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My kids are physically incapable of turning off bathroom lights

4,988 Views | 50 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by PuryearAg98
gabehcoud
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Anybody use/recommend auto off light switches?

Auto closing back door will be my next project.
howdyags12!
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AG
Wifi light bulbs have become a very affordable option that you can control on/off with an app on your phone. Unsure about the door issue..
BCOBQ98
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AG
Turn off breaker that feeds bathroom. Turn back on when they agree they can figure out how to use the switch
TexAg1987
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I haven't used them, but they make motion activated light switches.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lutron-Maestro-Single-Pole-White-2-Amp-Occupancy-Vacancy-Sensor/3526624
HalifaxAg
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AG
A good spanking works wonders, done right, you'll never have to do it again
Absolute
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AG
Sensor lights work. But it won't help. Just get used to the fact that kids live to frustrate you. With led bulbs, it really isn't costing that much. Welcome to the 21st century, you boomer!
vmiaptetr
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AG
All this rain keeping you from going outside and yelling at the clouds?
Sweet Kitten Feet
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S
Home automation. Smart switches paired with motion and/or door contact sensors.
P.H. Dexippus
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AG
I had this exact problem with an adult that lives in my house. Rather than keep arguing with her, I installed this:
GE In-Wall Motion Sensor Light Switch, Occupancy & Vacancy Options, Single Pole, Automatic/Manual Controls, 150 Degree 30ft. Detection Zone, Custom Timer, Indoor, Motion Sensor Switch, 11927
tgivaughn
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AG
Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
jja79
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AG
How old are these kids?
gabehcoud
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7,5,5
Disco Stu
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AG
I am fighting this fight as well. My kids are 9, 9, 7, 7. Each morning after they go to school I walk through the house counting the number of light switches that I have to turn off. 14 is the current high score.
BenTheGoodAg
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AG
Disco Stu said:

I am fighting this fight as well. My kids are 9, 9, 7, 7.


You are fighting some battles that few us will understand.
Absolute
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AG
You won't win..... But keep teaching. Eventually they grow up and do what you taught them. Like in 20 years.
SoulSlaveAG2005
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AG
BenTheGoodAg said:

Disco Stu said:

I am fighting this fight as well. My kids are 9, 9, 7, 7.


You are fighting some battles that few us will understand.


The struggle is real. 9,7,5,4,2 are mine.

I've installed the mission sensor switches in a couple rooms… the problem, they leave doors open and run around all day, so the lights just stay on. :/

I randomly yell light check as my 5 yr old boy has part of a scout project to learn about conservation, and he'll go turn them all off.
Waltrip88
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AG
I have the same struggle with my 9 and 7 year olds.

I put this Lutron Maestro timer in their bathroom. Cost $36.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Countdown-Timer-Switch-for-Fans-and-Lights-3A-Fan-150W-LED-Single-Pole-Multi-Location-White-MA-T51MNH-WH-MA-T51MNH-WH/323079980?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D27-027_002_WIRING_DEVIC-MB-LUTRON-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK683072200-NA-BT3-2024-CON-NA-FY23Q1-Q4&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D27-027_002_WIRING_DEVIC-MB-LUTRON-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK683072200-NA-BT3-2024-CON-NA-FY23Q1-Q4-71700000107109873-58700008286798181-92700075335983930&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UdneODqAxVtxBzXhST0AO-5-&gclid=CjwKCAiA8NKtBhBtEiwAq5aX2H7GTKXMsv6R-Ysn0666xEVZe44jbqA8W_1XjxmEcilfFmcNACPYDxoCia8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you're into smart switches Lutron recently added a timer feature to their app if you go with Lutron Caseta.
Sponge
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AG
I have the same problem with my wife. Have to keep adding Wi-Fi switches and have timers to auto switch off. It's hard though, I really need to rfid tag her to switch off lights as she leaves rooms.
Flashdiaz
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AG
Smart switches to turn off wifi while bathroom lights are on
BenTheGoodAg
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AG
I've also got 5… 10, 8, 6, 3, 1 and it's awesome. 9, 9, 7, 7 sounds fun, but will be in a class of its own at times.

Op - here's an option for your backdoor problem if you haven't found one - Link
AggieOO
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Sponge said:

I have the same problem with my wife. Have to keep adding Wi-Fi switches and have timers to auto switch off. It's hard though, I really need to rfid tag her to switch off lights as she leaves rooms.


