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Your infrared detector consists of an infrared motion sensor. It works day and night. It analyzes the thermal radiation emitted from a person, which is the heat of our bodies emitting infrared. A motion detector (or motion sensor) is a device used to detect movement within a specified area around or in front of the detector. It is usually used to detect movement of people for security (detecting intrusions) or comfort (automatic management lights). The success of sensor work depends on its installation. This aspect is often overlooked by most people. First, choose the right type of sensor to use. Sensors can detect movement and environmental conditions like temperature, pressure, light, sound, or light. All you need to know about motion sensors

A motion sensor, also known as a motion detector, can be used for multiple purposes. It can detect intruders inside your home and act as the security backbone of your system. However, it can also activate or deactivate interior or exterior lights, bells, doors, cameras, and many other utensils. One or more technologies are used to detect motion in a given area.

A sensor detects movement and activates automatically, acting as a switch for your alarm system or any other use you choose.

Motion sensors: Uses

Security

Motion sensors are used to protect your home and property.

The sensors will work even if you're not at home.

Motion sensors are always on alert and ready to respond to any situation, including movement in your living area, doors or windows opening or closing, or even a window breaking.

Security cameras can even be equipped with motion sensors that activate and record the footage when necessary.

Here are some uses of motion sensors.

Warn you if your teen breaks curfew

When someone approaches your front door, trigger a chime

Alerts you when children enter restricted areas such as the basement, medicine cabinet, or exercise room.

Motion sensor lighting is a great way to save energy in unoccupied spaces

If your pets wander into areas they are not allowed to, you should be notified.

See our Top Rated Alarm Kits and Security Sensors.

Light and comfort

More and more motion detectors have practical applications beyond their security purposes. These uses focus on automating tasks we would otherwise have to do manually.

To automatically turn on lights at night or when it is deemed necessary.

Turn on the bathroom extractor fans.

To lighten common areas (portal, staircase ...)) of your building.

To illuminate your garden , patio or pool.

You can have what you want The perfect switch is the motion detector.

Different types of motion sensors

Infrared (PIR).

Infrared sensors are used to detect heat in the body (infrared Energy) and look for temperature changes. These sensors are the most common motion detectors in home security systems. It is ready to alert you if it senses a threat.

This sensor can also serve other everyday functions (light switch, doorbell ...).).

The sensor activates and can detect heat movement and heat in surrounding areas. This creates a protective "net" just like the movie. The sensors will sound an alarm if too many of the networks are blocked by moving objects or infrared energy levels that change quickly.

ultrasonic

They are rarer and used mainly in museums, historical monuments, and other important sites as security measures. They are activated using an ultrasonic sound wave, which travels through space and bounces off walls and objects at high speed. If an unknown object appears the wave bounces off it, and activates them.

Duals

In an effort to reduce false alarms, some motion sensors combine multiple detection methods. It is common for dual technology sensors to combine an ultrasonic and infrared sensor.

Each sensor works in different areas. Dual technology motion sensors are less likely to trigger false alarms than other types because they must be activated simultaneously to sound an alarm. This does not mean they are immune to false alarms.

There are less common types of motion sensors

Reflective sensors emit infrared light from an LED. They use the reflection to determine the distance between the object or person and allow detection of movement within the defined area.

Vibration motion sensors detect tiny vibrations that are caused by people moving about a room. These sensors are easy to build at home. A vibration sensor made at home uses a small weight attached to a lever that activates an alarm switch when the lever vibrates. Although they are possible to work, homemade motion sensors can be finicky.

Sensors for special motion

Contact sensors (doors, windows)

Contact sensors detect movement at doors and windows using a magnet. If the security system is armed, the sensor will trigger an alarm when the magnet and sensor are separated.

Pet-Immune Sensors (doesn't detect pets)

They are named after their weight, as passive infrared sensors will ignore animals over a certain weight. Dual technology motion sensors are more resistant to false alarms, as they require two sensors to activate in a specific way.

