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Answered in 6 hours by:
12/16/2009
Mike, Master Electrician
Category: Electrical
Satisfied Customers: 2,743
Experience: Licensed Master Electrician - OnQ Certified Data Voice Audio Video Installer
VerifiedYes, you could install motion switches in place of your standard toggle switches. Most motion sensor switches, like the RW3U600 at:
http://www.aplussupply.com/ps/motionsensor.htm
also have a manual override on them. You'll want to look for a motion switch that will work in a 3-way application (not all of them will).
They come in a variety of configurations and fields of motion to work with your specific switch locations. Personally, I'd recommend sticking with a reputable source such as Pass & Seymour or Leviton, if you want good consistent operation.
One final note worth mentioning, is that most of the motion switches will require a neutral connection. Standard toggle switches do not require a neutral and sometimes they are wired in such a way that you do not have access to a neutral in the switch box. If you have neutrals in your switch box, you should see a group of two or more whit wires wire nutted together in the back of the switch boxes. You should also have 120V from hot the neutral (using a voltmeter).
Regards,
Mike
http://www.aplussupply.com/ps/motionsensor.htm
also have a manual override on them. You'll want to look for a motion switch that will work in a 3-way application (not all of them will).
They come in a variety of configurations and fields of motion to work with your specific switch locations. Personally, I'd recommend sticking with a reputable source such as Pass & Seymour or Leviton, if you want good consistent operation.
One final note worth mentioning, is that most of the motion switches will require a neutral connection. Standard toggle switches do not require a neutral and sometimes they are wired in such a way that you do not have access to a neutral in the switch box. If you have neutrals in your switch box, you should see a group of two or more whit wires wire nutted together in the back of the switch boxes. You should also have 120V from hot the neutral (using a voltmeter).
Regards,
Mike
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