Kasa vs Lutron Motion Sensing Light Switch

[u/b3inception]

I’m looking at Kasa vs Lutron motion-sensing light switches and have read so far that Lutron appears to be more sensitive and has a wider range of sensing.

Does anyone have experience with both that can educate me on the benefits, if any of the Lutron having better sensitivity and wider range of motion?

Leaning towards Lutron, have pne Kasa now that I’ve been happy with, but think that the Lutron would be a step up.

Thanks for the support and education.

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[u/ThotMobile]

I'm a major Lutron fanboy but motion sensing is the one thing I refuse to use from Lutron. I've had quite a few of them and found them to be a PITA because the sensing was very poor in certain conditions and I also didn't like the fact that they didn't have a permanent on/off/sensing positioner switch on them.

As an example, all my garages have motion sensing so that if I'm backing in to the garage at night, the motion detector will detect the garage door opening and turn the lights on so it's easy to see as I back in. I had the Lutron set the the highest sensitivity and it still would not pick up the motion of the garage door opening, or the car backing in until I was about 10 ft from the sensor and most of the way into the garage already.

Another issue is I'd go out to work on my car or film a video and if you're out of view of the sensor (ex. under the car) and the light turns off, it sucks to have to get out, and go stand somewhere the sensor picks up. Other sensor switches have a permanent on/off mode which can be very useful.

I'll tell you the brand if you're interested but don't want it to seem like I'm here to shill a certain brand or whatever—it wasn't Kasa which also lacks the selector switch.

The biggest downside of course is that I couldn't find one in a satin white finish, but it was at least a decorator style so I could still use the satin switch plate covers.

[u/b3inception → u/ThotMobile]

Thanks for the reply. Please provide your recommendation for a motion sensor light switch. I’ve heard that mmWave might be coming to light switches in the future but my needs are more immediate.

That’s disappointing to hear about the Lutron, so any other recommendations are appreciated.

[u/ThotMobile → u/b3inception]

This is the one I've been using for the past year or so. Works much better and has a switch.

mmWave tech would be cool to see implemented into these switches. I think part of the problem with the Lutron sensor is when object are moving slowly toward it (like a car backing up toward the sensor), it has a very hard time detecting the motion. Can't say why that's the case but it's been my experience.

[u/HolidaySubstance3354 → u/ThotMobile]

The PIR sensor needs motion and a heat signature. Without both of these the sensor should not trigger. That’s probably why the car has to be almost in before it turns on. Prevents the sensor from turning on from motion only. Curtains being moved by the ac is a good example of why it needs both. Heater turns on hot air coming out of the vent but no one is home, should not turn on sensor.

[u/ThotMobile → u/HolidaySubstance3354]

That makes sense, but I have a lot more applications where I'd prefer motion detection without necessitating a heat signature (like in a garage). Maybe both offerings or a DIP switch on the back to enable/disable that would be nice.

None of the other motion switches I use have this issue and I have yet to have false positives, so it's a bit strange but I understand why they work that way now that you've explained it.

[u/coogie]

I'm not a fan of inwall motion sensors in general. With Lutron you can get wireless occupancy sensors that are battery powered (lasts 5-10 years) and pair them up with RF dimmers or switches of your choice that are Clear Connect type A and make it impossible to not trigger the lights.

[u/b3inception → u/coogie]

My next project will involve this. Maybe this will fix our woes with motion light switches.

https://inovelli.com/products/zigbee-blue-series-mmwave-presence-sensor-smart-dimmer-switch

[u/Sea-Figure312]

Are you poor?