Sensitivity can be adjusted

Pet-immune motion sensors can be set to a level that is more sensitive for pets with high energy.

Motion Sensors for Camera

Advanced signal processing is used by many security cameras to automatically record when they sense motion. Motion sensor-controlled cameras save memory by not recording hundreds upon hours of unnecessary footage. They only record what is essential.

How do you place the motion sensors?

Most motion detectors today are wireless, making them very easy to install. They don't require drilling and can communicate wirelessly with other components of your security system.

The professional installer will be able to install any security system that you have chosen. In the case of security kits with no-fee that can be purchased from Amazon, however, it is your responsibility to set up the sensors.

Make sure you read the instructions before installing motion sensors. They will most likely contain placement recommendations. You may be able to get help from a representative, receive electronic prompts or video tutorials for some DIY systems.

Motion sensors are not foolproof, and false alarms can occur in some cases. False alarms can be caused by poor application engineering, electrical failures, user error and lightning. If the conditions are right, false alarms can also be triggered by animals, insects, or foliage.

Positioning Tips

You can increase the effectiveness of your sensor and avoid false alarms by reading the instructions. Here are some tips for placing the sensor to maximize its strengths.

Keep PIR sensors at least 3-5m from heat sources like radiators, vents, sunlight windows, and vents. You can trigger motion sensors by sensing a sudden change in heat or even a passing cloud in direct sunlight in your living area.

2. Install motion sensors in "funnel areas", which are areas where people must walk to move around the house. For example, the main staircase or hallway. An intruder must pass right in front of the detector in this manner.

Intruders are known to often enter the master bedroom. Place a sensor in the vicinity of that bedroom and any other rooms with valuables such as the study.

Assess where intruders are most likely and what path they will follow. It's common for burglars to enter a home via a patio, back, or front door. Therefore, it is a good idea that sensors are placed near these areas.

Look for walls where an intruder could walk parallel to, such as hallways or narrow paths leading to rooms. Motion sensors work best if the intruder is walking parallel to the sensor, and not towards it.

How to install a motion detector

1. Your sensor should be unpacked

Mounting hardware and instructions should be included with your motion sensor kit. You should now put the batteries in your motion sensor if you have them.

2. Choose a location

Before mounting your motion detector, you should ensure that the sensor is in the best possible location.

Corners are a great place to put infrared sensors. Motion sensor designs are angled with holes for fitting in corners.

For best coverage, mount your motion detector high up on the wall. However, avoid placing it on large pieces of furniture such as bookshelves or entertainment centers. This will limit passive infrared energy's range.

Your motion sensor should be placed in front of the main entrance. This applies to all rooms or hallways where these sensors are installed so that they can detect intruders immediately.

You can use a sensor that has built-in lighting by placing it exactly where it is needed so that it activates at the best moment.

3. Mount the sensor

Passive infrared sensor are light, so there's no need to worry about anchors and drywall studs. Standard screwdrivers should be sufficient, but an electric drill or screwdriver can speed up the process.

Many motion detectors come with a bracket that can be detached from the main body. This allows you to attach the sensor to the wall and screw it in place. It is also easy to take the motion sensor off the wall for maintenance. For mounting other infrared sensors, it may be necessary to completely disassemble them.

4. Connect the sensor to the system

This step is not required if the sensor is used as a light. However, if the detector is part an alarm system, you will need to link it with the control unit. Without it, you can't activate any alarm or warning.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connecting your motion sensor to the system. This process is often described in alarm kits. You can use the main keypad or mobile application to set up your motion detectors and adjust them.

5. Set your sensor to the right setting

The three most common settings for motion detectors are:

Any movement that triggers an alarm in instant mode will cause it to go off.

The entry delay mode works in standby mode. If motion is detected, you have between 30-60 seconds to disarm it before the alarm goes off.

