The beginner guide on movement sensors

1  Movement sensor vs presence sensor. Is it the same?

The answer to the question: is no. The presence sensors are more sensitive than the movement sensors because they carry out a constant sweep of the area in search of “disturbances”, in addition to making a constant measurement of the light. Movement sensors, on the other hand, respond to a "disturbance" when this is of an important magnitude (when there is an important movement). Also, they are not able to perform an active measurement of light such as movement sensors.

2  Types of movement sensors

Mainly in the lighting market it is very common to find two s types of sensors:

• Passive movement sensors (PIR). They are probably and is the most used sensor in the market due to its ease of configuration and use. It bases its operation on the detection of infrared radiation variations in the environment on which it is placed. The name of liabilities is because he does not emit radiation but receiving them. These capture the presence detecting the difference between the heat emitted by the human body and the space around. The detection is carried out by means of a lens responsible for detecting this type disturbances. Its main component are pyroelectric sensors designed to detect changes in the infrared radiation received that are in turn encapsulated in a Fresnell lens.
• Microwave active sensors. They base their operation on microwave emission/reception regardless of temperature. If something interferes with the waves, the sensor will detect a variation in the return time, causing the lighting to be activated. These types of sensors are more sensitive being able to cross thin doors and windows. This makes its detection capacity greater than that of passive movements sensors.
• Crespuscular sensors. They base their operation on the detection of excess or lighting defect within the environment in which it is installed (previously we will have to have tested the sensor to place the regulation at the point where we are interested). In this way we can program that the light is turned on when the lighting level is below the indicated to the sensor.

3  Movement and lighting sensors

At present, the sensor installation is very common, whether in corridors, guaranteeing that the light only the necessary time is lit and we do not waste energy or resources. Also, it is very common to see them in services, since most people forget to turn off the light once they have just done their needs. In this way we ensure that the light is lit the necessary time. The latest trends in lighting bet on the installation of LED strips Inside the cabinets so that when this is opened, the light is turned on and helps us to see better inside the cabinets. It is also quite common to install LED strips at the bottom of the beds so that when you get up you have a face -to -face lighting that helps you without having to illuminate the main source of lighting of this stay.

4  Movement and lighting sensors

As for the advantages of the use of movement sensors, we highlight the following: Energy saving: when lighting is managed autonomously, energy expenditure will be less, so our light invoice will also be. In addition, with this type of sensor we completely forget the light and the small oversights we all have daily. And if we combine it with LED type lighting, savings will be much more considerable. They can be used as alarm sensor since if we have sensors installed in the perimeter of our home and light on, there is the possibility that there is an intruder. In addition, light ignition serves as a deterrent.