Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Two Electrical Switch Problems

I have two separate switch problems and I'm hoping someone can help me.

Problem 1: I have a pantry that has a light in it. The switch to the pantry is on the outside wall. I want to replace the light switch with a timer switch because I'm always leaving the light on after being in there. Here's my problem...I removed the wall plate and was ready to replace the light switch with the newly-purchased timer switch when I noticed that my current light switch has 4 wires (Black, Red, White, Ground). Normally there are only 3 wires (Black, White and Ground), right? I am totally puzzled as to what to do with the Red wire; especially since the timer switch I purchased doesn't seem to have a connection for it. I can see where I need to hook the Black, White and Ground wires but what about the Red wire? Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Problem 2: I have a light switch at the top of my basement stairs. I wanted to replace it with a motion switch. Usually my wife and I have our hands full with laundry when we enter the basement and it would be nice if the light would just kick on (by motion) when we entered at the top of the stairs. Here's what I've run into with this situation...the builders of my condo have installed a 3-way light switch here but it's not connected to another light switch. It has the normal wires but also has a Red wire that seems to just go into the wall. I don't have the slightest idea of how to wire a motion switch with the Red wire there as well. What do I do about the red wire? Any help would once again be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

hi
for basement get a motion sensor that screws to the light bulb works fine
as for pantry looks like a 3 way swtich get a 3 way timer

Thank you! I'll give your suggestions a try and see how it goes!

V,

When I purchased my house the previous owner did a very clever thing on all the closets and pantries. he had hook up a button that is on the side of the door. When the is open the side does not push the button in causing the light to turn on. When the door is closed the button is push in, it then causes the light to shut off. This I thought were a very nice touch, now I don't have to worry about turning it on or off, just open and close the door. He had this button placed high on the side of the door sill. Hope this is a better solution to a timer.

I have the same situation with your other light problem going to the basement. I did install a switch plate sensor and it was much better than the fixture type sensor because I do need the light on both, the stairs and below. But I did not install it, I had hired someone to do it, sorry. But I would definitely opt for the switch plate sensor.

p1fcl01

That is a really cool idea! Do you know if this button setup is something you can purchase or have installed? Any further information you can provide I would be really interested to know more. Sounds like a really great solution to my problem.

I, too like the switch plate sensor idea for the basement since the light is enclosed (shade). I really don't want to have an exposed light bulb in that area if I don't have to. I may have to have it installed as well for me.

Thank you again for your insight! I really appreciate it!

Go to any home store and ask them for a on offf button type of switch. They'll know. Good luck

For the timer, that timer needs a neutral, which isn't there. Either get a timer that doesn't need a neutral, or replace the cable to the fixture with one that has one more conductor.