There are several common problems when using LEDs and motion sensors, but the most prevalent is flickering light. So far, I’ve established that you don’t need special bulbs when combining LEDs and motion sensors and that smart bulbs are best avoided.īut none of this so far explains why motion sensors and LEDs just sometimes don’t get along. What Are The Most Common Compatibility Issues? If you like the idea of color-changing bulbs, or a system you can control from one place or even with your voice, then combining smart bulbs and a smart motion sensor could be ideal. These are often battery-powered, so you can place them anywhere and then connect them to your smartphone or tablet and let you set up custom options for your lights. The exception is if you buy a smart motion sensor. If you’re using a traditional motion sensor, it would probably make sense to stick to non-smart bulbs. It will make it impossible to control your smart bulb via the app, as smart light does require power to operate even when switched off. The motion sensor also cuts the power from the circuit where the bulb is operated off unless the movement is detected. So you might have told your phone that you want the light off, but the motion sensor detects movement and tries to turn it on – it might fail, as the bulb has the last command from the app to stay switched off. It’s the same issue with dimmer switches and smart lights – tech that is arguing. That’s because the app on your phone might be overriding the motion sensor. If you want to use smart bulbs, you might have trouble getting the motion sensor to work correctly. You’ll have fewer issues, you won’t add an unnecessary load to your WiFi network, and smart bulbs are pricey too. Your motion sensor will work with non-smart LEDs. If you want to take advantage of a smart bulb’s other features – changing the color or setting up clever routines with your other smart devices – then it would make sense to consider a smart bulb.īut if you only care about having your lights triggered by motion, then don’t buy smart lights for that. You absolutely can – but you might encounter some issues.įirstly though, ask yourself why you want to use a smart bulb in a fitting connected to a motion sensor? So if you have a motion sensor, can you replace your bulb with a smart one? Smart light bulbs are becoming more and more popular. Can Smart Bulbs Work With Motion Sensors? If your LED bulbs are having trouble working properly with your motion sensor, it’s more likely that you need to replace the sensor with an LED-compatible one, or revert back to a more inefficient type of bulb instead of LED. Either will work because the motion sensor only triggers the bulb on (at full power) or off. So, should you buy dimmable or non-dimmable LED bulbs to work with a motion sensor? Dimmable LEDs exist to be used with dimmer switches, as a standard LED won’t work correctly when you reduce the power – it’s either on or off, so it might flicker. LED light bulbs can be either dimmable or non-dimmable. Most of the compatibility issues between motion sensors and LED bulbs are caused by the motion sensors themselves being unsuitable to use with LEDs.īut what about the bulb – do you need a particular type of LED bulb to work with a motion sensor? The most common issues with LED lights and motion sensors (and how to fix them)ĭo Motion Sensors Need Special LED Bulbs?.If smart light bulbs can be used with motion sensors.Whether motion sensors need a special type of LED bulb.If the motion sensor has an electronic switch, the sensor might not be compatible with low-wattage LED bulbs as they require a minimum load to power the sensor on the circuit. If your motion sensor has an electromechanical relay, any LED bulb will work fine. So does that mean LED bulbs are the best bet with motion sensors and are they compatible? If it’s turning on or off a lot, you don’t waste electricity. When you’re using a motion sensor, you want to make sure that the bulb is energy efficient. They’re ideal for outdoor lights since they can activate when you’re arriving at your home, although there are some indoor uses too. Motion sensors make controlling your lights even easier.
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