Reddit mentions of Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch, No Neutral Required, 250 Watts, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White

Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch, No Neutral Required, 250 Watts, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_s-AVDbA71VAS2

Occupancy sensor (automatic light switch) in the basement, laundry, and walk-in closets. We got these Lutron models from Amazon for $20. Set them to 1 or 2 minutes for the closets, a little more for the laundry, and whatever works for you for the basement. Not having to reach for the light switch with your hands full is really convenient.

I have an Ecobee4 thermostat (although Alexa doesn’t work as well for me as I hoped) w/ Ecobee remote sensors mounted in every room. Not only is this great for managing the temp in the house overall, but now I can include temp changes in my automations and geo-fencing.

In addition, although I find them a bit slow to respond when using them as room entry motion sensors, the Ecobee remote sensors are great for automatically turning off the lights when a room is no longer occupied.

I also recently added some non-HomeKit “smarter” switches in my bathroom and laundry room. In the laundry room, I put a simple Lutron (not Caseta) motion sensor switch to auto turn the light on/off when someone comes/goes from the laundry room. Works fantastically, it’s simple, and not too expensive.

In my bathroom, I added three new Lutron (not Caseta) switches.

• 1 is a dimmer w/ motion sensor... I use it for the ceiling fixture to come on automatically at 50% brightness (if the room is dark enough). It also turns the light off automatically.
  
  
• 1 is a fan controller with a built-in timer. This thing is great. I set it to a 30-minute default countdown when turned on. The time can be adjusted from 5-60 minutes. Double tapping the fan switch turns it on until someone turns it off.
  
  
• 1 is a plain switch to control the vanity mirror light bar. Manual on/off... that’s it.
  
  The first two of those switches are far more programmable than I thought... reading the instructions really paid off! :)
  
  The Lutron Claro wall plates are really great as well. They are very clean, simple, and modern looking... and their 2-part design makes it really easy to adjust all your switches for a precision installation (i.e. flush and straight).
  
  In my bedroom, my bedside lamps are controlled by 1 Lutron Caseta lamp dimmer w/ remote. I use the same style Caseta lamp dimmer for a few other standalone lamps... and even used one to automate (just on/off) my outside LED holiday lights last winter (the dimmability of which was fantastic, as they are normally way too bright).
  
  In conclusion, before spending a bunch of money, my advice would be to think carefully about how you/others use certain rooms and if a motion detection switch would suffice or if a more complex automation control is needed. Also... do the math. As others have pointed out, one alternative may be way more cost effective over another when you factor in the number of bulbs and/or switches involved.
  
  One last thing... I am renting a room to a guy who's on a totally different schedule than me and as such, I never knew if he was in his room sleeping or out of the house elsewhere. So... since I had previously added him to my HomeKit household... I use a combination of geofencing with his phone, and the Ecobee motion sensor in his room, to switch on/off a particular lamp when he comes & goes. That way... it's easy for me to know if I need to be quiet, or if I can rock out with my socks out.
  
  *EDIT: Added a bunch of links and more...

1. I custom ordered blinds from Home Depot because I have floor to ceiling windows. I ended up not being happy with them. I ordered from a local window place and they made me custom ones that were a lot nicer, cheaper, and included installation. The cheaper sounding option isn't always.
   
   
2. I made the following electronic wiring upgrades myself (really easy to do):
   
   USB ports for friends who come over and want to charge their phones: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAZIU5Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
   
   Timer for the shower fan so you don't always leave it on: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BJULYS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
   
   Motion activated lights everywhere, esp the closets: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WM3ALC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
   
   Edit: formatting

replace your light switch with this

Yup... be worried about how to pay for a new house when your insurance claim is denied because you attached a non-UL listed device into the mains wiring.

Instead, buy [something like this] (https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC) and make sure the installation's done to code.

Your device will be cheaper and more customizable. But you shouldn't screw around with mains power unless you know what you're doing both in terms of the electric and the legal aspects.

I used a Lutron Maestro switch. The lights are direct wired to it (through the walls) in my case.

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465245428&sr=8-1&keywords=lutron+occupancy+sensor

It isn't a kit, but any light that can be powered from normal home AC power will work with it.

For that kind of money you could easily get a 4-way (or 5-way) bulb adaptor plus 4-5 100w LED bulbs which would be TWICE as bright.

$14.99 for the fixture:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DVUDDC2/ref=crt_ewc_img_gw_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3UENWQOYWIPH9

$35 for 4 LED floodlights that are 100w each:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RMK05Y2/ref=crt_ewc_img_gw_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1VCN0ZD746TM9

Pick up a motion sensing light switch for $21:

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485043085&sr=8-1&keywords=motion+sensing+light+switch

That will be 500 watts versus 228 watts for only $71, saving you $50 per fixture. Got two like I do? $142 instead of $260!

Now, if something goes wrong, you can replace the bulbs or fixture cheaply. Or take it with you.

