Occupancy/Vacancy sensor phantom loads
calum_wilde
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
5 years ago Marcus asked about phantom loads from motion sensor light switches. I’m wondering if anything has changed in that time? I’ve searched, but I can’t find measured values for any of the newer models.
Thanks guys
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Replies
Calum,
I haven't heard of any recent breakthroughs in this realm, but I welcome comments from GBA readers.
To eliminate the phantom load, I think you need to look for a "vacancy sensor" as opposed to an "occupancy sensor". I recently purchased a Lutron Maestro C.L. Dimmer and Vacancy motion sensor (MSCL-VP153M-WH). Note the "VP" in the part number as opposed to "OP" for the occupancy sensor version. I wired it up to a Kill-A-Watt monitor and found that it was only consuming energy when on. When off, it used zero watts, so no phantom load.
I like the idea.
Vacancy detector
You physically turn on the light and the sensor turns lights off 1-30 minutes after it detects you leaving a room.
Walta