How to properly connect a motion sensor to a light. Light sensor (photo relay) for street lighting. Setting up a motion sensor

How to properly connect a motion sensor to a light.  Light sensor (photo relay) for street lighting.  Setting up a motion sensor
How to properly connect a motion sensor to a light. Light sensor (photo relay) for street lighting. Setting up a motion sensor

The first motion sensors were developed as a security tool to detect unwanted visitors. A little later they began to be used for “peaceful” purposes. It turned out that it is very convenient to let automation take care of comfort.

It is impossible to imagine a smart home without such equipment. For example, a person entering an unlit room does not have to look for a switch, since the lighting device is activated when a person appears in the doorway.

Used by those who are used to trusting technology and want to shift the responsibility of illuminating the right place at the right time to electronics. Where can you install a sensor that will allow you not to step into the darkness or make out an unexpected guest? A list of locations for installing motion sensors to turn on the lighting is proposed:

  • entrance door to the entrance
  • staircase to basement
  • the basement itself
  • passage corridors or flights of stairs located inside the house and not having natural lighting during the daytime
  • stairs and passages that are sufficiently illuminated during the day, but require safe passage at night
  • bathroom

In relation to the bathroom, the motion sensor is more likely to be turned off than on, since many people simply forget to turn off the light in the toilet or bathroom.

If necessary, the motion sensor can be configured to turn on instead of the light or along with it one or more household devices, for example, a TV or air conditioner.

The best option in most indoor spaces is to duplicate it with a regular switch. Such a diagram, as well as the installation diagram, is given in the passport or installation instructions for the purchased motion sensor to turn on the light. Be sure to read the instructions! Of course, follow her instructions.

A motion sensor for lighting is far from a superfluous device in order to save money!

Equipping your home and approaches to it with motion sensors allows you not only to feel like the ruler of the Universe, but also to significantly reduce the size of your electricity bills. Savings occur due to the fact that only those lighting fixtures that are necessary will be turned on.

The savings are easy to calculate. Even one constantly burning in the corridor due to the fact that natural light does not penetrate into it consumes at least 100-150 W per day. How much per month? And how many and what power of such lamps are there throughout the house?

Everyone can identify sources of excess energy consumption, their total power and estimate how long it will take for the money spent on installing sensors to pay off. Moreover, the average family is usually satisfied with relatively inexpensive passive sensors that operate in the zone of infrared radiation, that is, thermal ones.
There are also more advanced ones - ultrasonic and microwave. The basis of operation of all sensors is fundamentally the same, the difference is in the wavelength to which the device is tuned. Each type can be considered separately.

Operating principles of various types of sensors

It is impossible to create a motion sensor with fixed parameters that would work normally in any conditions. In certain installation locations, the sensitivity of the sensor should be very fine, in others it should be coarse.

Operating principle of infrared or passive sensors

In a rough approximation, this type of sensor can be associated with the operation of a directional thermometer, since its operation depends on the appearance of a heat source in its visibility zone. For it to work flawlessly, preliminary configuration is required, which is provided by the functionality of the device. For example, an infrared sensor is configured to detect the appearance of an adult, and a child enters the room.

The body temperature of both may be the same, but the amount of heat emitted by the body and captured by the sensor is not the same. If you adjust the sensor to the minimum, it will begin to respond to the appearance of a dog or cat, which absolutely does not require lighting. Most manufactured models of infrared sensors require, in fact, manual configuration.

How does an ultrasonic motion detector work?

The operating principle of an ultrasonic sensor is “active”, as opposed to passive infrared. It uses the recording of a reflected high-frequency signal from objects in the viewing area. The movement of one of them or the appearance of a new one disrupts the “memorized” picture, and the sensor is triggered. The work takes place in the mode of constant scanning of a given area. An ultrasonic sensor is an active device; it constantly, at specified intervals, sends a signal and analyzes the reflected one. Accordingly, the cost of this device is several times higher than infrared. Despite its reliability, such a sensor is rarely used in connection with switching on lighting devices; it is more often used for security purposes.

Advantages and disadvantages of microwave sensors

Microwave sensors are the most versatile due to the fact that they constantly scan the entire area assigned to their control, which allows you to completely trust the technology: the sensor will not ignore any movement and will turn on a signal or another device. Due to the high cost of devices, the use of microwave sensors in everyday life is not yet very common.

Selecting a sensor and location for its installation

After determining the places that it is desirable to equip with motion sensors to turn on the lights, you can proceed to selecting the sensors themselves. Please note that the design options can be designed for installation indoors or outdoors. Sensors intended for outdoor operation can withstand significant climatic loads (humidity, ambient temperature), but internal, room sensors will not be able to operate normally outdoors.

