First Alert PIR720RN Motion Sensing Light Socket
by First Alert
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of First Alert PIR720RN Motion Sensing Light Socket
Customer Review: Mixed Review
Summary: 3 Stars
This Motion Sensor is an incredibly handy device which provides hands-free light control in spaces where lights and switches are not well placed. This is the case in my house, which is an old farm house with an ancient and substandard electrical system. For all I know, some old farmer wired the house himself. Lights and switches are all poorly placed; but it is not practical to tear open all of the plaster walls in the house to re-wire everything and bring it all up to code.
For the past several years I have used these motion sensors in two rooms: The bathroom; and a shed (un-insulated and un-heated) that connects to the back of the kitchen, which we use as a cold pantry. As another review said, these motion sensors work great until they don't. In both rooms, which are two completely different types of environments, I have had to replace each of these motion sensors several times. On average, these units seem to work well for about 12 - 18 months, and then they fail completely.
When I first started using these motion sensors, they cost about $20 apiece at the local Home Depot. Now Home Depot only offers this motion sensor through its online store, and the price is over $30 apiece. (Fortunately, here at Amazon the price is still down around $20.) These devices are so handy, I am happy to pay $20 the first time, for what should be decades of convenience. But after replacing these units several times in two different rooms, and watching the price rise dramatically for this device, the cost/benefit ratio is no longer so appealing.
The concept behind this product is great, but the product need some immediate and serious improvement. This product needs to be much more durable, reliable and long lasting. And as a relatively simple product with simple and standard components; there is no reason for this product to have such a high price point. Also, given the fact that very soon incandescent bulbs are going to be completely replaced by CF bulbs, this device needs to be updated to use CF bulbs, or it will be rendered completely obsolete within the next few years. I think that there is a great opportunity for improvement of this product; if not by First Alert, then by one of their competitors. If this product was reliable enough to last for decades instead of months; and the price was down in the $10 -15 range, I would probably have a dozen of these motion sensors throughout my old farmhouse. And I bet everybody else living in old houses would as well.
Customer Review: Great but not perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this for a walk in closet that I have turned into my craft Room. I really like the idea of a light that turns itself off because I can get distracted and walk off and leave the light on. because I have binders and books on a top shelf less that 2 feet from the light socket, I worry about a fire hazard if the light stays on and I accidently leave the house, so this was a great peace of mind saver for me.
Positives:
1. Turns itself on and off so it is great for closets and small spaces where you will have your hands full.
2. Saves electricity by turning itself off.
3. great safety feature for the elderly and other limited mobility individuals. ( always lights up problem areas, doesn't leave light on)
4. immediate turn on if the motion trigger is a door opening.
Negatives:
1. I noticed that if it goes off while I am in the room I have to stand up to turn it on. My theory is that if you are not tall enough like a child or a pet, it will not turn the light on by your motion alone.
2. It often has a delayed turn on it I walk in and the door was left open. (see #4 above) This may also be a height issue, so if your child opens the door the light will go on, but if he has left the door open, it may be delayed or not work.
All in all, I LOVE this product. I am ordering three more for all of my other closets. It is amazing how much effort it takes turning on and off a light manually. I now know how great it is just to have it turn on and off by itself..it is the best kind of magic.
For 5 stars I would like to see the motion sensor adjustable to area (height), the timer set lower than the 4 minute shut off or adjustable, and the ability to take different kinds of light bulbs.
Update: 1/16/2009
I moved it into our cloths closet where we keep the dog beds in a corner. (we keep the door open so they can go in by themselves) So far in the new closet the stupid light wont turn on for my husband and I, but the dog turns it on at night. I had thought that they would be too short to trigger the motion, but they aren't.
Why it works so much better in my craft room, I don't know, but back in there it is going!!
Customer Review: Works Well but Beware of Light Bulb Replacement
Summary: 3 Stars
This sensor socket works as promised. After replacing a balky pull-chain socket with one that too quickly emulated its failed predecessor I thought it might be time for some new technology in my workshop. The PIR720RN comes on like it should then goes off automatically. Ceiling height can be an issue with this product it seems from other reviews. My unit's perch is 7 feet high. First Alert says not to mount higher than 10 feet from the floor. The recommended wattage range for an incandescent bulb is 25-100 for proper function. I would have given the unit 5 stars but I've only had it for two months and can't vouch for durability. No reason for suspicion there, just laying out the facts.
