How to install a motion sensor light switch {DIY}
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Today I am sharing how to install a motion sensor light switch which can be very helpful in many parts of your home. Installing an occupancy motion sensor light is something I never thought I would do. I know nothing about electrical projects and honestly, it’s not something you want to mess with unless you are a professional.
Installing a motion sensor light switch is really easy and doesn’t require an electrician. When Lutron contacted me to see if I would be interested in installing their occupancy sensor light switch in our home I thought, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new and possibly save on our electrical bill.
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How to install a motion sensor light
My brother and I installed the Lutron Occupancy Switch together in one of our bathrooms and I created a video of the installation.
For me, I am a visual learner and I think seeing the wires and how we installed the switch will help you if you are a bit intimidated by this project.
Like I said earlier, I have never done any type of electrical work so this project was intimidating at first. I don’t know what I was so intimidated about, it was super easy and very fast.
How to install a Lutron occupancy sensor light switch video
Lutron provides detailed installation instructions as well in the packaging. Below is quick tutorial on how we installed the sensor.
Motion Sensor Light Switch Directions
Step 1: Shut off the electrical breaker at the electrical panel.
Step 2: Remove your existing light switch plate cover and pull out the existing switch from the wall.
Step 3: Remove the existing switch by unscrewing the two screws holding the wires in place. Depending on what type of existing switch you have, this may be different.
Step 4: Find your ground wire inside the wall.
Step 5: Tie the silver and green wire together on the back of the Lutron Occupancy Sensor (as shown in directions and above video) and connect to the existing ground wire in your wall. Use the yellow nut cap supplied with the sensor to fasten all the wires together. Screw the yellow cap until it is tight (as shown in video).
Step 6: Connect the two black wires on the back of the sensor to the two wires from your wall. Use the yellow nut caps to fasten the wires together. The same as in step 5.
Step 7: Once all the wires are connected, tuck the wires into the wall hole as neatly as possible. Fasten the sensor to the wall with the screws provided.
Step 8: Add the matching Lutron plate switch cover to complete the project.
Lutron Motion Sensor Light Switch Diagram
You can find technical information and the motion sensor diagrams on the Lutron Motion Sensor section website.
The install directions with the motion sensor light provide detailed instructions on how to set and adjust the motion timer/sensitivity levels.
The motion sensor light offers a very modern and stylish look which is appealing to the eye.
Here are a few motion switches ranked by google and Amazon as best motion light switches.
Can you adjust a motion sensor light switch?
I chose to have the light come on at the high setting (high sensitivity) and shut off after one minute of no motion.
Can I just tell you, installing this occupancy & vacancy motion sensor light switch by Lutron (see motion sensor here) was SO simple and really has made a difference in the lights being left on.
Disclaimer: We are not responsible for the outcome of your installation including but not limited to zapping yourself. Shut the breaker off! Consult an electrician if you are unsure. Thank you Lutron for sponsoring this post. All opinions and words are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.
About The Author
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
What a great idea. I am always turning lights off, even at my place of business (I’ve actually turned the lights off when I didn’t realize someone was in an office). I’d love to try this motion sensor light switch.
My husband says he’s always turning lights off after me…lol…would love to try one of these.
I didn’t even know these existed! Hmmm, I’m coming up with some ideas. Thanks for letting us know about these and for showing us they aren’t too intimidating to install.
Thanks for sharing! Showing to my husband:)
My Boyfriend is the worst at turning off lights. I swear it’s like he doesn’t know how:) I’ve never heard of using motion lights in the house, but its an awesome idea
We have 16, 6, and 3 year old girls! I could probably put a sensor light in every room of the house! However, I would start with the main hall bathroom! That light is always on.
Thanks for the chance to win
I am the worst about leaving the light on:(
This is my husbands biggest pet peeve – lights left on. This would be fantastic!
You name it, everyone!!!
Great idea! We could definitely use this with the kids!
Very cool Jess! I need to put these in my kids bathrooms for sure!!! Great video! I’d love to install one in my pantry too!
This would be great in the kitchen…kids always leave light on.
The bathroom is a great place for this! I am constantly turning the lights off in there!
I would love this for my kids bathroom and our half-bath. Lights are constantly left on.
Great info, thanks for sharing! 🙂
I love this! Hubby is the worst at leaving lights on all over the house. I was raised with 5 siblings and my parents were always after us to turn the lights off, so it’s just a habit with me.
I NEED this in my laundry room anyone in the house that goes there they leave the lights ON.
The house gremlin named, “Not Me” leaves lights on in my house…. the same one who moves things and doesn’t put them back!
I’m not really sure which room I would put a motion sensor light switch in first…. I’d have to give that some thought!
Thank you!
I’m the one guilty of not turning out the lights 🙁 hahaha…but i’m sure once I have kids it will switch to them.
My son refuses to turn off the bathroom light when he’s done! I would love to put one of these in my bathroom!
I do! it’s worst in the master closet.
Looks great and saves money, too! Perfect. My laundry room is the room that stays light and bright because the switch is almost inaccessible. The motion switch seems like the perfect solution.
Thanks.
Great idea..my husband always leaves the bathroom lights on…drives me crazy!!!
I would love one of these in my craft room. I’m that person that always walks out with the light left on!
These are so amazing! I seriously could use one in my pantry. I’m always forgetting and leaving the light on. Great video too!
My fiance leaves every light on wherever he goes, but in our bedroom would be the best place to have the sensor, especially when I have my hands full of laundry & can’t reach the light switch easily!
we are pretty good at turning them off but sometimes my husband forgets a light or two on his way out the door for work.
I totally need these in my house!!! My kids and hubby are SO bad about turning the lights off!
The biggest culprit in my house is my HUSBAND! And according to his mom, it’s been a problem since he was little 🙂
Our family room/play room could totally use a motion sensor. Or maybe the laundry room. Or the storage room…. Ok, I could use at least 3 of these things! 🙂
Our roommate leaves lights on in the main living spaces a lot. He also leaves them off. a lot. when it’s dark and we’re getting home late. Clearly these sensors would change my life and keep me from being afraid of the dark. 🙂
With 5 kids and a husband who refuses to turn off a light switch, I’ve been wanting to have motion sensor lights in my home for years. I didn’t think it would be something I could do without hiring an electrician. I’m excited to try these!
My husband always falls asleep with the light on in the living room. I would love to win these for there!
I was just looking at these today at Lowes and then saw this in my Pinterest feed. Thanks for the great tutorial!
I think I’d install one in the laundry room. That seems to be the light “no one” always leaves on!
Great job. Hope to win.
There are many rooms I would love to install these switches into…. our entryway, play room, kids bedrooms…heck, maybe every room! 🙂
My niece! Would install in the kitchen as the switches are in weird places.
What an awesome prize!! I would love one of these.
Would LOVE this! My kids are forever leaving the lights on!
i’m trying to convince spousal unit Tom Bodett doesn’t live here and we DON’T need to leave a light on… need this for multiple rooms!
Our children leave their restroom light on all of the time! I have to ask if their restroom is afraid of the dark:)
I have only two wires in my switch box. Does a sensor switch work without being hooked to a ground?
Consult the Lutron customer service department that is located on the packaging or a licensed electrician.
Thanks…but…
Find The Ground Wire…
How do I find the ground wire…which one is it and then what do I do with it and do I have to do the ground wirey thingee first.
Have always wanted to do this, but again…it’s the ground wire thingee.