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Motion detectors offer many advantages: Convenience, safety and savings potential
Motion detectors automatically regulate the lighting in the garden and house. The fact that the light no longer has to be switched on manually means increased convenience. If you don't have a hand free, this luxury proves to be extremely practical. The risk of injury is also minimised by the use of motion detectors. This is because tripping hazards are recognised in good time outdoors and there is no need to search for the light switch in the dark indoors.
Motion detectors also contribute to burglary protection. If the light is switched on for people who approach the house unintentionally, they are often driven away and no break-in attempt is made in the first place.
Last but not least, motion detectors are easy on the wallet in the long term: because they only activate the light when it is actually needed, they are cost-saving and environmentally friendly at the same time. The days of forgetting to switch off the light are a thing of the past, which significantly extends the service life of the light sources.
What types of motion detectors are there?
Motion detectors are available as separate accessories or permanently installed in luminaires. This is based on various technologies, which can also be used in combination:
Passive infrared sensors (PIR sensors)
function via infrared radiation (heat radiation)
For indoor and outdoor use
High-frequency or radar sensors
function via electromagnetic waves
For indoor use and now also suitable for outdoor use as intelligent HF sensors (iHF)
Ultrasonic sensors
function via sound reflection
for indoor use
Camera sensors
function via an electronic evaluation of image content
For indoor and outdoor use
How do motion detectors differ from presence detectors?
The difference between motion and presence detectors lies in the sensitivity of the sensors. While motion detectors react to larger movements such as walking, the smallest movements such as pushing down the door handle or typing on the keyboard are sufficient for presence detectors. This makes motion detectors suitable for outdoor areas to provide light in the dark and scare away burglars. Indoors, they are often used in corridors and stairwells. Presence detectors, on the other hand, are intended for living and working areas. Here they provide light for the smallest movements. Modern motion and presence detectors carry out automatic brightness measurements and switch off automatically when there is sufficient daylight.
You can find a clear infographic on the areas of application of presence and motion detectors in our guide.
How do PIR sensors work?
PIR sensors (passive infrared sensors) do not transmit any signals, but merely receive thermal radiation from their surroundings and therefore function passively. They are activated by dynamic heat sources, i.e. moving objects. These can be people as well as animals and warm car engines. However, PIR sensors do not react to static heat sources such as sunlight. Models that are not activated by small animals are also available. This prevents unnecessary power consumption when cats or hedgehogs scurry past.
PIR sensors require direct contact with the object in order to optimally detect temperature differences. They must therefore not be installed concealed or shielded. The sensitivity of the sensors can also be weakened in heavy rain or by thick clothing in winter.
Where are PIR sensors used?
Motion detectors with PIR sensors are used in the house as well as in the garden. They are the right choice when it comes to detecting large movements. They register when a person is walking or a car is approaching. It is important to know that motion detectors with PIR sensors detect transverse movements better than frontal movements. This can be explained by the fact that the motion detector divides the detection area into a grid made up of individual areas. You can imagine such an area as the distance between your spread fingers. If a person approaches the motion detector head-on, they may remain in one area so that the sensor does not detect any change. If it passes the motion detector at an angle, it crosses several visible surfaces and a change is detected. Attention should therefore be paid to the angle when mounting. In addition, motion detectors with PIR sensors must be installed in such a way that they are not concealed. This is because direct visual contact with the object is essential for perfect functionality.
Motion detectors with PIR sensors are the method of choice for outdoor areas as well as for corridors, garages and stairwells. However, they are not suitable for recording smaller movements such as those made during sedentary office work. So-called presence detectors make more sense here. These also detect heat radiation using infrared sensors - only they react far more sensitively. This is made possible by a very detailed, chessboard-like division of the field of vision. Presence detectors can detect the smallest movements such as typing on a keyboard. They are therefore primarily suitable for offices and living spaces.
How do high-frequency sensors work?
