This Leviton IPS02-1LW model (with white face plate) is very sensitive especially when installed in areas which receives more than average ambient light. It either switches ON the load whenever ambient light changes slightly or fails to work depending on how much light is falling on the sensor. I tried to minimize the light going into the sensor by taping it with white masking tape but made no much difference. Also, the use of Ground wire makes it impossible to install in old houses wherein ground wire is not available. Also, in my humble opinion, using the 'Ground wire' as potential source of power to drive the unit creates 'floating ground' situations in poorly earthed/grounded houses. This happens when a old defective equipment in the house puts out abnormally high voltage to the poorly maintained ground which in-turn false triggers or fails to trigger this unit either by random or by fault of poor ground circuit in older houses (Most common problem reported by other customers)
While I am no expert electrical engineer but I do understand electronics and how this switch works. In my humble opinion Leviton must release an updated model that uses 'neutral wire' in addition the required 'ground wire' and use 'relay based' isolated switching to turn on the load to eliminate poor ground circuits at the same time make these feature enhancements:
While I am no expert electrical engineer but I do understand electronics and how this switch works. In my humble opinion Leviton must release an updated model that uses 'neutral wire' in addition the required 'ground wire' and use 'relay based' isolated switching to turn on the load to eliminate poor ground circuits at the same time make these feature enhancements:
- Reduce the sensitivity to ambient light
- Provide an intermediate time selection between 30 secs to 5 mins 1-2 mins would be ideal
Thanks for reading my review.
You can get one of these if you still would like to try it from Amazon: