Automatic light switch

[a-cut-above]

Newbie here. Please excuse the post if it has already been discussed.
Does anyone know if an automatic light switch is available that activates when a beam is interrupted when you enter a room? I have had bad experiences with motion detector and IR types at work. For a pantry, bath room, or small office at home, I would like a switch that works like the safety feature on a garage door. A light beam goes across the door way. Cross it going in, lights on. Cross it again going out, lights off. (My family has a disease that prevents them from turning lights off!!) Does such a switch exist?
Thanks,
Dave

[HayZee518]

yeah, check electronic outlets for a photo electric switch. one uses a transmitter and receiver which is direct operate. another is reflective that houses a transmitter and receiver in the same enclosure. it uses a reflector to send the beam back to the receiver.

[a-cut-above]

Thank you. I am searching the sites. The units seem made for outdoor and commercial applications. I need to search for one that would work on typical 110/120v and 10 or 15 amp circuits. Also, wiring into the light switch circuit and mounting need to be researched. They seem to need cable adapters and brackets. I am learning quite a bit from this project. Any advice would be appreciated.

[HayZee518]

OMRON makes a plug in timer that can be actuated by a regular switch or a photo transistor and led light source. they also make a transmitter and receiver that uses infra red so ambient light doesn't interfere with its operation. the relay output is wired into the circuit just like a regular switch, that being either normally open or closed.

[murfy]

may i ask??

How many prongs on the plug?

[HayZee518]

what plug?

[Speedbump]

I have a silly question. One person enters the room. Light goes on. Second person enters the room, light goes off. How are you going to defend against that happening?

[HayZee518]

easiest way is to replace the light switch with a paragon turn to light switch. a knob is turned and starts to time out by mechanical means and shuts off after a predetermined delay.