I want to add motion sensors that automatically turn on when someone goes up or down the stairs.
For the device to trigger the lights when someone starts UP, the challenge is the stairs are at a right angle to a heavily used open space where the kitchen flows into the family room. 95% of the traffic is PAST the stairs between those two rooms, and not up the stairs, so I don't want the stair lights going at those times.
Is there some type of motions sensor on which I can adjust the sensing area, or some type of invisible beam I can install that triggers when someone start up, or other?
For the device to trigger when someone starts DOWN the stairs, I have a bit more leeway as there is a 40"x40" area at the top of the stairs that you would only enter to go down the stairs. Again, looking for a device that wont set off when people are moving around the room open to and off the stairs at the top.
There are lots of photoelectric beam sensors on Amazon for $20-$25. They will close/open a relay when they detect. To make them smart, the easiest way is to use a dry contact sensor connected to the relay that the beam device flips. The cheapest dry contact sensor is just a typical leak sensor, usually Zigbee. You can buy the leak sensors that have wires, and just strip the end off, or get the kind without wires and solder wires onto the sensor terminals.
Connect the leak sensor wires to either the NO (normally open) or the NC (normally closed) terminals on the beam sensor, depending how you want the dry contact sensor to report (it really depends on your leak sensor, if it reads open or closed when the wires are in contact with each other).
One old trick is to put heat shrink tubing around the PIR sensor, which limits the field of view. I've got a few like that so limit their view into busy areas.
Interesting - looked these up and they appear to be plug in compatible. Do they sense through walls & floor when you set the zone? ie - if I could plug this in at the top of the stair, and set the zone to recognize anything on the stair it would be awesome...
I have one in my bedroom and yes it was picking us up in the adjacent bathroom. I had to define a zone to prevent this from happening.
Another added benefit of the FP2 is it’s HomeKit compatible. With the latest release and HomeKit Controller app you can pair it directly to HE for local integration.
I have done something similar with an EMT conduit bushing. They are white plastic that matches the sensors fairly well. Example I can't remember if I used 1/2" or 3/4", but they are cheap in a multipack at the hardware store. (much cheaper than Amazon)
A plastic pipe coupler for PVC also might work if you have one laying around.
I used a hot glue gun to attach the conduit bushing.
Inovelli has their motion switch coming later this year. This is typically an ideal use because switch location for stairs is usually at the stairs. Should have control over the mmwave distance. Maybe these would work for you when they arrive.
This is a terrific idea. I'm going to head over to their forums to find out if they plan to have granular definition of motion zones. If that is possible with the Inovelli, that is what I will use, because, in order of importance:
a. it's aesthetics will get a high HAF, since it is not another device, but just a replacement to an already existing switch. I was already bracing myself for the "what is that thing and how long is it staying there" discussion when I install a motion sensor, so if I don't ever have to have that discussion for this project, it will be AWESOME
b. it will always be powered (no batteries to change)
c. I already have two other Inovelli switches installed in the house, so it's not a new concept
