Top/Bottom of Stair Automatic Sensor Switch

[Wil_Schroter]

I have a set of lights along the stairs leading up to my top floor. I need a single-gang switch at the top and bottom that will detect when someone is walking up or down the stairs and switch the lights on. The lights are setup in a 3-way configuration so that the switches need to be able to turn each other off in a typical 3-way setup.

What I have now is wonky. It’s a $20 motion sensor switch at the top, and another at the bottom. It rarely ever works because ultimately it’s the wrong solution.

Anyone tackle this issue?

[btk (The fish is still dead.)]

If you can mount a ST-compatible motion sensor so that it can see the entire staircase, that’s an easy one.

Replace the switches with a 3-way z-wave setup and use the sensor to turn the switch on when it sees motion.

[mattjfrank (Matt)]

Carpeted steps? Here was my solution.

DIY Pressure Sensor (welcome mat)

Using 2 pressure mats from Freight Props and an Open/Close sensor from MonoPrice and the Easy Button app from @bdahlem I now have pressure sensors at the top and bottom of my stairs. The plan is to turn on a few lights for a few minutes during night hours when pressure is detected. Haven’t figured out how to do that yet, but I’m sure there is a way already.

[NorCalLights (Paul)]

GE makes z-wave switches that are easy to set up as 3-way:

GE Z-Wave Wireless Smart Lighting Control Smart Toggle Switch, On/Off, In-Wall, White, Works with Amazon Alexa (Hub Required), 12727 - - Amazon.com

You’ll need one of the On/Off switches, and one of the remote switches. They make them in both standard toggle or decora-style.

Then set up a pair of z-wave motion sensors: one at the top of your stairs, and one at the bottom.