Light Controls

There are several different types of lighting controls, ranging from the simple light switch, to spectrum knobs, to energy-saving motion sensor controls.  Some handheld devices  can control lighting, heating, ceiling fans and more!

Motion Sensor Light Controls

Motion sensor lights  are especially useful around the entrances to houses.  Most of the time we are fumbling with our keys, bags, or umbrellas, so an automatic light is incredibly helpful.  They also turn off automatically when they stop detecting movement, making them perfect for that entry room you only spend a few seconds in before moving further into the house.

Watt Stopper Legrand Control Switch  This control features 180 degree passive infrared sensor coverage 600 square feet as well as a 1 to 30 minute light delay before switching off.  All for around $30.	Heath Zenith Lamp Control  This changes an existing floodlight into a motion activated floodlight without wiring. Simply attach each socket receiver into your existing floodlight and install light bulbs.	Leviton Decora Light Control  When no motion is detected for a set period of time (15 seconds to 15 minutes, user-adjustable), the lights will automatically turn off.	Progress Lighting Motion Detection Wall Control   Sensor radius of up to 900 feet with an adjustable time delay of up to 30 minutes.  These high end models are a great investment for businesses and educational facilities.

Full Spectrum Controls

These controls let you adjust exactly how much lighting you want in the room.  Not only are these great for setting your own unique ambiance, but they save energy too.

Leviton Do it Best Fan and Light Control  Labeled fan and light sliders adjust fan speed and lighting to your exact preference.	Westinghouse Lighting Universal Four Speed Dial Control  The rotary dial is a smooth and easy way to adjust your room's lighting.	True Touch Lighting Control  Leviton’s True Touch dimmers provide full-range dimming with the touch of a finger, as well as one touch for ON at preset, again for OFF, and touch and hold to dim and brighten.	Progress Lighting Wall Control  This lighting control has a numbered range for superior ease of use.

Automated Lighting Controls

Screw-in photosensitive light control  devices offer a measure of safety, security, and convenience by automatically turning your light on at dusk, off at dawn. They can simulate home occupancy, end coming home to a dark house, require no seasonal adjustments with timers, and save you money because your light is on only when needed.

You might want to consider, however, that if you frequently work late and want this kind of control just so that the house isn't dark when you get home, the light will be on for several hours before you get home in the winter. This is especially true in northern climates--the sun may set at 4:00 pm, but you may not be home until 7:00 pm--which means your light would run for three hours with no one there. A timed, automatic light control  would work best for this situation.

This kind of control might be a good choice for external lights, however, so that you have a well-lit area while you are parking your car and looking for your keys. You might also consider a motion-sensor light control .

Related Guides

Light Bulb Buying Guide	Home Automation	Cleaning and Organization	Housewares and Home Maintenance