Before placing a motion sensor in a room, you need to determine what action should cause the light to turn on. For example, the opening of a door or the appearance of a person in the viewing area of ​​the device requires the installation of different types of sensors. Infrared for simply opening the door will not work until a person crosses the threshold, by definition: it reacts to the heat emitted by a body or object. Automatic switching on of the light when the door is simply opened can be ensured by an ultrasonic or microwave motion sensor.

The sensors differ in design and viewing angle. For example, ceiling motion sensors for turning on lights can cover up to 360 degrees of space, wall-mounted ones from 90 to 240 degrees.

The sensor is installed in place in strict accordance with the instructions supplied with it. While voltage is being connected to the sensor, the network must be de-energized. It is wiser to entrust the installation of the sensor and, if necessary, the backup switch to a professional electrician.

What do you need to know about the setup?

After connecting, adjustments are made by trial and error. The sequence of this process is also given in the instructions for the device.

In most motion sensors, two parameters can be adjusted to turn on the light: the response time and the dependence of the response on the level of general illumination. Lighting adjustment is necessary when installing in rooms where natural light penetrates during the day. In other cases, you can set the minimum.

Based on the response time, the sensor is adjusted so that the duration of illumination is sufficient for a certain action. Most manufactured devices allow you to set this time ranging from a few seconds to 10 minutes.

Immediately equipping the entire house with “smart” assistants, one of which are motion sensors, is problematic and expensive. But equipping the most problematic corner with such a sensor and forgetting about the inconvenience forever is simple, quick and inexpensive. After it, very soon sensors will appear in other rooms, and, possibly, in the yard! You easily get used to the comfort.

Video about connecting motion sensors

Better to see once than hear a hundred times! Therefore, look at the overview of the most common types of equipment and connection methods.


If you are interested in the question of how to connect a motion sensor correctly, then you have opened the right article. After studying the material presented below, you will understand that connecting it is almost similar to installing a conventional switch, and the main difference between them is the operating principle itself - mechanical and automatic.

Connecting one motion sensor to a circuit

First, you will learn how to connect one motion sensor to a circuit. It has three terminal clamps. From one terminal the wire is led directly to the phase, the other terminal is intended for the neutral wire, and the third is for connecting a lighting device. As you can see, the connection diagram for the motion sensor is quite simple.

Motion sensor connection diagram - Photo 04

If you would like the lighting to be constantly on, even when there is no movement in sight, you need to parallel connect the switch directly to the motion sensor. To do this, the switch is connected from a phase to a part of the wire located between the motion sensor and the lighting device. When the switch is open, the motion sensor will work as required, but if the switch is closed, the lamp will bypass the sensor. It's quite simple.

Connecting multiple sensors in a circuit

Now we will try to explain how to connect motion sensors if there are two or more of them. And this is required if the range of such a sensor is too small and is not enough to cover the required area.

It is necessary to select a location for mounting the sensor in such a way that it has the greatest viewing angle. But in rooms with a chaotic layout, this is almost impossible to accomplish using one device. In this case, the sensors are connected in parallel to one phase! If you connect sensors to different phases, then be prepared for a short circuit due to interphase connection.

Installation location

Even if you find a motion sensor circuit for lighting, choosing the best location for installation is not so easy. You must take into account several factors that affect the quality of its work. So, you should not install it near heating systems, air conditioners, sources of electromagnetic radiation (microwave ovens, radios, televisions).

In practice, connecting a motion sensor should begin with its inspection. On the box (usually under the terminals) there is a diagram for connecting the motion sensor. There are three terminals and they have the following designations: L, N and L with an arrow. The usual L indicates the terminal to which the phase is connected. N is the neutral wire, and L with an arrow is the wire for connecting to the lamp.

Inspect the circuit consisting of a lamp and a switch in the room. Disassemble it and make sure that the switch opens the phase. But it may also happen that the switch is installed on the neutral wire. The lamp works, although this option is unsafe.

Pay attention to the wires coming from the wall to the chandelier. There are two of them. Strip the wires and connect the three-piece terminal block. The motion sensor circuit for lighting is simple: draw a phase through the upper terminal of the chandelier block and close it to the sensor terminal marked L. Pass the neutral wire through the middle terminal of the chandelier block and close it to the sensor terminal marked N.

