"RBM" wrote in message
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"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
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What's different about a motion sensor that would prevent it from
operating any bulb screwed into a standard socket?

Doesn't it just close contacts that pass power to the fixture? How
would it know what's screwed into it?

(It's late and I haven't learned anything new today, so hurry up with
an answer!)


I think the manufacturers try to build devices like this to replace
existing switches. They get their power by allowing a small amount of
current to flow through the lamps that are being controlled, or some use a
leak to ground system. If the load being controlled is to light, not
enough current can pass through to operate the control without lighting
the light. The devices like this that use a neutral are much more
versatile, but are limited to locations where a neutral exists

I am amazed that the Leviton switch doesn't mention anything about this --
especially now that more and more people are using CFL's. And, it seems
strange that there isn't a way to use the Leviton with a CFL at least in
situations where there is a neutral already at the switch.