Bonus? You don't even have to remove your existing ceiling socket. This all just screws right in!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WM3ALC/

Complex to set up, but works great!

This is what I have in my laundry room.... Looks like they have an LED Dimmer version now too. I'm considering getting that for the bathroom...

Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch, No Neutral Required, 250 Watts, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_M1MUDbYY3A2DX

You’re talking about a jamb switch, but they don’t meet energy codes in my area. The issue that municipalities have with jamb switches is that if you don’t close the door then the light never goes off. If you put in a motion sensor with an automatic off then it will go off after a certain amount of time even if you don’t close the door. That’s really the best option. Technically motion sensors indoors don’t meet CA energy codes either because they don’t want lights automatically turning on anywhere in the house. They want you to physically hit the switch and then for it to time off. That is called an occupancy sensor. It’s actually required in closets and bathrooms.

But what you’d want is something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?adgrpid=58685001040&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhfvT7I7-5AIVoyCtBh20jwIxEAAYASAAEgJHu_D_BwE&hvadid=274898185342&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9032130&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11606527727516147700&hvtargid=kwd-296546370640&hydadcr=12164_10197800&keywords=switch+motion+sensor&qid=1570037880&sr=8-5

He means a non-SmartThings one, like this one

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498060276&sr=8-3&keywords=motion+sensor+switch

try this

I like these because you can still easily turn the lights off when you're done.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550262593&sr=8-3&keywords=lutron+motion+switch

I had similar intentions with my laundry room at one point, so I understand where you are coming from, but you might re-consider a simple occupancy switch (https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485316261&sr=8-1&keywords=MS-OPS2-WH). For me, the more I thought about it, the more I realized involving my HA system was simply making things more complicated than they needed to be for what I wanted to do.

Unless you want redundancy, your thermostat can be your freeze sensor. The ecobee will send out temperature notifications and it also supports high/low thresholds on IFTTT if you're into that.

Also, look into motion sensing light switches. I use them in bathrooms and closets and they suit me well. They're a pretty cheap way to get some additional convenience.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WM3ALC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

Under cabinets look great (as you noted), and work great when they are on.

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I think the reason people don't use them is because they are not typically wired to a switch on old houses; and/or hot bulbs overheat and damage themselves.

​

The solution is LED lights, triggered by a sensor like this or this that turn them on and off for you. LED don't overheat much, and the sensor turns them off, and on, for your convenience and safety.

What about installing two of these, one at the top switch and one at the bottom? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WM3ALC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then, configure the setting to turn on by motion but turn off after 1, 5, or 15 minutes if no movement is detected. You can still press the button to manually turn on if needed.

Honestly if all you are wanting is the lights to turn on when someone walks in the room you may be better off not going with a smart solution. You can do what you want with Hue bulbs.

There are also a number of bulbs with motion sensors built in. I've never used one personally, so I'd do more research to see how it knows when to turn off.

https://top10perfect.com/top-best-motion-sensor-light-bulbs-reviews/

But your best and cheapest solution might be this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005WM3ALC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486211121&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=vacancy+sensor+switch&dpPl=1&dpID=31E-2BSEFmL&ref=plSrch

I know you said you were worried about messing with wiring, but honestly in most homes (I'm assuming you are in America, excuse my assumption if you are not) to change out a switch you literally turn off the breaker that switch is on, unscrew the cover, take out two more screws that hold the switch against the wall and then there are two wires going to the switch. Take those out and put them in the new switch and reverse the process. It is insanity simple in most cases.

Anyways, hope that's helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Actually, if you already have a light install something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WM3ALC

$20 solution that is a motion sensor for your closet light, best thing I've ever done. I can walk into the closet, light comes on, then goes off after 60 seconds to 10 minutes depending on the setting.

Use this: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/

You can set how long it turns off after it is turned on and stops sensing motion to 10 minutes. Much easier and cheaper than getting a zwave switch + motion sensor or similar.

Or this Lutron only rated for 2Amps.
https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_cp_0_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005WM3ALC&pd_rd_r=THVXV6CTVR7TXZMKASJA&pd_rd_w=WY7tS&pd_rd_wg=LLcvE&psc=1&refRID=THVXV6CTVR7TXZMKASJA

I have that motion light thing in my garage, it works when it wants to, it has several blind spots.
I'd go with something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-MS-OPS2-WH-Maestro-Single-Occupancy/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381036151&sr=8-1&keywords=lutron+motion+sensor+light+switch

I have that in my laundry room and it is way more reliable.

I've put these in rooms I use the most & they are great.
Something like these. Lutron Maestro Sensor Switch, 2 Amp, No Neutral Required, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TGBUDbAGK76S9 (note the Canadian prices)

Both of your examples are good examples of overthinking things, in my opinion. I bet you have switches on both sides of your family room - on one side, you can get to the dining room lights and on the other, to the kitchen lights. So if you have one central "fancy" switch, now what - you're going to manage your kitchen lights on the way from the dining room? It's ok to use a regular switch when it makes sense. And your basement example is almost identical to my front entrance and all I did was put in a motion sensor switch and now the lights turn on when I open the door and turn off after a few seconds of no motion (that config won't work for basement but you can get one that turns off at the top with a physical switch). Something like this (not exactly what I have) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC/

In my 30 seconds of googling, Occupancy sensors looks like what I want.

