is energy efficient as long as you are not opening or shutting the door more often then every 6 seconds.  I did some reserach on this a while back.