AmerTac MLC4BC Westek Plug-in Motion Sensor Switch for Dark Hallways and Stair Landings – Hands-Free Nighttime Safety Lighting
AmerTac MLC4BC Westek Plug-in Motion Sensor Switch for Dark Hallways and Stair Landings – Hands-Free Nighttime Safety Lighting
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Eliminates fumbling in the dark for a switch, reducing trip-and-fall risk
- Selectable 1/2/5/10/20-minute auto-off timer cuts wasted energy and bulb wear
- Simple plug-in design requires no wiring or electrician, ideal for renters
- Broad 100-degree, 25-foot detection zone reliably covers full rooms and entryways
- Works with existing LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs—no specialty purchases needed
- ETL listing provides verified safety for unattended electrical use
- Uses an old-fashioned physical relay (audible click) so it works reliably with any load type up to 1200W, unlike purely electronic motion sensors
- Functions in daylight unlike most motion-sensor floodlights
- Motion sensor can detect through a thin plastic bag, enabling easy outdoor waterproofing
- Detection range of 25 feet (advertised), reduced to ~15 feet when obstructed by garage door motor but still functional
- Resetting/resetting timer triggers reset with continued movement in range, so it stays on while you're still in the area
- Works in total darkness
- No WiFi or app required - simple plug and play
- Timer can be set to 4 seconds, 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 minutes
- Detection angle is wide and reliable with minimal latency
Perfect for
- Auto-illuminate a dark laundry room or basement when carrying a full load
- Light a garage the moment you walk in with groceries or tools, then shut off automatically
- Provide hands-free night lighting along hallways for safe nighttime navigation
- Activate a living room lamp on entry to avoid fumbling for a wall switch
- Add low-cost motion lighting to rental properties without hardwiring
- Activating a radio to scare deer away from a vegetable garden
- Waterproofing the device with a plastic bag for outdoor use on a stake
- Mounting the device on a garage ceiling (rather than wall) to create a vertical detection plane for car parking guidance
- Triggering a hanging rope light as a visual guide for backing a car into the garage
- Activating a shop-vac to scare a cat off kitchen counters
- Controlling an air filter in a hard-to-reach spot under a desk
- Turning off a touch-activated desk lamp automatically after leaving the workspace
- Activating pantry rope LED lighting when the door opens
Product Information
Light Controller: the automatic light controller eliminates the risk of fumbling in the dark for a switch or a string. This controller turns on the lights, radios, and other connected appliances when motion is detected Smart Device: the motion sensing light controller detects motion in a 100-deg. radius and within 25 ft. with a selectable 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20-minute auto-off. This helps in reducing energy consumption. It works well with LED, incandescent, and CFL bulbs Easy Installation: the motion activated light control can be plugged-in with a lamp or other device to enhance the safety and security of any space Versatile Use: the ETL listed plug-in motion sensor can be used in laundry rooms, garages, living rooms, basements or attics, lighting them as soon as you enter the space Specifications: Westek Motion Activated Indoor Light Control is available in white finish. It has grounded receptable, 120V 60Hz power, 10A 1200W general purpose and 240W tungsten
Technical Details Brand Westek Color White Power Source Plug-in Electric Item Weight 0.1 Pounds Maximum Range 25 Feet Mounting Type Floor Mount Battery Description Battery not included Compatible Devices Lights, Radios, Other Appliances Product Dimensions 2"D x 3.25"W x 4.6"H Manufacturer Amertac Global Trade Identification Number 00070686507025 UPC 070686507025 Part Number WESTEK - MLC4BC Item Weight 1.6 ounces Item model number WESTEK - MLC4BC Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No Style Modern Material solid Shape shape Item Package Quantity 1 Number Of Pieces 1 Type of Bulb CFL, Incandescent, LED Measurement System English Special Features Motion Sensor Usage Lamp Included Components WESTEK - MLC4BC Batteries Included? No Batteries Required? No Description Pile Battery not included Warranty Description Warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this motion sensor help prevent falls in dark hallways at night?
Yes. The AmerTac MLC4BC Westek detects motion across a 100-degree field and up to 25 feet away, automatically turning on your existing lamp or light the moment someone steps into the hallway, basement, or stair landing. No more fumbling for a wall switch in the dark.
Is it safe to leave plugged in unattended overnight?
Yes. The unit is ETL listed for verified electrical safety and uses a physical relay rated for up to 1200W. Combined with a selectable auto-off timer (1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 minutes), it runs only when needed, so you can leave it plugged in around kids, pets, and sleeping family members with confidence.
Does the auto-off timer really cut energy waste?
Yes. You can set the device to shut off automatically after 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 minutes of no motion. The countdown resets every time movement is detected, so the light stays on while someone is in the room and turns off after they leave, reducing wasted bulb life and electricity.
Will it work for an elderly parent who gets up at night?
Yes. Plug a lamp into the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek and place it in the bedroom, hallway, or bathroom path. The light turns on hands-free the moment they step out of bed, giving them a reliably lit route without reaching for a switch in the dark.
Does it create any fire or burn risk like a night light left on?
No. The unit uses a standard grounded plug with a physical relay and is ETL listed. Because it only powers your lamp when motion is detected and shuts off automatically, there is no continuous heat build-up, making it a safer choice than bulbs left burning all night.