Two more wires pass through the middle terminal of the chandelier block. One wire connects to the chandelier, and the other to the second outlet. The phase wire from the sensor terminal goes to another terminal not directly, but through an open relay. The terminal with the letter L and an arrow on the motion sensor is connected to the third terminal of the chandelier block. A light bulb and an additional socket are connected to the bottom terminal of the chandelier block. The relay will operate when the motion sensor detects any vibrations. As you can see, connecting a motion sensor for lighting is not difficult.

To install a motion detector, you do not need specialized knowledge or professional experience. It is enough to understand simple electrical circuits and correctly connect the cables to each other. This article simply and clearly explains how to connect a motion sensor with your own hands, as well as recommendations for choosing a device and solving possible problems during installation.

Connection diagrams

If you open the box at the motion sensor, you will find 3 wires inside with different markings on the terminal block: red (A - load), blue (N - zero), brown or black (L - phase). Wires are connected using terminal clamps. Connection diagrams are also described in detail in the instructions for the device or on the case.

Connecting one device in a circuit

The simplest option is to connect the detector to the lamp directly. This scheme is suitable for closed, dark rooms without windows, where more complex lighting logic is not required.

To do this, you will need a three-core wire to connect to the sensor, a screwdriver, NShVI tips and terminal blocks (two pieces for 2 contacts and 1 piece for 3 contacts).

  1. Remove the cover of the device. Connect the three-wire wire to the block. If the colors of the wires in a three-core wire match the colors of the wires in the sensor, it is advisable to distribute them as a continuation of each other: red to red, blue to blue, etc. using NShVI tips. Close the lid.
  2. Connect the three-wire wire to the junction box, in which you need to combine 7 wires: 2 from the lamp, 2 from the electrical panel, 3 from the motion sensor. Now you need to connect the phase (L) cables from the sensor (brown or black) and the shield (brown) together using terminal blocks. Then the neutral (N) cables from the sensor, shield and lamp (blue). And finally, the remaining two: sensor load (A) - red and lamp phase (L) - brown.
  3. Apply power and check the functionality of the sensor.
Motion sensor connection diagrams

Connection via switch

Sometimes it is necessary to connect a switch to the circuit. This is done so that it is possible to force the light to turn on, regardless of movement in the visibility zone. This can be achieved by adding a switch with one key to the electrical circuit in parallel to the motion sensor.

For this task, in addition to NShVI lugs, a three-core wire and a screwdriver, you will need three terminal blocks with 3 contacts.

  1. Disconnect the network and check that there is no voltage.
  2. Connect the three-wire wire to the device block and lead it to the junction box. Also bring the cable from the switch here.
  3. There are now 9 wires inside the junction box: 2 each from the lamp, switch and panel, plus 3 from the sensor. We connect the phase (L) cables from the sensor, electrical panel and switch (brown). Zero (N) from the sensor, electrical panel and lamp (blue). And the remaining wires: load from the sensor (A, red), neutral from the switch (N, blue) and phase from the lamp (L, brown).
  4. Apply power and check operation.

Connecting multiple devices in a circuit

This method of connecting sensors is recommended mainly for long corridors and staircases. This is due to the small range of the sensors or the unusual layout of the room. In this case, two or more sensors are connected to one phase in parallel. If you connect to different phases, a short circuit will occur.

  1. Turn off the power and check that there is no voltage.
  2. Combine the phases (L, brown) at the sensors and the electrical panel. Then the load (A, red) is connected to the sensors and the phase (L, brown) to the lamp. It remains to connect the neutral cables (N, blue) between the sensors, the lamp and the electrical panel.
  3. Turn on the power and check the operation of all devices.

Since no household motion sensor is designed for high power floodlights, you may have to connect them to the circuit through a contactor with a 220 V coil. Unlike the previous circuit, the phase (L, brown) wire goes to the contactor from the sensor and the panel. And the load (A, red) of the sensor goes not to the lamp, but to the contactor coil. In this case, the lamp is controlled through the contactor and not directly.


Connection diagram to the spotlight

Video instruction

Verifying the installation

To check whether the sensor is working, you need to set the LUX parameter to maximum, and the TIME setting, on the contrary, to the very minimum. If after power supply the LED indicator lights up, it means that the load has been turned on. If the diode does not light up immediately, this does not mean that the device is faulty. You need to wait half a minute so that he has time to prepare for work. This allows you to check the device before connecting other devices, saving time on finding a place to install the sensor.

Settings

After installing the device, you need to adjust it for more accurate operation. The number of settings depends on the device model. In cheap options, you can only influence the time the light is turned on and the level of illumination. More expensive models add sensor sensitivity adjustment and the ability to move the viewing angle of the sensor.

