AmerTac MLC4BC Westek Motion Activated Switch for Under-Cabinet and Hard-to-Reach Workstation Lighting – Hands-Free Productivity
AmerTac MLC4BC Westek Motion Activated Switch for Under-Cabinet and Hard-to-Reach Workstation Lighting – Hands-Free Productivity
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 help my home office feel more focused and ready to work?
Yes. Plug your desk lamp or floor lamp into the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek and the light will turn on the moment you sit down, creating an automatic cue that it is time to focus. The auto-off timer also helps the lamp shut off when you step away, supporting an end-of-session ritual.
Can it automate a hard-to-reach light under a cabinet or desk?
Yes. For tight spots like under-cabinet kitchen lights or under-desk fixtures that are awkward to reach, the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek can be plugged into a nearby outlet, switching the fixture on and off automatically based on motion. No more crawling under the desk to unplug.
Does it work in a garage workshop where I carry tools in?
Yes. Place the unit near the garage entry and plug a work light or overhead fixture into it. The light comes on as you walk in with tools and shuts off automatically after your chosen timer, so you can focus on the project instead of the switch.
Can I use it to turn off my desk lamp automatically after work?
Yes. Set the timer to 5, 10, or 20 minutes. When you leave your desk for longer than the timer, the lamp turns off automatically, helping you close out the workday and avoid leaving the light burning all evening.
Does it help with consistent lighting for video calls?
Yes. By automating a key light or accent lamp, the unit ensures your workspace is consistently lit the moment you sit down, so you are not fumbling with switches right before a meeting.
Can I use it to control an air filter in a hard-to-reach spot?
Yes. Plug a small air filter or fan into the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek and place it under a desk or in a corner. The unit will power it on when you enter the workspace and shut it off after the timer expires, saving energy when you are not there.
Is it good for a basement workshop or craft room?
Yes. Basements are often dark and switch placement is awkward. The AmerTac MLC4BC Westek gives you hands-free lighting the moment you walk in, so you can carry supplies to your workbench without setting anything down to find a switch.
Will the timer help me take breaks from my workspace?
Yes. Set a short timer such as 4 seconds or 1 minute and the lamp will turn off quickly when no motion is detected. Walking back to your desk retriggers the light, which can serve as a gentle signal that you have returned to focused work.
Can I use it to activate a shop-vac to startle my cat off the counter?
Yes. Plug a shop-vac or other small appliance into the AmerTac MLC4BC Westek. When the cat jumps onto the counter and triggers motion, the appliance powers on, providing a hands-free deterrent. Set a short timer so it does not run indefinitely.
Does it work for a craft table that I leave and return to often?
Yes. The sensor resets its timer with each new motion, so your craft light stays on while you are moving around the table and shuts off automatically when you walk away for an extended period.
Can it automate lighting in a detached workshop or shed?
Yes, with a small modification. Place the unit in a thin plastic bag to waterproof it (the sensor can detect motion through the bag) and mount it near the entry. Plug a work light into it for hands-free illumination as you enter the shed.
Will it support a study routine in a shared space?
Yes. Plug a focused desk lamp into the unit, and the light will turn on automatically when you sit down to study. The auto-off timer helps signal the end of a session, which is useful for managing study blocks.
Can I use it to reduce distractions from manually adjusting lights?
Yes. Because the light turns on and off automatically based on motion, you do not have to think about switches mid-task. This small reduction in micro-decisions can help sustain focus during deep work.
Does the physical relay matter for productivity tools like fans or filters?
Yes. The AmerTac MLC4BC Westek uses a physical relay that handles up to 1200W of general-purpose load, which means it is compatible with small motors, fans, and air filters that purely electronic sensors sometimes struggle with.
Can it help me stick to a consistent work schedule?
Yes. Many users find that an automatically activating workspace light acts as a ritual cue: the light comes on, work begins; the light goes off, work ends. Over time this can reinforce a more consistent productivity routine.
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.
