Q. I live in a building that uses in the halls a new type of electric bulbs. When one comes close to them they go brighter and then, as one walks away they dim. It is an individual process of each bulb. Can these be used during Shabbos? I find it extremely difficult to have to move to another building.
A. Presence sensor "Smart Lights' are divided into two kinds. They can be activated by motion sensors, and sensors that actually detect the infrared radiation emanating from people around them. These components are usually referred to as infrared sensors, or Passive Infra Red (PIR) sensors.
On question 675 regarding walking down a street on Shabbos and being careful when to not activate motion sensor lights, we wrote:
"Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchoso (23: 53) quoting Yesodei Yishurun (5: p. 160) prohibits entering through an automatic door operated by a sensor. A light likewise turned on would be similar. However when there is already enough light in the street and the additional one being activated by the sensor is unnecessary, it becomes a case of Pesik Reisho Delo Nicho Lei or a sure consequential act that provides no benefit, which Poskim permit when it is not intentional. Some Poskim would permit walking by the sensor even when the light provides benefit, if one closes the eyes (39 Melochos p. 1215.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should try to avoid activating the sensor when possible and to cross over to the other side of the street. When that is not an option it is permitted, if it is unintentional."
The Rov maintains that the same would apply to the new Smart Bulbs. However he recommends using the infrared activated bulbs over the motion activated.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