I like these http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-MS-OPS2-WH-Maestro-Single-Occupancy/dp/B005WM3ALC

unless someone has a better idea.

would this work?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uK9azbEYSWR72

Yea it's pretty standard for that time period. People will still do it now. Basically the "feed" is at the light location and they ran a single Romex cable to the switch location. Switch boxes were smaller back then so it was even more motivation to do it that way so less wires would be at switching locations.

You can either find an occupancy sensor that doesn't require a neutral to operate like this or rewire.

Easy... replace your light switch with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC

I believe it has different sensitivity adjustments, so you might be able to turn down the sensitivity enough to where it ignores your cat but picks up your movement.

I want something like this https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC

If you have a zwave hub this GE switch has the proper modes to turn off but not on.

GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Motion Sensor Dimmer Switch, In-Wall, Vacancy / Occupancy Sensor, White & Light Almond Buttons, Zwave Hub Required- Works with SmartThings Wink & Alexa, 26933 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071Y38FX5

If you don’t want it to integrate with a hub, the below can do what you want in the proper mode.

Lutron Maestro Sensor switch, 2A, No Neutral Required, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC

If you do not need it to be IOT connected these lutron occupancy sensors work extremely well. They have different settings and you can set it so that it turns on manually but turns off after a slightly Variable set time no motion.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC/

It's not really smarthome, but lutron makes switches that do that. It's the vacancy option.

Basically they have two settings. Occupancy will turn lights on when they detect motion. Vacancy requires you to turn them on, but turns them off after a period of no motion.

Lutron Maestro Sensor switch, 2A, No Neutral Required, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_smS7Bb8Q8CAKA

Does each area have its own switch? If so, forget automation with door sensors. Grab a PIR switch, such as

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC

No reason to over complicate it

Do you have a switch in the closet? Or just power for a light like a pull chain?

If you have a switch, install a motion sensing light switch

If you just have a pull chain/bare socket...install one of these

Have you considered motion sensor switches? I tried the smart switch route but found no neutral and switched to using motion sensor switch instead.
https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-Required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC

I used these for all motion sensor switches and these for the humidity sensor fan switches.

I used these. They work great so far!

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

Yes, thats possible.

Basically, you're setting up a rule in Smartthings under the "Smart Lights" smartapp that says, turn on <GE switch> when motion is detected with <motion sensor>.

Alternatively, I would recommend using Lutron motion sensor (https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Maestro-required-Single-Pole-MS-OPS2-WH/dp/B005WM3ALC). It's just cheaper and does the same thing.

While I do have plenty of GE zwave switches and Hue bulbs throughout my house, I have those Lutron motion switch in my garage, pantry, laundry room, bathrooms, etc.. I dont need those rooms to be smart--just need to turn on when motion is detected.

edit: missed the part that said the switch is inside the house. The first option is best for your use case.

KISS Keep It Simple, Stupid. :-)

An automated closet/pantry light, typically, doesn't need to be smart. You don't need to turn it on or off at certain times. You don't need notification it was turned on, off, or left on. You simply need it to be motion or switch/timer activated/deactivated.

I understand you had the additional task of wiring electrical for this, but anyone with an existing lighted pantry or closet, think why it would need to be smart before you spend money on fixtures for it. Most of the time, you merely want it to turn off because people forget to do that.

Door-jamb closure switches are an option, unless you're dealing with people who not only leave on lights but also don't close doors. However, there is some drilling and electrical work required to install those. In my experience, they're often installed on the hinge side of the door, which is opposite where the light switch is located.

Lutron's Maestro Occupancy/Vacancy Sensors are, IMO, a perfect solution for this if your closet is already lighted. They can be configured to turn on with motion (occupancy mode), or switch press (vacancy mode); configured to stay off if there is already enough light; and configured how long to stay on after motion has stopped. I've placed these in ALL closets.

In bathrooms, however, I did opt for smart switches and motion sensors, for both fans and lights. The fans are programmed to come on with a switch-press, and turn off after 60 minutes of no motion. The lights are programmed to turn on with motion, but at different light levels depending on time ... and off again after 10 minutes of no motion. I could have opted for in-wall timers for the fans, but decided to go with smart switches instead.

Mirror defogger: never struggle to use the mirror after showering. Radimo MD18x26 Mirror Defogger Pad Rectangular 18-Inch By 26-Inch , 120-volt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7L0L64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7lqnDbHP1J3DG

Garage motion-sensing light switch: Never forget to turn it off once you are in the car, or have to turn it on with hands full: Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch, No Neutral Required, 250 Watts, Single-Pole, MS-OPS2-WH, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WM3ALC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_onqnDbVA4M1K6