High-frequency sensors (HF sensors) emit radar beams (electromagnetic waves) and react to their reflection - the echo image. They therefore work actively. If an object moves, the frequency at which the emitted waves are reflected changes. This is how the sensor registers a change. HF sensors function independently of temperature. They can also be installed shielded by walls, glass or wood. This is because, unlike infrared sensors, they do not require direct contact with the object and can penetrate thin walls. Their high sensitivity is made possible by the fact that the detection runs horizontally and vertically at the same time.
Motion detectors with HF sensors are very well suited for angled cellar rooms and passageways where infrared sensors reach their limits. Presence detectors with HF sensors are primarily used in living spaces. They register the fineest movements - even when sitting in a reading chair or in the office. They are also very practical for toilets and washrooms, as they can detect movements even behind doors.
For a long time, HF sensors were not suitable for outdoor use due to their high sensitivity - even a passing leaf was enough to emit a signal. However, the technology has now been further developed so that it can distinguish human movements from insects, falling leaves and rain. Such intelligent HF sensors (iHF) are now increasingly being used outdoors.
How do ultrasonic sensors work?
Motion detectors with ultrasonic sensors transmit and receive sound waves in a range that is inaudible to humans. They penetrate the room right into the last corner and can detect objects beyond obstacles even without direct visual contact. However, they should not be placed behind a cover or above the heating, as the sound waves are transmitted via the air. Unlike HF sensors, ultrasonic sensors are also unable to penetrate thin walls.
Motion detectors with ultrasonic sensors are ideal for long corridors and hallways. As presence detectors, they are often used in offices as they are predestined for sedentary activities due to their high sensitivity.
How do camera sensors work?
Motion detectors can also be operated via camera sensors. If a change in the image recording is registered, a signal can be used to switch on the light and, of course, trigger an alarm. This technology is mainly used in the field of security technology. For use in open-plan offices or conference rooms, Steinel has now developed camera sensors that can recognise and count people - regardless of whether they are sitting or standing.
Are motion detectors also permanently installed in luminaires?
Motion detectors are available as separate accessories as well as permanently installed in lights. If motion detectors are coupled to light sources, care must be taken to use only light sources that immediately emit full luminous flux. It is also essential that you observe the maximum electrical output (wattage) of the light source authorised for the motion detector.
The simplest solution is to directly purchase lights with integrated motion detectors for the house and garden. Stylish baseandpath lightswith motion detector are available for outdoor use, making it safer to walk through the garden at night and creating a beautiful atmosphere at the same time. Such outdoor lights are already available networked today: if a light detects movement via its motion detector, it sends a signal to the networked light sources. This automatically activates all the lights at the same time and illuminates the garden path.
How do I connect motion detectors?
As motion detectors are now mainly available permanently installed in luminaires, in most cases there is no need to install them in the existing electrical system. However, if you decide in favour of a separate motion detector, you can install it yourself with little effort. Before connecting a motion detector, please make absolutely sure that you have observed the usual, strict safety rules that apply to work on electronic systems.
The following preliminary consideration is also important: should the light source only be controlled via the motion detector in future or should it also be controllable via a switch? If you want both options in combination, opt for a so-called selector switch. This makes it possible to switch the light on or off permanently and to switch to motion detector mode. You can also set the motion detector to be active at night and the light to be operated by switch during the day.
You also need to clarify whether you want to install your motion detector in a surface-mounted or flush-mounted version. With the flush-mounted version, you can use the switch box of the relevant light source. To do this, remove the light switch and connect the motion detector. Motion detectors with three-wire technology or two-wire technology are commercially available, which accordingly have two or three connection terminals. Two-wire technology does not require a neutral conductor.
In the next step, set the distance from the approaching object (detection range) and the duration for which the light should remain switched on when movement is detected (switch-on duration). You can also use the twilight sensor to specify the ambient brightness at which your light should be activated. Now all you need to do is screw the motion detector into the switch box - and you're done.
