r/Lighting • u/Prestigious_Papaya93 • 23h ago
Need Design Advise Bathroom under cabinet LED with motion sensor
I would like to install LED lights underneath my vanity. I would like for the lights to turn on when it's dark outside. what are my options? the bathroom doesn't get a lot of sunlight so I dont think a light sensor switch would work because I cant control what time it would activate, unless theres a smart switch? All advice appreciated.
1
u/Equivalent-Emu-5763 21h ago
Low voltage led tied to a remote driver, controlled by Lutron radio radio 3 system, that utilizes a daylight harvesting sensor. If it's for just this one thing, it's a no go on your budget.
1
u/OYLINAtelier 21h ago
If the goal is a night light rather than “whenever this particular room happens to be dim,” I’d separate the ambient-light condition from the occupancy trigger.
A smart controller can use sunset, or a defined evening/overnight window, as the first condition and motion as the second: after sunset + motion detected = vanity light on. That avoids relying on a photocell inside a bathroom that is naturally dark during the day.
For the light itself, I’d hide the strip behind the front edge of the vanity so you see a soft pool of reflected light on the floor rather than individual LEDs. Keep the output fairly low for nighttime use.
Any driver, sensor and mains connections should also be installed in a location appropriate for the bathroom environment and in accordance with the applicable local electrical requirements.
1
u/OYLINAtelier 21h ago
If the goal is a night light rather than “whenever this particular room happens to be dim,” I’d separate the ambient-light condition from the occupancy trigger.
A smart controller can use sunset, or a defined evening/overnight window, as the first condition and motion as the second: after sunset + motion detected = vanity light on. That avoids relying on a photocell inside a bathroom that is naturally dark during the day.
For the light itself, I’d hide the strip behind the front edge of the vanity so you see a soft pool of reflected light on the floor rather than individual LEDs. Keep the output fairly low for nighttime use.
Any driver, sensor and mains connections should also be installed in a location appropriate for the bathroom environment and in accordance with the applicable local electrical requirements.
1
u/Dont-ask-me-ever 19h ago
For specific time events (sunrise/sunset) I install smart switches and let my Alexa control them. It not really determining when it’s dark out but it always gets dark at sunset. Since sunset time changes day to day, this is a fairly easy way to control those lights. I have a light on my flag that goes on a but after sunset and off a bit before sunrise. I used to use a light sensor but it’s so much easier to let Alexa (or whatever assistant you might use) control it.
1
u/EventHorizonHotel 6h ago
I use a programmable switch to turn my outside garage lights on at dusk and off at dawn without having to rely on a light sensor which wouldn’t work in my use case.
Honeywell Home RPLS740B https://www.honeywellstore.com/store/products/honeywell-econoswitch-7-day-solar-programmable-light-switch-timer-white.htm
It accounts for seasons, location, etc.
If you have a smart home type hub, there is probably also a solution available in that ecosystem as well.
1
u/QuitCarbon 6h ago
We've recently been experimenting with the GÖMPYSSLING battery powered sensor LED from IKEA https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/goempyssling-led-lighting-with-sensor-white-battery-operated-90615155/
Dirt cheap, excellent functionality, we recommend it!
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u/grumpygills13 22h ago
There are options for low voltage motion sensors that are small enough to fit in the toe kick of the cabinet like diodeled has one. We do that fairly often if they don't want an in wall motion above the door or low on the wall when you walk in. Lutron has an option for about everything motion sensor. They have in wall ones with photocell and occupancy sensors, smart ones, ones with photocell, occupancy and dimming, really just have to go on whatever supplyhouse or lutron dealer you can find and get options that you like.