To save up to 30% of electricity and increase the comfort of life, it is recommended to use a motion detector to turn on the lights. This simple and inexpensive device automatically turns on the light when entering a room or a certain area on the street (for example, a gate), and turns it off after the person (or animal) leaves the sensor’s coverage area. In this article we will look at what types of sensors there are, how they differ and what you can choose for your home or landscape design.
How the motion sensor works
There are enough ways to save energy, one of which is a sensor to turn on the light. The main factors for equipment operation are the following conditions:
- The appearance of movement in the controlled area.
- Deviation in the established indicators of the level of illumination in the controlled area.
- Change in noise level if a noise sensor is installed to turn on the light.
All objects surrounding a person, especially of organic origin (animals and humans) have a different temperature from each other, which means they emit infrared light . Inanimate objects also emit infrared color, but their temperature is closely related to changes in its environment, for example, with prolonged exposure to sunlight or close proximity to heating devices.
The principle of operation of the motion sensor is based on reading these changes, since it is equipped with a system of lenses equipped with elements responsible for recording changes in the level of infrared light called pyrodetectors . Depending on the specific model, the number of pyrodetectors ranges from 20 to 50 pieces .
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The higher this indicator, the more objects, including small ones, the device can recognize light from. Each of the installed lenses is responsible for a specific sector in the overall controlled area. the coverage angle also changes , which can have values from 60 to 110 degrees in increments of 20 , as well as values of 180, 220, 300 and 360 degrees .
When an object moves in the controlled area, the temperature of which differs from the surrounding environment by at least 50 C upwards, motion sensors are triggered to turn on the light. As objects move, the input and output signal changes at each pyrodetector in its coverage area.
The light stays on in the room until at least one of the sensors stops receiving a temperature change signal. After there is no more movement in the controlled area, at the end of a specified time interval, the output relay is switched off and the light turns off accordingly.
For light detectors installed in a motion sensor, a characteristic feature can be called the presence of sensitivity, which is responsible for how far an object must be from them in order for movement to be noticed. The smaller the size of the object, the closer it must be located to the device for it to work properly.
When movement occurs in only one sector, i.e. If a small object moves directly or in place, then the relay does not operate and, accordingly, the light does not turn on.
Installation and installation of sensors is carried out only when the electricity is turned off.
In addition to infrared, there are other types of motion sensors for lighting:
- Ultrasonic . The principle of their operation is based on the reflection of high-frequency sounds from objects and objects in the room, or rather the results of this reflection.
- Microwaves work similarly to ultrasonic ones, but send short-wave signals into the room, triggering when their level changes as a result of reflection from objects and objects in space.
These two types belong to the category of active equipment, the infrared version is classified as passive devices.
Characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing
To get the maximum benefit from the ultimate goal of purchasing and installing a light sensor to turn on the light, you need to pay attention to several basic characteristics of the equipment:
- Scope of use . The location for subsequent installation of the device should be determined in advance, i.e. Will it be an external or internal option. Since different manufacturers offer models that differ from each other in terms of technical and functional equipment. So there are options with an increased level of protection against moisture and dust. Mounting methods also differ; mainly on the market there are mounted options installed using support holders or built into the surface.
- Since the equipment in its simplest form is a light bulb with a motion sensor, an important point is to determine the power of the light source connected to the sensor. Depending on the specific model, the recorder may have an operating voltage of 200 W or more . Particular attention is paid to the power indicator in the case of combining a sensor with an energy-saving lamp. When the lighting device has a larger load than specified by the equipment manufacturer, the installation of an additional relay or the installation of several sensors will be required.
If the lighting device has a larger load than specified by the equipment manufacturer, the installation of an additional relay or the installation of several sensors will be required.
- The next important indicator is viewing angle . When installed outside a building, the best option is for this value to be within 180 degrees . It is possible to choose a device with two sensors, which in total have the required 180 degrees. In order to use the maximum capabilities indoors, an option with 3 sensors, totaling a viewing angle of 360 degrees , is suitable; this option is suitable for installation in the ceiling. For working outdoors and on the street, the best option is to choose a recorder with the largest viewing angle. An option with fewer pyrodetectors is suitable for an apartment.
- A separate characteristic is the ability to combine a specific device with a certain type of lighting fixture or type of lamp . There are models on the market that allow you to combine a light sensor to turn on the light with any of the existing types of lamps and types of lighting equipment. So you can choose the option of a sensor mounted in the cartridge, and even a switch.
- It is equally important to know the range of a particular device. The range of action refers to the maximum possible distance from a moving object to the equipment for detecting it. In most cases, infrared sensors cover a range of 12 meters .
- It is important to decide on the choice of a two-pole or three-pole option . Two-pole models are suitable for installing incandescent lamps. In this case, the connection is serial. Three-pole ones allow you to connect energy-saving options.
Installation
The sensors also differ in installation. There are external or overhead ones, as well as devices that are built-in. The first ones are easy to install; you only need to connect electrical wiring to them. The second type has the main advantage of being able to be manufactured to suit the interior and overall design of the room.
To better understand what it looks like, it’s worth looking at photos of such motion sensors. Thanks to this advantage, the sensor can be planned at the design stage of the entire house. Both types differ from each other in their operating principle.
