# Motion sensor light, but sensor is remote - does this exist?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 7, 2023, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688 "2023-05-07T02:33:00Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2023, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/21 "2023-05-07T17:09:43Z")
Like this?
> **[GE, White, Wireless Motion-Sensing Lighting Control Transmitter with 1 Grounded...](https://www.amazon.com/GE-12751-Wireless-Motion-Sensing-Transmitter/dp/B014W6Q4WA)**
>
> GE, White, Wireless Motion-Sensing Lighting Control Transmitter with 1 Grounded Outlet Receiver, 30ft. Detection Range, Off after 10 Mins, for Lamps and Other Indoor Lighting, Sensor Switch, 12751 - - Amazon.com
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### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2023, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/22 "2023-05-07T17:16:18Z")
Hmm, that could work.
However, I pulled the trigger on a self-contained, battery-powered, ceiling/wall-mounted LED that I will just install above the entry door.
Thanks to all.
mmm
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### Author:  [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2023, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/23 "2023-05-07T17:19:33Z")
Well, it appears that I’m too late for the party…
As part of my Cox cable ‘package’, I have Cox Homelife. The base package has a camera, door open/closed sensor, and a smart bulb. One of the options on the door sensor is to turn on the smart bulb.
I don’t recommend you sign up for Cox just to get this functionality, but it does demonstrate that the technology is available.
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### Author:  [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2023, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/24 "2023-05-07T18:51:01Z")
Search term: wireless remote outlet motion
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### Author:  [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)
#### Post date: [May 7, 2023, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/25 "2023-05-07T23:08:09Z")
(Knowing the OP has found a solution, I provide this for others interested in these kinds of things)
For those who want to go deep into the rabbit hole, look into setting up Home Assistant.
It’s the open-source answer to things like HomeKit.
Most of those Zigbee or ZWave gadgets (such as Philips Hue bulbs) that you can buy work just fine with Home Assistant with a little fussing, so once you have the initial setup the world is your oyster.
For your situation, I would use one of the tiny [Aquara door and window sensors](https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-MCCGQ11LM-Window-Sensor-White/dp/B07D37VDM3), a tiny 1"x1.5" doohickey that you stick to the corner of the door with a tiny magnet on the molding.
Then I would create a trigger in Home Assistant that says “whenever door sensor goes to state ‘open’ turn on my Philips Hue lightbulbs in the kitchen”
You can have all kinds of fun with these devices since each individual piece is relatively cheap and you can cobble together all kinds of triggers and actions.
For example, I have these door sensors on the two doors to my basement: top of stairs and laundry area. When either sensor is closed it triggers a timer–after four hours with the door closed, I get a message on my phone saying “Basement door is closed! The cat needs to pee!”
Many Zigbee gadgets say “Must have XYZ hub” but that is usually not true–a single generic Zigbee hub will work for them all.
It’s not for everyone, but definitely will scratch the geek itch.
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### Author:  [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)
#### Post date: [May 8, 2023, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/26 "2023-05-08T11:49:55Z")
A combination such as this would work:
> **[On/Off Module](https://shop.insteon.com/products/on-off-module)**
>
> Controls plug-in lamps, space heaters, fans and other small appliances up to 15 Amps or 1800 Watts. Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control when paired with an Insteon Hub 2.
> **[New Insteon Motion Sensor, 2nd Generation — Insteon](https://www.insteon.com/motion-sensor)**
>
> Our new and improved wireless motion sensor makes activating lights, appliances and scenes based on movement easier and more reliable than ever.
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### Author:  [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)
#### Post date: [May 8, 2023, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/27 "2023-05-08T12:56:47Z")
Also, unlike Zigbee or Z-Wave the Insteon devices do not require any sort of hub (although they are much easier to set up with one).
That said, Insteon was recently on the edge of shutting down until they were rescued last year. Availability of devices has been spotty but improving.
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### Author:  [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)
#### Post date: [May 8, 2023, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/28 "2023-05-08T18:29:42Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#):
>
> Looking for a wireless option.
>
> mmm
You will be entering the world of smart home devices for your particular situation. Wireless, or battery powered remote sensor and the smart lamp is what you will likely be installing. There are a plethora of combinations out there.
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### Author:  [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)
#### Post date: [May 8, 2023, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensor-light-but-sensor-is-remote-does-this-exist/983688/29 "2023-05-08T18:30:35Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#):
>
> You could use any under cabinet light that is switched, and replace the switch with a wireless thing that talks to your wireless motion sensor.
Correct.
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