Light Sensors

Automate your lights

Save energy. Improve safety.

Light sensors (also called photocells or dusk-to-dawn sensors), are one of the simplest ways to make your home lighting smarter and more efficient. Whether you want outdoor lights that come on automatically at night or indoor fixtures that respond to movement, BTE Electric installs clean, code-compliant sensor solutions for homes across mid-Michigan.

What Is a Light Sensor?

A light sensor is a small device that detects light levels and automatically controls your lighting based on conditions like:

Time of day (dusk-to-dawn functionality)
Ambient light in a room or area
Motion (when combined with occupancy sensors)

They’re perfect for outdoor safety lighting, garages, entryways, and anywhere you don’t want to think about flipping switches.

Common Questions About Light Sensors

Q. Why Do Homeowners Call Us to Install Light Sensors?

ANSWER: We often hear things like:

“I’m tired of remembering to turn the porch light on and off.”
“I want my garage or driveway lights to come on automatically at night.”
“Our kids leave lights on all the time: we need something smarter.”
“Can you install a sensor for this floodlight?”
“We want a light that only turns on when someone walks by.”

We help homeowners solve those problems every day with the right type of sensor for the job.

Q. Where Can Light Sensors Be Installed?

ANSWER: Light sensors work great in both indoor and outdoor applications:

Outdoor Locations:

Porch lights
Driveway floodlights
Garage side doors
Yard & landscape lighting
Shed and barn lighting
Fence posts and gates

Indoor Locations:

Garages and utility rooms
Closets and pantries
Laundry areas
Hallways and staircases
Bathrooms
Basements

They’re especially helpful in spaces where your hands are full or where switches aren’t conveniently located.

Q. What Types of Sensors Are There?

ANSWER: Not all sensors are created equal. Here are the main types we install:

Photocell Sensors: Detect natural light; turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn
Motion Sensors (Passive Infrared or PIR): Trigger lights when someone moves into range
Occupancy Sensors: Often used indoors to turn lights on/off based on movement and presence
Combo Sensors: Combine light sensing with motion for smarter operation
Smart Sensors: App-controlled sensors integrated into a smart home system

We’ll help you pick the right option based on your lighting goals and the layout of your home.

Q. What Does Code Require?

ANSWER: In Michigan and under the National Electrical Code (NEC), most residential lighting sensor installations do not require a permit. Unless, there are new circuits or outdoor trenching is involved.

That said, installation must be done properly, especially for:

Weatherproofing outdoor sensors
Proper wiring and load ratings
Ensuring sensor placement doesn’t cause false triggering
Using listed and compatible components

At BTE, we install sensors to manufacturer specs, NEC code, and local requirements. That way, your setup works and lasts.

Q. How Much Does It Cost to Install a Light Sensor?

ANSWER: It depends on whether we’re adding sensors to existing fixtures or installing something brand new. Typical ranges:

Photocell add-on (existing fixture): $85–$150
Wall-mounted motion sensor install: $150–$275
Smart sensor with app control: $200–$400
Outdoor floodlight with sensor (new install): $250–$500+
Multiple sensor installs (e.g. garage, porch, side yard): $300–$900

We’ll give you a quote upfront: no surprises, and no pressure.

Q. Can you add a light sensor to my existing outdoor light?

ANSWER: Yes, in many cases we can install an add-on photocell or replace the fixture with one that has an integrated sensor.

Q. Will a sensor work with LED lights?

ANSWER: Definitely, but it has to be the right sensor. Some sensors don’t play well with certain LEDs, so we make sure everything is compatible and tested.

Q. Can I override the sensor if I want the light on all the time?

ANSWER: Many sensor-equipped lights have manual override settings. We’ll show you how to use them when we install the system.

Q. What if the sensor stops working?

ANSWER: We only install quality components from brands we trust. If something ever fails, we’ll be here to troubleshoot or replace it.

Let BTE Help You Automate Your Lighting

Whether you need one photocell on a porch light or you want to upgrade your entire exterior with smart lighting and sensors, BTE Electric will make it simple, safe, and reliable.

MENU