Advantages of a sensor for turning on the light
Installing an automatic light switch completely solves the problem of finding a light to turn on. Which is convenient in public places with a low level of lighting during the day (entrance area at the entrance of a residential building, storage room, etc.) or in unfamiliar premises. Use allows you to reduce the number of additional actions performed by a person. So among the main advantages in favor of choosing an infrared motion sensor to turn on the light can be called.
Convenience
The point is that when the switch is located at a great distance from the entrance to the premises, there is no need to search for it in low light levels, which could result in injury (falling, colliding with objects, etc.).
Saving
It can be both financial and temporary . There is no time spent searching for the switch, the light does not come on when there is no one in the room and, accordingly, the amount of time for which the payment for consumed electrical energy is reduced.
The use of sensors allows you to reduce the number of additional actions performed by a person, as well as eliminate the possibility of injury.
Energy saving
A good energy saving indicator follows from the previous point. This solves the problem of energy consumption as a result of the light source not being turned off in time.
High level of device functionality. Manufacturers offer models that operate wirelessly. There are options with the ability to connect not only lighting devices, but also others (stereo system, TV, etc.).
The first three main advantages of choice correspond to any of the similar equipment models offered on the market.
How to connect a motion sensor
Connection diagram
Connecting a motion sensor for lighting is a procedure that is not characterized by a high level of complexity, but is quite specific, the implementation of which requires certain experience and knowledge. Experts identify several basic equipment connection diagrams, namely:
- Parallel.
- Consistent.
- Installation of several sensors using a magnetic starter.
In the case of a serial connection, the entire process of controlling lighting indoors or outdoors is carried out automatically and is regulated by the equipment itself. When the light must be on for a long time and the object will not move or will be outside the controlled area, a manual switch is installed parallel to the equipment.
Sensor connection diagram
A good example of the convenience of installing a switch is a garage with an inspection hole. Being in a hole, a person does not fall into the sensor’s operating area, but needs a constant source of light. After finishing work, you can turn off the light manually.
For large rooms, it is necessary to install several elements, the connection of which occurs from one phase in parallel. When any of the sensors in the network is triggered, the circuit closes and all the others turn on.
Connection diagram with magnetic starter
Installation of a magnetic starter is required when using a powerful light source or connecting other types of electrical equipment in addition to lighting lamps.
The video clearly shows how to connect:
Installation
Installation of equipment also has several important nuances, among which are:
- Providing protection from external factors for which a specific model is not designed, which can lead to false operation or blocking of operation.
- Providing access to the detection area.
- Type of connection to the electrical power supply network.
Any model is connected using special terminals. The standard and frequently used option is 3-pin terminals, sometimes 4-pin terminals are used. The decoding of the markings installed on the terminals is as follows:
- L- denotes phase. Most often this is a red or brown wire.
- N – zero, always wire blue.
- L, which has an additional stroke or arrow, as well as the letter A, denotes a lighting device.
- PE - grounding.
Most manufacturers adhere to standards in terms of choosing wire colors; exceptions to the rules are allowed. Therefore, to properly connect the device, it is advisable to additionally determine phase or zero using an indicator.
After completing the installation work, it is necessary to adjust the sensor for comfortable operation of the equipment in the future. It takes place in several main stages:
- Adjusting the motion sensor to turn on the light involves adjusting the sensitivity level of the sensor. Setting this indicator allows you to reduce the risk of false alarms (in particular during slight movement, response to animals, temperature changes in the heating system or due to the operation of the air conditioning system, etc.). When a model equipped with a photoelectric sensor is selected, instead of the sensitivity level of the sensor, the illumination threshold is adjusted, when changed, the equipment comes into action.
- The user has the opportunity to set the operating time of the equipment. This indicator refers to the time period before the lights turn off in the absence of movement in the controlled area.
- When the sensor also detects the noise level, the sensitivity of the microphone is adjusted . It is convenient to perform this procedure when using a portable sound source, changing its volume within the range of the sensor.
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In most models, you can monitor whether changes in settings have occurred or not by monitoring the installed LED indicator, which changes its blinking frequency when the equipment is turned on.
Connection diagrams
So, the main function of the light sensor is to supply voltage to street lighting equipment when it starts to get dark and turn it off at dawn. It's like a switch, but controlled by a photosensitive element.
A simple external connection diagram is obtained when the phase is placed in a break with the photo relay and lighting device.
In order for current to flow through the light sensor, a working zero must also be connected to it.
In order to be able to control devices of different power, the photosensor is selected according to the power of the connected load. But here you need to understand how the device works. As the power of the device being switched on increases, the price of such devices also increases.
To circumvent this point, a conventional magnetic starter is included in the circuit. It is designed specifically for network management. And to control the starter, a photosensor with a small connected load is added to the circuit. That is, the sensor no longer turns on the street lights themselves, but supplies a small current to the control magnetic starter. But you can already connect a powerful load to it.
If the photo relay is not enough, then the control functionality can be expanded by adding a timer and motion sensor to the circuit. They are installed in series after the light sensor. What to install first - a motion sensor or a timer does not play a special role in this scheme.
If you don’t plan to install a motion detector or timer, you don’t have to install them without changing the circuit - it will still work.
