Pantry light always on

[A Cheap Airline Pilot]

Even though I am 2000 miles away from home, I can guarantee that my kitchen pantry light is on, right now.

I've been guilty of the "sin" myself as the door seals most of the light.

So, has anybody purchased a closet/pantry light fixture that is motion sensitive? It needs to be hard-wired and able to light a 5x5 area. I've seen them in hotel closets but this is a little bigger space. I've looked online but am lost in a sea of products.

Thanks-

A Cheap Airline Pilot

[Nothlit]

Is the light controlled by a standard wall switch? If so, something like this might be the best solution. This particular model can be configured to be completely automatic (both on & off) or manual-on, auto-off.

[Daley]

This is a case of self discipline saving you the most money. Don't rely on technology to do what you should be in the habit of doing in the first place, because you're talking about spending $15-30 on a chunk of technology that replaces the function of you simply operating a switch which only takes a few neurons and a fraction of a couple calories to do.

The self discipline "muscle" can be the strongest and most beneficial muscle you can exercise, but you have to develop it like any other muscle. Learning to use it will be the best thing you can do to save money across the board.

Now, could using a technology solution theoretically, potentially save you that much in wasted electricity by doing it for your forgetful self? Depends, possibly, given enough time. If it's an incandescent, probably pay off after six months of continuous on time figuring 15¢/kWh. If it's an LED, it could take years to break even. (CFLs are not recommended for short-on lighting tasks in closets and pantries for example, it shortens life drastically.)

If you're still convinced that technology is the solution:
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Dimmers-Switches-Outlets-Motion-Sensors/N-5yc1vZc32r

[geekette]

We have one similar to those I.P. linked for our laundry room/garage entrance.  I can vouch that it works great, and is triggered by the door opening (the switch is behind the door as it swings inward, so the auto switch is great for coming home).   

[Russ]

If you think this is the solution, I have a motion-activated bedpan and catheter to sell you.

[Greg]

Another option is to replace the light switch with a timer.  Hit the button/turn the knob to turn on the light, it will turn off in 5 minutes or whatever it is set to.  Some switches have 5/10/15 minute etc. choices, you can pretty much get anything you want.

[Kazimieras]

The timer option works well, I use that currently on a rental property for locations where the tenants tend to leave lights on for no reason.

There are also some lights that have built in timers which turn themselves off after 15 minutes or so. Hard to find, but require minimal work to install.

[GuitarStv]

I don't understand why you don't just turn off the light when you close the door.  We have a cold room in the basement.  When you shut the door, it's impossible to tell if the light is on or not.  That's why you need to always remember to turn off the light.  Installing a motion sensor or timer really seems overkill for this.

[Greg]

Good question... my feeling is that the O.P. might be dealing with family who are worse than him about turning off lights when not in use.

Side note: CFL bulbs are not good for this application, they work best when left on for a while.  For hallways and closets, use incandescent bulbs.  They also last longer, as the CFL ballast electronics tend to crap out with overuse.

[A Cheap Airline Pilot]

Yes, I knooowww, just get in the habit of turning it off!:)! We (2 adults and 2 little kids) are not trying to substitute good habits with technology, only augment. Just like trying to get our kids out of the shower in a reasonable time (does every doll really need a full shower every day!?!)....ultimately we got an egg-timer and saved us a lot of wall pounding and yelling.

It is a wired light with a wall-switch that is external to the room. We probably go in and out 20+ times per hour when home, which makes a timer (unless it can be set for less than a minute) kinda pointless as we might as well just leave it on.

[geekette]

If the switch is outside the pantry, why not one of these?  When the light is on, the red neon pilot light is on.  It's actually not a 25watt pilot, according to the reviews, it's more like a 1/4 watt.

[A Cheap Airline Pilot]

Hadn't thought of that, thanks.