Interior follow mode has an entry delay but it only works if the door contact is activated first. This setting is most commonly used as it gives you the opportunity to open your front door and disarm the alarm.

6. Maintenance is important!

Your motion sensor screen can become clogged with dirt and dust over time. This can cause infrared energy to be less efficient at detecting motion. It should be cleaned at least every two months using a microfiber cloth that is slightly damp or dry.

Paint should not be applied to walls near your motion sensor. You should replace an infrared sensor if you have paint on it.

Additional tips and advice for installation

Take into account the size of your pet

Pet Immune Motion Sensors can only be used correctly and are not immune to pets.

Pet-immune sensors often use weight ratings, but small pets can also trigger them. False alarms can be set off by pets who like to jump high.

This is particularly important if active sensors are located near stairs. The sensor treats your pet as a cat at the bottom of the stairs. But when your pet reaches its top, the sensor can view a tiger.

Don't block infrared

The motion sensors work in the same way as spotlights, sending out light beams but emitting infrared energy waves which detect movement. Infrared radiation spreads farther and is brighter near the device than a light.

Waves generated by a motion detector can't pass through walls and other hard objects, such as furniture. Think of your motion sensor as a light shining on the wall when you are setting it up. Any shadow created by the light source can hinder the motion sensor's ability cover the area.

All motion sensing light switches are not created equal

You should remember that different motion-sensing light switch models work differently indoors.

An occupancy sensor turns on automatically when you enter a space and off when you go.

The vacancy sensor switches off lights when the room is empty. However, you must turn it on.

You can customize dimming sensors to make lights turn on at different brightness levels.

Motion sensors can also be used for other purposes

Motion sensors are not just useful for home security. They are used in many industries to track the number of products and shut down hazardous equipment if someone gets too close.

These are other uses of motion sensors.

To open and close automated doors

To open and close water faucets and toilets automatically

Turn on the lights in a room when someone enters it

To turn on ATM screens

In automatic car park barriers .

Is the Pir sensor able to detect sunlight?

What is a passive movement detector (or PIR) and how does it work?

Passive Infrared (or PIR) detectors only react to certain energy sources, such as heat from the body or animals. They receive infrared radiation from whatever environment they are covering. Passive means that it doesn't emit radiation but rather receives it. These sensors detect heat differences between the surrounding space and the body's heat. The main components of this device are the pyroelectric sensor. It is an electronic component that detects changes in infrared radiation. They contain a field effect transistor inside their encapsulation that amplifies the electric signal it generates when that radiation variation occurs. A PIR Motion Detector is installed after the infrared detectors (PIR) have been installed. Once the sensor is powered up for the first time, the body will "get used to" the infrared radiation. This is because it receives infrared information from walls, floors, and furniture. If the enclosure is stable, an increase in ambient infrared radiation can be detected and an alarm condition will be issued by the PIR. After calibration and adjustment have been made, the test lead must be turned off according to the installation standard. This technology incorporates a special light filter to eliminate any false detections due to visible light (sunrays), and special circuits to provide greater immunity from radio frequency waves. That is how motion sensors work.

How to determine if your outdoor lights are motion-sensitive

The sensor-enabled LED exterior lighting turns on automatically and intuitively when it detects movement. The outdoor occupancy sensor activates automatically when your car pulls into your driveway. Outdoor lighting with motion detector prevents accidents and deters burglars. It can be used to secure private and commercial properties.

Outdoor lighting with a sensor has a security benefit, but it also reduces electricity consumption. The LED lamp with motion detection will automatically dim the light, once there is no activity. This automation saves you the hassle of turning off the switch and helps to reduce your monthly electricity bill.

Conclusion

Motion sensors are more than an add-on to a security system. They are vital. There would not be any way to detect intrusions without sensors.

Our guide should have taught you the basics of motion detection and the different technologies that are used to detect motion. We also showed you how to install them correctly so they do their job. Check out our article about home security.