A good spanking works wonders, done right, you'll have to do it again
malenurse
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AG
Absolute said:

Sensor lights work. But it won't help. Just get used to the fact that kids live to frustrate you. With led bulbs, it really isn't costing that much. Welcome to the 21st century, you boomer!
Boomer? You need to update your spreadsheet. Boomers have grandchildren. Not children
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it's still on the list.
gabehcoud
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BenTheGoodAg said:

I've also got 5… 10, 8, 6, 3, 1 and it's awesome. 9, 9, 7, 7 sounds fun, but will be in a class of its own at times.

Op - here's an option for your backdoor problem if you haven't found one - Link

Ordered, thanks!
AggieOO
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malenurse said:

Absolute said:

Sensor lights work. But it won't help. Just get used to the fact that kids live to frustrate you. With led bulbs, it really isn't costing that much. Welcome to the 21st century, you boomer!
Boomer? You need to update your spreadsheet. Boomers have grandchildren. Not children


Pretty sure they have children or there wouldn't be grandchildren.
Aggiemike96
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AG
OP said "physically" unable to turn off the lights. This leads me to think the light switches are too high or perhaps too difficult to operate/push for younger, smaller kids. Should be simple to adjust the height of the switches or install rocker switches.
Texker
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AG
Wish I had a pic of the engineering Dad put into the bathroom light switch cuz my sister was too short to reach it.
BadMoonRisin
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AG
I put some LEDs on my power outlets on the pathway from my kids rooms to the bathroom. They dont even have to turn on a light to go to the bathroom.

https://www.wallplatewarehouse.com/collections/lumicover

Something like this.
gabehcoud
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Yeah I have those. Doesn't phase them a bit
UnderoosAg
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AG
With the wide variance in age of our stepkids and step-grandkids, I've completely given up on lights, doors, cabinets, toilet paper rolls, tools, and soda. But as others have noted, you want a vacancy sensor switch. It's the same thing as an occupancy switch, same model, same device, etc, but you can set it for manual on and auto off.
ThreatLevel: Midnight
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AG
Allow me to recommend against WiFi bulbs/switches in favor of motion sensor/timers.
Unless you are diligent about updating firmware on smart devices or better yet, setup a 2nd WiFi network specifically for IoT smart devices, they are a security nightmare for your home WiFi network if you access anything secure for
Your tablet/smartphone etc.
Thanks & Gig 'Em
Tony Franklins Other Shoe
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AG
HalifaxAg said:

A good spanking works wonders, done right, you'll never have to do it again
I used it, but I also had long drawn out lectures where I returned 2-3 times to continue the rant. To this day, my son tells me there were times he would have much rather been swatted than listening to 3 more minutes of tirade.

Person Not Capable of Pregnancy
Milwaukees Best Light
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AG
BenTheGoodAg said:

I've also got 5… 10, 8, 6, 3, 1 and it's awesome. 9, 9, 7, 7 sounds fun, but will be in a class of its own at times.

Op - here's an option for your backdoor problem if you haven't found one - Link

Occupancy switches and these spring hinges help keep me sane. I put the spring hinges on the back door and the door to the garage. I don't have them set to slam, but just enough to keep the door mostly closed. Enough to keep the air conditioning from all escaping. Any more spring and it was closing too fast and because a pain in the ass.
gabehcoud
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Spring hinge installed and it's glorious!
Vade281
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AG
I use a motion sensor that's timed for 30 minutes. The guest bathroom has 45 minutes for those with longer showers lol.
htxag09
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AG
Waltrip88 said:

I have the same struggle with my 9 and 7 year olds.

I put this Lutron Maestro timer in their bathroom. Cost $36.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-Countdown-Timer-Switch-for-Fans-and-Lights-3A-Fan-150W-LED-Single-Pole-Multi-Location-White-MA-T51MNH-WH-MA-T51MNH-WH/323079980?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D27-027_002_WIRING_DEVIC-MB-LUTRON-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK683072200-NA-BT3-2024-CON-NA-FY23Q1-Q4&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D27-027_002_WIRING_DEVIC-MB-LUTRON-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK683072200-NA-BT3-2024-CON-NA-FY23Q1-Q4-71700000107109873-58700008286798181-92700075335983930&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADq61UdneODqAxVtxBzXhST0AO-5-&gclid=CjwKCAiA8NKtBhBtEiwAq5aX2H7GTKXMsv6R-Ysn0666xEVZe44jbqA8W_1XjxmEcilfFmcNACPYDxoCia8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you're into smart switches Lutron recently added a timer feature to their app if you go with Lutron Caseta.
Honest question.....What's the payback on something like this, like 10 years?
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