The Beginner's Guide to Motion Sensors
Solve your doubts and learn about the entire catalog of motion sensors that we have at GreenIce
In this category you can find two types of sensors, one for motion and another for doors and windows. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Motion sensors have gained great prominence in recent years because they help us manage lighting more efficiently than with old keys or switches. This is because the sensors manage the on/off of the light through a sensor, responsible for detecting people or moving objects.
1 Motion sensor vs Presence sensor. Is it the same?
The answer to the question: is NO. Presence sensors are more sensitive than motion sensors because they constantly scan the area in search of “disturbances”, in addition to constantly measuring light. Motion sensors, on the other hand, respond to a “disturbance” when it is of a significant magnitude (when there is significant movement). Also, they are not capable of active light measurement like motion sensors.
2 Types of motion sensors
Mainly in the lighting market it is very common to find two types of sensors:
- Passive motion sensors (PIR). They are probably the most used sensor on the market due to their ease of configuration and use. It bases its operation on the detection of variations in infrared radiation in the environment in which it is placed. The name passive is because it does not emit radiation but rather receives it. These capture presence by detecting the difference between the heat emitted by the human body and the space around it. Detection is carried out using a lens responsible for detecting this type of disturbances. Its main component is pyroelectric sensors designed to detect changes in the received infrared radiation, which are in turn encapsulated in a Fresnell lens.
- Microwave active motion 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 activate. These types of sensors are more sensitive, being able to pass through thin doors and windows. This makes its detection capacity greater than that of passive motion sensors.
- Twilight sensors. They base their operation on the detection of excess or deficiency of lighting within the environment in which it is installed (we will have to have previously tested the sensor to place the regulation at the point where we are interested). In this way we can program the light to turn on when the lighting level is below that indicated by the sensor.
3 Motion and lighting sensors
Nowadays, it is very common to install sensors in hallways, guaranteeing that the light is only on for the necessary time and we do not waste energy or resources. Also, it is very common to see them in toilets, since most people forget to turn off the light once they have finished doing their business. In this way we ensure that the light is on for the necessary time. The latest trends in lighting involve the installation of LED strips inside the cabinets so that when it is opened the light turns on and helps us 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 in-person lighting that helps you without having to illuminate the main lighting source of this room.
4 Motion and lighting sensors
Regarding the advantages of using motion sensors, we highlight the following: Energy savings: As lighting is managed autonomously, energy expenditure on lighting will be lower, so our electricity bill will also be lower. Furthermore, with this type of sensors we completely forget about turning off the light and the small oversights that we all have every day. And if we combine it with LED lighting, the savings will be much more considerable. They can be used as an alarm sensor since if we have sensors installed on the perimeter of our home and the light turns on, there is a possibility that there is an intruder. In addition, turning on the light serves as a deterrent method.
