Feit Electric IntelliBulb Motion-Activated LED A19

The IntelliBulb Motion-Activated LED solves the problem of leaving lights on in garages, closets, and utility rooms. Built-in motion sensor turns the bulb on when you enter, off when you leave. No switches to fumble for with armloads of groceries. No more discovering you left the basement light burning for three days.

Worth it for high-traffic utility spaces where hands-free operation matters. Skip it if you need reliable, consistent performance — the 3.9-star rating reflects real sensor issues that frustrated enough customers to ding the score.

Motion Sensor Reality Check

The motion sensor delivers hands-free convenience, but inconsistent sensor performance and random activation plague this bulb. Some units work perfectly. Others trigger when nobody’s there or ignore you waving your arms like a runway marshal.

The sensor can’t be adjusted. No sensitivity settings. No timer adjustments. Position the sensor for clear view and keep the wall switch ON for automatic operation. That’s your only control.

Not compatible with dimmer switches or electronic timers. The motion sensor circuitry needs constant power. Wire it to a dimmer and you’ll get flickering, false triggers, or complete failure. Standard on/off switches only.

Energy Efficiency Numbers

Specification	Value
Actual Wattage	8.8W
Equivalent Wattage	60W
Brightness	800 lumens
Rated Life	15,000 hours
Color Temperature	2700K (Soft White) or Selectable (2700K, 4000K, 5000K)
CRI	90
Beam Angle	240 degrees

The 8.8W consumption beats standard 10W LED A19s by a hair. Real savings come from the motion sensor turning lights off automatically. In a garage where you’d normally leave a 60W bulb burning 4 hours daily, this cuts runtime to maybe 30 minutes of actual occupancy.

15,000-hour rated life assumes typical on/off cycling. Motion sensors create more cycles than regular switches. Expect shorter life in high-traffic areas.

Where It Works (And Doesn’t)

Designed for garages, closets, basements, pantry doors, laundry rooms, utility rooms, outdoor porches (damp-rated), and stairways. The 240-degree beam angle covers most small spaces without dark corners.

Damp-rated means it handles covered outdoor porches in Montana weather. Not for exposed locations where rain hits directly. The motion sensor won’t survive that abuse.

Perfect applications: Single-bulb garage door openers. Walk-in closets. Basement stairways. Mudroom fixtures. Anywhere you need temporary light while carrying things.

Terrible applications: Living rooms (random triggers). Bedrooms (midnight bathroom trips). Workshops (motion timeouts mid-task). Anywhere you need steady, controllable light.

Installation Gotchas

Standard E26 medium base fits typical household sockets. Works in open or enclosed fixtures. Installation takes 30 seconds — unless you have a dimmer switch. Then it takes an hour because you’re rewiring.

Keep the wall switch ON for automatic operation. Sounds simple until someone flips it off out of habit. Consider a switch guard or label.

The motion sensor needs line-of-sight to detect movement. Deep recessed cans limit detection range. Flush or semi-flush fixtures work better. Position sensor for clear view of the room’s entry points.

The Verdict

At 75 reviews averaging 3.9 stars, this bulb splits the crowd. Convenience, brightness, and easy setup earn praise. Inconsistent sensor performance, random activation, and non-adjustable timer generate complaints.

You’re gambling on sensor quality. When it works, it’s brilliant — hands-free lighting exactly when needed. When it doesn’t, you’re standing in the dark waving at an unresponsive bulb.

Buy one first. Test it in your intended location for a week. If the sensor behaves, buy more. If not, return it and get a standard LED with a motion-sensing wall switch instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this bulb be used with dimmer switches?

No. Not compatible with dimmer switches or electronic timers. The motion sensor circuitry requires constant full power. Dimmer switches will cause malfunction or failure.

How long does the light stay on after detecting motion?

The timer is non-adjustable. Feit doesn’t specify the duration in available documentation. Customer reviews suggest it varies between units.

Will this work in an unheated Montana garage?

Rated for 15,000 hours under normal conditions. No extreme temperature ratings provided. Standard LED operating range is -20°F to 120°F, but motion sensors can be finicky in extreme cold.

What’s the difference between this and smart bulbs with motion sensing?

Simpler ‘plug and play’ setup without apps or hubs. No WiFi, no programming, no smartphone required. Also no adjustability or remote control.

Can this bulb be installed in a bathroom?

Damp-rated for protected outdoor use. Bathroom moisture should be fine, but the motion sensor might trigger from shower steam. Test before committing to multiple bulbs.