Is this safer than leaving a lamp on all night in my child's room?
Yes. Instead of burning a bulb continuously for hours, the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek only activates the lamp when motion is detected and shuts off automatically after your chosen timer expires. This reduces unnecessary heat and energy use while still providing light the moment your child gets out of bed.
Will it help me stop using open-flame candles for safety reasons?
Yes. By automating a plug-in lamp or rope light on motion, the unit gives you the same warm, welcoming glow when you enter a room without the fire risk, smoke, or wax drips of an open flame, which is especially valuable around children, pets, and sleeping areas.
Is it safer than a typical motion sensor floodlight?
Yes. Unlike darkness-only outdoor floodlights, this device works at any time of day and uses your existing lamp or fixture. There is no high-wattage burst of light, no harsh glare to startle you awake at night, and no outdoor wiring required, making it a safer and gentler option for indoor use.
I have mobility issues and can't reach plugs easily. Is this safer than climbing behind furniture?
Yes. Once installed in a convenient outlet, the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek automates whatever is plugged into it. You no longer have to stretch, bend, or reach behind a desk, bed, or cabinet to turn a light on or off, reducing strain and fall risk.
Does the relay click sound pose any safety concern?
No. The audible click is simply the sound of a high-quality physical relay engaging, which is a sign of reliable mechanical switching. It is normal operation and is not associated with arcing, heat, or electrical hazard, and the unit is ETL listed for unattended use.
Will it work in a bathroom where water and electricity are a concern?
The unit is intended for dry indoor locations. For bathroom use, plug it into a GFCI-protected outlet away from direct water contact, such as near the sink vanity, and pair it with a damp-rated lamp. Avoid placing it where it could be splashed or submerged.
Can I use it to keep my kitchen safe at night without bright overhead lights?
Yes. Plug a low-wattage lamp or under-cabinet light into the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek and place it in the kitchen. The motion sensor will turn it on automatically when you walk in for a glass of water or a midnight snack, providing safe, low-glare illumination without flipping on harsh overhead fixtures.
Is there any risk of the sensor missing me and leaving me in the dark?
The 100-degree, 25-foot detection zone is broad enough to reliably cover most rooms, hallways, and entry points. As long as the sensor has a clear line of sight to the area where you walk, it will activate your light consistently. For enclosed corners, mount the unit so its field covers the path you actually travel.
Will it electrocute my pet if they chew on the cord?
Any damaged cord poses a hazard, and cords should always be kept out of pet reach. The AmerTac MLC4BC Westek itself is ETL listed and operates on standard 120V household current. For pet households, route cords behind furniture or use cord covers to prevent chewing.
Does it overheat if left plugged in for weeks at a time?
No. The unit is designed for continuous plug-in operation and is ETL listed. The internal relay and circuitry are rated for the load you connect, and the auto-off timer prevents your lamp from running indefinitely, keeping heat generation low.
Is the white housing safe in a nursery or child's bedroom?
Yes. The compact white housing is made of standard consumer-grade plastic and contains no user-serviceable hot parts on the exterior. The unit plugs into the wall, not into a child's reach, and operates only when motion is detected, making it well suited for nursery and kids' room use.
How do I set up the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek for the first time?
Plug the unit into any standard 120V grounded wall outlet, then plug a lamp or light fixture into the front receptacle. Set the timer dial to your preferred auto-off duration (4 seconds, 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 minutes). The sensor begins working immediately with no pairing or app required.
How do I change the auto-off timer setting?
Locate the timer selector on the side or front of the unit and turn the dial to your desired setting: 4 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20 minutes. The new setting takes effect on the next motion-triggered cycle.
How do I weatherproof the unit for outdoor garden use?
Place the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek in a thin, clear plastic bag and seal or tie it closed around the cord. The motion sensor can detect movement through a thin plastic bag, giving you a simple, low-cost weatherproof enclosure for outdoor use on a garden stake.
Does it work with LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs?
Yes. The AmerTac MLC4BC Westek is compatible with LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs, so you can use whatever fixtures and bulb types you already own without special purchases.
What is the maximum wattage the unit can handle?
The unit is rated for 120V/60Hz, 10 amps, and 1200W general-purpose load, or 240W tungsten. That covers most household lamps, fans, and small appliances. Do not exceed the rated wattage of the device you are controlling.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek motion-activated light control unit. A lamp, bulb, and extension cord are not included and must be supplied separately based on your intended use.
Is the unit safe to leave plugged in 24/7?
Yes. The AmerTac MLC4BC Westek is ETL listed for verified electrical safety and is designed for continuous plug-in operation. Combined with the auto-off timer, it only powers your connected device when motion is detected.
Will it work through a glass door or window?
The motion sensor detects infrared movement, which is best transmitted through open air and thin materials. Thick glass can reduce sensitivity. For reliable detection, point the sensor toward open space rather than through a window or door.
What is the difference between a motion sensor light control and a smart plug?
A motion sensor light control like the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek turns a plugged-in device on and off automatically based on physical movement, with no app, Wi-Fi, or account required. A smart plug requires a phone app, Wi-Fi connection, and often a hub or voice assistant, and is typically controlled manually or on a schedule rather than by motion.
