Motionbulb: The Motion-Sensing Light Bulb
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 01. 5.08
You always hear about how you should change to compact fluorescent lightbulbs and turn out the lights when you leave the room; with something like Motionbulb you can have both at the same time. A slick motion sensor is embedded in the bulb's housing, turning itself on when it senses motion within 25 feet, and switching off when you leave the room.
Details are a bit sparse on their site, but the CFL-style bulbs do screw directly into conventional light sockets; the repeated on/off cycling might make these a better solution in an attic or other lightly-trafficked room, though each bulb carries a 5-year replacement warranty. If these were LED bulbs, we'd have a truckload on the way; as it is, Motionbulb could be an easy way to cut back on energy use and worry less about flipping the switch when leaving the room. ::Motionbulb
I like the concept, but in a world where we try to eliminate phantom loads why would replace a light bulb with a switch, with a bulb, CFL or otherwise that will always draw a small amount of energy even when it's 'off.'
Aren't short cycles supposed to greatly decrease the lifetime of CFLs?
Ian,
I imagine that that issue might be resolved by having a tiny Photovoltaic panel and capacitor/battery, any natural light would power the sensor,a s well as when it is on; or in worst case scenario, point a flashlight at it for a moment.
Modern CFLs are designed to withstand normal residential on/off cycling; you can even put them in bathrooms, where lights tend to get cycled more frequently.
I would think that these motion-sensing bulbs live up to that standard as well.
Modern CFLs are designed to withstand normal residential on/off cycling; you can even put them in bathrooms, where lights tend to get cycled more frequently.
I would think that these motion-sensing bulbs live up to that standard as well.
I've got one in my closet, works way better than a pull string light. You can also buy them from elights.com. Also, way cheaper than installing an occupancy sensor or one of those microswitches in your door. Supposedly it's warranted for 5 years. Interesting.
Megaman company offers CFL (RoHS) with 15000 hours and more than 600.000 switching cycles, using a pre-heating. I bought some 23W ones with RA>92. In addition to being RoHS compliant they use lead free glass and a plastic socket without lead. The whole system contains less than 3mg mercury. 20€ isn't exactly a bargain right away, but the usual 2€ ones last maybe 6000 hours and from my personal experience last as long as an ordinary light-bulb, if switched frequently (hall/bath). If this company uses a similar quality, it's a good thing.
Just one quick reminder: there are no bargains anymore. They went prior Y2K. If you pay small money, you get crap.
I work for the company which makes this product. The current draw is 8.3mA when the light is turned off. The timer keeps the bulb turned on for long enough to avoid damage from cycling.
I work for the company which makes this product. The current draw is 8.3mA when the light is turned off. There is a timer on the bulb which can be set to keep it on for long enough to avoid lifetime degradation.
Cool idea but I guess this bulb is not to be used in the room you sleep in, or it will stay on all night long !
Hi,
Could you tell me who is the manufacturer? I´m writing an ecodesign column for an mexican magazine and i´d like to include some comment about motionbulb. I´m looking on internet for any info but I couldn´t find!
Thanks in advance!
Muriel
PD: I´ll include your web site, of course!