pressure pad switching

[gamblor6]

Hi guys
ive been asked to provide small lights on a staircase that turn on via a pressure pad on the bottom step and top step, 2 wayed. ive looked about online and cant find anything suitable, anyone know what i can do? cheers guys.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Rather than a pressure pad, perhaps a nice eye ball PIR may do the job

 

[clicon357]

How about a "Wall PIR Occupancy Switch" assuming you already have a switch top AND bottom of the stairs? Try tlc-direct - part number DN-WAPIR. Has PIR sensing AND an override switch for manual switching.

If you go the pressure plate route then IMO you'll have to look at timers etc.

 

[Richard Burns]

If you look at old age emergency monitoring systems I think some of them use pressure pads to set off the alarm. I have no idea how they are rated or anything but it may be a source of kit.

 

[gamblor6]

thanks for the replys guys,
im thinking ill try the pir route. its for our directors house so i need to make a job of it.

 

[telectrix]

pressure mats used to be used in intruder alarms. they are a simple switch which is only closed when the pressure is applied. as soon as the pressure is removed, they go open. they are only rated at12volts so you would have to use a relay and a timer. PIR sensor is the way to go, IMO.

 

[Cyberprog]

Yep, and pressure mats have a tendency to go faulty over time, either o/c or c/c - and you can't predict which!

 

[clicon357]

thanks for the replys guys,
im thinking ill try the pir route. its for our directors house so i need to make a job of it.

The wall switch pir's from tlc are about £50 each but I think only in white plastic. Easy to fit though as don't need a neutral so should be an "easy" job. You just know that his existing fittings will be brass or chrome etc and his missus will kick off about the decor!

 

[gamblor6]

lol aye totally. i think ill put a wall pir at the top and hide a wee one under the 1st step. initially he wanted to step on one step and the next one light up, all the way up. quickly talked him out of that lol.