Occupancy Sensors

Smart Lighting...

That Saves Energy Automatically

If your home has lights that are constantly left on such as: closets, bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms, occupancy sensors may be the perfect solution.

Unlike regular motion sensors, occupancy sensors detect when someone enters and stays in a room, and they keep the light on for as long as someone is there. Once the room is empty, the lights shut off automatically after a short delay.

At BTE Electric, we install occupancy sensors for homeowners across mid-Michigan looking for greater convenience, energy savings, and a smarter way to light their homes.

Why Are Homeowners Installing Occupancy Sensors?

Here are just a few of the situations we hear from customers:

“My kids never turn the bathroom lights off.”
“I want the basement lights to shut off on their own when I forget.”
“We’d love to have the pantry or closet light turn on automatically when we walk in.”
“I want the lights in the garage to come on automatically when I get home.”
“We’re upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and want it to be smarter, too.”

These sensors are especially popular in busy homes where convenience and efficiency matter.

Common Questions About Occupancy Sensors

Q. Where Are Occupancy Sensors Most Useful?

ANSWER: Occupancy sensors are ideal in high-traffic or often-forgotten areas. The most common installations include:

Bathrooms: No more lights left on for hours
Closets & pantries: Lights on when you open the door, off when you leave
Garages & mudrooms: Great when your hands are full
Basements: Lights turn on automatically when you come down the stairs
Home offices or laundry rooms: For automatic shutoff during inactivity
Hallways: Safe passage at night without fumbling for switches

We’ll help you choose the right type of sensor based on room size, usage, and lighting style.

Q. What’s the Difference Between Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors?

ANSWER: Homeowners often ask this, so here’s a quick explanation:

Occupancy Sensors: Turn the lights on automatically when motion is detected, and off when the room is empty.
Vacancy Sensors: You manually turn the lights on, but they turn off automatically when the room is empty.

Some homeowners prefer vacancy sensors in bedrooms or media rooms where they want control over when lights turn on, but still want the benefit of auto shutoff.

We install both. If you’re not sure which is best for your space, BTE Electric can walk you through your options.

Q. What Are The Types of Occupancy Sensors We Install?

ANSWER: There are several types of occupancy sensors, each designed for specific environments:

Wall Switch Sensors: Replace standard switches for seamless upgrades
Ceiling-Mounted Sensors: Ideal for large rooms, garages, or basements
Dual-Tech Sensors: Use both motion and heat (PIR + ultrasonic) for better accuracy
Smart Sensors: Integrate with smart home systems or timers
Adjustable Sensors: Let you control sensitivity, time delay, and daylight settings

We only install sensors that are rated for residential use and meet code requirements.

Q. What Does Code Require for Occupancy Sensor Installation?

ANSWER: There’s no general code requiring occupancy sensors in homes (outside of some energy efficiency mandates in commercial settings), but all installations must meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local safety standards.

That includes:

Proper grounding and secure connections
Rated electrical boxes
Compatibility with the lighting load (especially for LEDs)
Correct placement for sensor effectiveness

BTE Electric makes sure your sensors are installed cleanly, safely, and without unexpected flickering, buzzing, or failure.

Q. How Much Does It Cost to Install an Occupancy Sensor?

ANSWER: Occupancy sensors are a relatively low-cost upgrade that quickly pays for itself in energy savings. Here’s what you can expect:

Standard wall switch occupancy sensor: $125–$200
Ceiling-mounted sensor: $175–$300
Smart or dual-technology sensor: $250–$400+
Multiple sensors or whole-house upgrades: Custom quote

Pricing depends on whether we’re replacing an existing switch or wiring a new location. We’ll give you an honest quote with no surprises.

Q. Can occupancy sensors work with LED lights?

ANSWER: Yes, but the sensor and the light fixture must be compatible. We’ll make sure your setup avoids flickering or ghosting.

Q. Will the light stay on if I’m sitting still (like working at a desk)?

ANSWER: Good question. Some sensors detect only motion, while others also detect presence through heat or sound. We’ll help you choose the right sensor for the job.

Q. Can I override the sensor if I want to keep the light on

ANSWER: Yes. Most wall-mounted sensors include manual override switches.

Q. Can one sensor control multiple lights

ANSWER: Absolutely. We regularly design circuits where one sensor operates all the lights in a room or zone.

Let’s Make Your Lighting Smarter

If you’re tired of lights being left on, or wish your home could be just a little more convenient, occupancy sensors are a great place to start. Call BTE Electric today to schedule a consultation or installation. We’ll help you save energy, simplify your lighting, and get the job done right the first time.

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