New to forum and question on occupancy sensors

[lightitup]

Hello everyone I'm a new poster to forum, though I've read the postings for over a year. I've learned much from all, thank you.

I'm a licensed electrical contractor (26 years) from MN. A small two man shop.

I have a customer requesting a motion sensing switch to turn on his garage lights in his home. I've installed sensors to replace wall switchs before, but never in a garage. My supply house sent me cut sheets for three different manufactures (P&S, Hubble, Greengate - cooper lighting. My problem is all of these have temperature rating of zero degrees F and higher. A problem here in the north country. I called tech support at "watt stopper" and was told that though their switches weren't rated rated for the extreme cold, he didn't think there would be a problem using the RS-250 (single pole) or RH-250 (3-way)

I don't want to purchase and install if they won't work. Has anyone had any experience with this - cold weather installations? Any help or suggestions are appreciated!

 

[JJWalecka]

Welcome to the forum!! It gets pretty cold up here too. I have not heard of motion detectors failing do to the cold though I'm sure it?s plausible. I would check with the manufacturer. PM some guys from colder areas and ask them.

Just my two cents

JJ

 

[JJWalecka]

Try googling Cold storage motion sensors

JJ

 

[PCN]

What about just using an exterior rated motion sensor. RAB makes some good quality stuff with a few different wattage ratings. I yet to see one fail due to low temp. Obviously it won't replace the wall switch but you could make it work with some simple rewiring.

 

[Mr. Bill]

I had a bunch of occ sensors fail due to cold. They were installed in a concession building next to a football field. Everything was switched off for the winter after the season ended. Next spring when soccer started the lights where stuck on.

I think the main reason for failure was that they were dual tech sensors and the ultrasonic didn't like the freezing temp. Ended up replacing them with exterior rated, infrared only sensors.

 

[Sparky555]

What about just using an exterior rated motion sensor. RAB makes some good quality stuff with a few different wattage ratings. I yet to see one fail due to low temp. Obviously it won't replace the wall switch but you could make it work with some simple rewiring.

I'll second this motion. I've enjoyed other materials from RAB.

 

[JJWalecka]

lightitup Please let me know what product you decide to purchase and how it makes out. RAB does make quality stuff.

JJ

 

[mdshunk]

I second the motion for RAB brand motion sensors. Blank the switch location(s) and mount them somewhere where they'll have a good line of site. Parallel them if you have dead spots.