• A light sensor uses either a photodiode or a photo-resistor to measure the brightness of the light around it. A photodiode with light shining on it opens to allow electrons to flow through to reach the light bulb, causing it to light up. A photo-resistor likewise will alter the resistance in the fixture based on the brightness of ambient light.

• If you want a light sensor retrofitted to an existing light fixture, ask your local Mr. Electric to hardwire the sensor to the fixture. Rewiring light fixtures is not an appropriate DIY project for the average homeowner.

• A light timer switch is a switch with a circuit connected to a time keeping device. Timers may use a scheduling device, a motion sensor, or a photovoltaic sensor to determine when it should turn lights on and off.

• With programmable timers, you’ll be able to adjust on and off times right on the control panel. It’s just as easy as adjusting your thermostat. Timer switches have buttons directly on the panel which makes it easy to change settings.

Adding light timers will help you enjoy the benefit of energy savings as you create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Contact us to learn what our team can provide for your home!

Hardwired Wall Switch Timers

There are several types of wall switch timers to choose from. The most common timers in residential settings include:

• Photovoltaic timers, which measure the amount of light present and turn lights on and off according to those measurements. These are an extremely popular option for lights mounted on the exterior of a home.
• Astronomic timers, which calculate sunrise and sunset and use those calculations to decide when lights should be turned on and off.
• Motion detector timers, which sense movement in a room or space for a pre-set period. They are ideal for rooms where you need a hands-free environment such as a laundry room or bathroom. For outside, motion detectors are great for garages and porches to avoid walking in the dark. 
• Programmable switches, which allow day-to-day pre-set times for lights to turn on and off. They can also give the impression you’re home when you’re away.

Plug-In Timers

Plug-in timers are a good short-term, limited use solution for turning on and off specific lamps, appliances, or seasonal decorations at pre-set times. With indoor and outdoor plug-in timers, not only will you be able to decrease your overall utility cost, but you’ll avoid leaving holiday decorations on all day or coming home to a dark house.

Our services apply to many types of dimmers: 

• Single-pole dimmers
• Three-way dimmers
• Rotary (dial) dimmers
• Touchpad dimmers
• Slide dimmers
• Universal dimmers
• Halogen dimmers
• LED dimmers
• Fluorescent dimmers
• Electronic low-voltage dimmers
• Magnetic low-voltage dimmers
• High-wattage dimmers

Choosing the right switch for each application is the first step of effective dimmer installation. Problems with dimmers often arise because the wrong switch is paired with certain fixtures or light bulb types. Your local Mr. Electric will make sure you don’t encounter those issues. Let us assess your dimmer switch needs and perform expert installation, repair, or replacement.

• Not all LED lights are dimmable. Additionally, LEDs work best with dimmer switches made specifically for LED light bulbs. If you installed standard LED light bulbs in a fixture that’s controlled by a standard dimmer switch, you’ll need to swap out the light bulbs and/or the dimmer switch to avoid flickering lights.

• Yes, but when selecting a suitable dimmer switch, you must consider its compatibility with all the light fixtures and bulbs connected to the switch. Dimmer switches, fixtures, and bulbs are not interchangeable. For best results and fast installation, contact your local Mr. Electric.

• Using motion sensors, such as those used in security lights and room occupancy sensors, can help you create a safer, more energy efficient environment for both your home and business.

• Convenience

  When someone forgets to leave a light on, finding a keyhole in the dark can seem like a gargantuan task. Simply adding a light with a motion sensor can prevent this annoying problem.

  Security

  By adding a light with a motion sensor, homes and businesses are kept safe from would-be intruders from dawn to dusk. Lights kicked on by sensors offer the added bonus of startling trespassers away from your well-lit outdoor space — no intruder wants to be under the spotlight for the whole neighborhood to witness.

  Savings

  Adding safety features such as security lights reduces your chances of both burglary and accidents, lowering your insurance costs. In addition, using a light with a motion sensor means you won’t have to pay electricity for lights you aren’t using, as timers turn off lights following set periods of inactivity.

  Curb Appeal

  Security lighting is a great addition to outdoor décor and makes your home or business look well maintained and secure.

Energy Efficiency

Occupancy sensors reduce lighting energy consumption from 15% to 90% depending on the type of lights used and the amount of traffic in the area. They are great for spaces that are intermittently occupied. In fact, adding these features to areas that are sporadically occupied offers the most savings, with some areas, such as bathrooms, offering over 90% savings on lighting. Start with areas that can go empty for hours at a time such as bathrooms and break rooms before addressing high traffic areas such as living rooms and cubicle offices.

Convenience

Thanks to the invention of the motion sensor, you will no longer have to fumble for switches in the dark or use your elbow to turn on light switches when your hands are full.

Safety

Occupancy sensors prevent accidents and increase security in areas like stairwells and bathroom stalls by providing adequate lighting.

Sanity

If you earned a dime for every time you posted a note to coworkers or told your kids to turn off a light, would you be rich? For those tired of feeling like a broken record in the effort to save money on the monthly utility bill, occupancy sensors offer both sanity and money saving solutions.

To improve the efficiency and safety of your home or business with the help of motion sensors, contact Mr. Electric®. Our professional technicians can help you find the perfect solutions for all of your residential and commercial lighting needs.

• Occupancy sensors use a variety of technologies to sense movement or changes in heat or radiation signals in the area. Most devices allow the installer to adjust the sensitivity level or distance to which the sensor will trigger the light to turn on.

• An occupancy sensor turns lights on when it senses motion and turns the lights back off after a certain period of inactivity. A vacancy sensor requires someone to manually turn the light on but automatically turns lights off after a period of vacancy.

• In some circumstances, commercial building codes require occupancy sensors in certain areas of the facility. However, there is no such requirement in residential building codes.