ONE YEAR LATER UPDATE: Well maybe my spidey senses were tingling a year ago when I wrote the notes above. I'm sad to report that the First Alert PIR720RN has failed. The unit is now forever on. I initially downgraded my review to two stars, "I don't like it," but now having been on hold for 15 minutes--and counting--with First Alert's customer service, I am now feeling the hatred that has earned the PIR720RN its one star. For $25 I was expecting more than one year of service. I can no longer recommend this product. Based on this horribly long wait for someone at First Alert to take my call I'm giving the whole company the "thumbs down." Further digits pending final outcome from First Alert.
ONE YEAR PLUS THREE MONTHS: I have updated my rating to 3 stars. My initial efforts to get help from First Alert was a crushing failure so I put dealing with the defective unit on the back burner and was using it by screwing in/out the bulb as needed. Today I spoke with a real live customer service representative who clued me into the problem with my unit. When a light bulb burns out on the unit, the user should kill the power to it before changing the bulb. Failure to do so will likely cause product failure. In return for $6.50 (shipping and handling) First Alert will send me a replacement. Purchasers beware! Burnt out bulbs could lead to burnt out product.
Customer Review: Not for everybody
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this item because I wanted to convert an existing regular light fixture into a motion activated one, but at the end, I could not use it for what I wanted.
This sensor will only work with ceiling mounted bulbs (according to the instructions, only with incandescent bulbs between 25 & 100W, but see below). It will not work with wall-mounted lights, even if it's a bare bulb, unless you manage to set the sensor in a vertical position (as if it were hanging from the ceiling) AND manage to keep the sensor at least 12 inches from the wall. The problem is that once the light is on, the heat reflected from wall will keep the sensor always on and will not turn the light off after you leave the room. Also, according to the instructions, the sensor will not work if it's inside any kind of enclosure, even if it's glass or clear plastic, it will only work with bare bulbs.
The instructions state that the sensor will NOT work with fluorescent bulbs, but I tried it anyway with a 23 W bulb (100 W incandescent equivalent) and it works, except that it takes a while for the bulb to warm up and for the light to reach its maximum intensity; after that it's fine. The delay is an issue of the fluorescent bulb, not the sensor. I noticed that another reviewer tried a fluorescent bulb and it flickered, but I had no problems except the delay time. It is possible that the other reviewer used a 15 W fluorescent bulb (the 23W bulb I used is close to the minimum 25W recommended). Or, maybe it only works with certain brands of fluorescent bulbs, (my bulb didn't have the brand printed on it, but it's a regular compact spiral one).
The sensor does not have a photocell, so it will always turn the light on once it detects movement. Therefore, it is best for places with low light or no windows where, if you are in the room, you will always need the light on, regardless of whether it's day or night.
Customer Review: It's okay
Summary: 3 Stars
I think the product idea is great. Implementation is okay but lacks a little bit.
I bought two of these for my garage (2 car). First the positives
1) Easy installation
2) Hands free operation. I especially like the convenience of not having to turn off my light before I leave. Earlier I used to open a garage door, turn off the light and then get in my car. Now I get in my car and then open a garage door. You might say "big difference". But when it's freezing outside (where I am), it kind of actually is.
The negatives (mostly rehashing what many others have pointed out as well).
1) Erratic motion sensing. Sometimes it "sees" me from 15 feet, other times I am dancing in front of it to switch it on. This is coming through the same exact door each time. I understand the part that this thing is more sensitive in one direction, but that doesn't help much. I am not going to risk a loose connection by turning it any less than completely tight.
2) Sometimes when I turn off the switch by mistake, and turn it back on - I don't know if it will work fine, or stay one. I have to check it after 10 minutes to make sure if turned off.
I've only had this thing for a couple of weeks, so not sure how long do these last.
I would've liked to rate it 3.5, but that's not an option.
Despite the negatives, I am glad that I own these. When I see a better product, I'll happily switch.