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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> PIR Sensors Alternative To Re-Wiring? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1343727800 Message started by ChrisPDavies on Jul 31^st, 2012, 10:43am

Title: PIR Sensors Alternative To Re-Wiring?
Post by ChrisPDavies on Jul 31^st, 2012, 10:43am

Hi all

We have recently had work done to combine our kitchen and dining room. Where the light switch for the dining room is situated is soon to be hidden by a large fridge-freezer; it is accessible, but not easily. I was due to start some re-wiring to put the switch next to the kitchen light switch, but this would mean a lot of chasing and pulling up of carpets and floorboards, when someone suggested indoor PIR sensors.

The problem? I'm an amateur when it comes to these such things and need (lots of) advice!

Ideally I would like to leave the light switch alone (and turned on) whilst fitting a sensor which will cause the light to turn on when it's dark enough and someone is moving in that area. Is this possible?

I've seen items which replace the light switch, but since it will be completely hidden, this is not ideal.

What about a ceiling fitting with a sensor allowing us to fit whichever light fitting we (read: my special lady friend!) choose?

On another forum it was suggested that I use a remote control system, replacing the switch with the R/C unit. Is this the best/cheapest/easiest option?

I have many more questions/queries, but believe it better to save them until someone with more knowledge is able to respond to my initial ones.

Many thanks in advance for your time and help.

Title: Re: PIR Sensors Alternative To Re-Wiring?
Post by Natedog on Jul 31^st, 2012, 4:15pm

you might find that a pir would turn off if you were in the room but not moving much (i.e. sat down eating) which could get annoying.

Title: Re: PIR Sensors Alternative To Re-Wiring?
Post by ChrisPDavies on Jul 31^st, 2012, 10:17pm

Thanks natedog, I've decided to go with a remote control option from Screwfix.