Incidentally, it is not necessary to install a separate motion detector for each light source. You can easily connect several light sources to one motion detector. For safety reasons, however, please ensure that the connected load of the motion detector is not exceeded.
Lights with permanently installed motion detectors are now also available battery-operated. To install, simply insert the batteries and attach the light in the desired position. In this combination, energy-saving LED lamps are best suited so that the batteries last as long as possible.
What protection class must my motion detector have?
In outdoor areas and bathrooms, please ensure that the motion detector has a sufficientIP protection class. This is the only way to ensure adequate protection against the ingress of water and foreign bodies. Devices with protection class IP54\ or higher are suitable for outdoor use on the house wall or under the roof. This protects them from dust and splash water. With protection class IP66, for example, your motion detector would even be dustproof and protected against water jets. This is recommended if there is no protection provided by the wall or roof.
For the bathroom, protection class IP44 is sufficient on the ceiling, which protects the appliance against splashing water and foreign bodies larger than one millimetre. Near the bathtub, however, it is better to have IP65 protection. For living spaces where moisture is not to be expected, motion detectors with protection class IP40 are sufficient to protect the devices from solid foreign bodies larger than one millimetre, but not from water.
At what height should a motion detector be installed?
In outdoor areas, an installation height of 2 metres or more is recommended for motion detectors. One reason for this is that the motion detector should be installed out of reach of unauthorised persons - especially burglars. Secondly, the higher you mount the motion detector, the larger the area covered. If installed too low, only a comparatively small area is covered. You should therefore decide individually for your project. At the same time, the manufacturer's recommendations regarding mounting height must be observed.
Which angles of coverage are suitable for what?
Motion detectors are available with a detection angle of 90° to 360°. If, for example, an entire room is to be covered, you should favour ceiling mounting, as a detection area of 360° can be covered here. When installed on the wall, a detection angle of 180° is sufficient. Such motion detectors are best used to illuminate a corridor or to secure the outdoor area around the house. In contrast, 90° angles are perfectly sufficient to illuminate the house entrance if required. A motion detector with a 240° detection angle can be fitted to one corner of the house to protect two external walls of the house at once.
If you are not yet sure about the application, you can also purchase a motion detector with a large detection angle and then adjust it later using shutters for the area used.
If you install the motion detector on the outside wall for security reasons, you should make sure that the area directly below it is also detected. A so-called creep protection can be used to prevent the detection area from being bypassed. Either a special lens or a second sensor is used for this purpose.
Does my motion detector need a twilight sensor?
To prevent your motion or presence detector from being activated in daylight, we recommend combining it with a light sensor. Here you set the degree of twilight at which the motion detector outside or the presence detector inside should activate the light source. This prevents the light from being switched on when there is sufficient brightness. With a twilight sensor, you can also save energy and costs and thus protect the environment and your wallet. Modern motion detectors have such twilight sensors integrated as standard. By the way: Steinel sells twilight switches under the name Nightmatic.
Which light sources are suitable for coupling to a motion detector?
One advantage of motion detectors is that they save energy. Because the light only switches on when it is actually needed, electricity costs can be saved here. LEDs](https://c_360) are also environmentally friendly and cost-saving, making this lighting technology the obvious choice for combination with motion detectors. LEDs also reach 100 per cent brightness as soon as they are switched on and frequent switching on and off does not affect them. They are therefore perfect for motion detectors.
Can motion detectors be integrated into smart home systems?
As development is increasingly moving in the direction of smart home, there are now also motion detectors that can be integrated into this technology. Notifications about activities can be called up directly via an app with the smartphone. It can also be used to set and check functionalities and sensitivities. Time control is also possible without any problems. Motion detectors networked via the home automation system can also be connected to dimmers, for example, so that only dimmed lighting is activated at bedtime.
What brands of motion detectors are there?
Steinel is regarded as a pioneer in the field of motion detectors. However, other brand suppliers also have high-quality presence and motion detectors in their range these days. The following overview shows a selection of providers of motion and presence detectors for the German market:
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