Viewing angle

The listening area of ​​the device can only be approximately calculated. Therefore, situations may arise when the sensor does not respond as intended during installation. One reason may be that the viewing angle is chosen in the wrong direction. Therefore, if the device model allows you to change this parameter, it is worth taking advantage of it.


Configured to cover maximum area

Sensitivity (SENS)

This setting allows you to reduce the number of false positives from animals and other factors. Copes with identifying cats and small dogs; with large animals there may be no effect at all. It is better to start setting from the minimum value, gradually increasing to the desired values.

Turn off delay (TIME)

Depending on the detector model, the parameter can vary from 3 seconds to 15 minutes. This means that once motion has been detected, the light will stay on for that amount of time. At the same time, if the time is up, but the person is still within the visibility range of the device, the light will be on. The timer starts counting down until the lamp turns off after the movement has stopped. You should start setting from the minimum value.

Light level (LUX/DAY LIGHT)

This parameter sets the lighting level in which the device will operate. That is, so that it does not work during the daytime, but begins to operate only with the onset of twilight or darkness. To configure, you need to turn the indicator to maximum, gradually reducing it to the desired sensitivity.

Possible problems and their solutions

A situation may arise when the light does not turn off, although the device is working properly. Here it is worth checking the response duration setting (TIME), which can be turned to the maximum position. The light stays on for so long that it simply does not have time to go out. In this case, you need to reduce this interval to an acceptable result.

The problem may also be in other settings: too low sensitivity (SENS) or incorrect lighting threshold (LUX). Check the operation of the sensor by turning the knobs to the maximum to eliminate these options.

Sensors have their own detection zone characteristics

Suboptimal installation location

Perhaps the device is blocked by a cabinet or cabinet. Or the coverage area is too far from the person and does not see movement. Or the lamp it is connected to is so close that it causes false alarms. There is also a possibility that the viewing angle of the device is not directed where it is needed. These shortcomings are corrected easily and quickly. Furniture can be removed or the detector can be placed in another place. To select the optimal installation location, it is necessary to understand the operating principle of the sensor. Microwave and ultrasonic sensors like movement towards or away from the sensor. And infrared - movements past the sensor. If you move towards the pyro sensor ideally along the center line, then it may not work. Understanding these features will help you avoid dead zones and false alarms. As we can see, the viewing angle indicated in the manufacturer’s description does not indicate in which plane - this is not complete information, but the manufacturer’s tricks. An infrared sensor can be triggered if there are objects with different temperatures in its field of vision, even without the movement of these objects. That's why they are also called presence sensors.

Lamp burnout

Before installing a new lamp, check its functionality. This is also done using a voltmeter, although the method is not the most accurate. You can also screw the lamp into another lamp, which previously worked with another lamp.

Wiring fault

If you suspect a wiring fault, you need to call a technician or test it yourself with a multimeter. Another reason lies in the incorrect connection of the neutral cable to the motion sensor. Often construction debris gets into the junction with the block, after which a layer of soot forms and oxidation of the metal. In this case, the contact no longer passes, and the sensor stops working. To fix this, you need to check the wires for damage, and thoroughly clean the oxidized area and press it with NShVI tips.

Defects and incorrect operating conditions

Unfortunately, no one is immune from manufacturing defects and improper transportation of the device. This often applies to cheap models with a low level of protection. Or, for example, a powerful lamp was connected to the sensor, exceeding the recommended values, and it could not cope with the load. Water or dust may have entered the housing. Before purchasing, do not forget to check the functionality of the device.

Working principle and use

The essence of the action of all sensors is to track moving objects and close the electrical circuit if movements are detected. The circuit opens when no movement has been detected in the field of view for a certain time.

Types of motion sensors

The technologies with which sensors perform their direct duties may differ. In total, there are 5 types of detection:

  • Infrared(IR). Such sensors respond to changes in thermal radiation in the field of view. The advantages include ease of installation outdoors, complete safety for household members, as well as the ability to adjust the response range and very low energy consumption. These devices passively listen to the surrounding space without emitting anything. Due to the nature of the technology, false alarms on animals and other extraneous movements may occur, especially on the street. In addition, the device can be easily deceived by wearing IR-resistant material.

IR motion sensor design
  • Ultrasonic(UZ). Using sound waves, the sensor listens to the environment at a frequency of 20–60 kHz, which is inaudible to the human ear. If the reflected signal has changed frequency, the device recognizes that there is movement in the area and responds appropriately. They are unpretentious to operating conditions and work well in damp and dusty rooms, regardless of temperature. They are relatively inexpensive. However, if there are animals in the house, it is better to opt for another device. Also among the disadvantages are the small coverage of action and indifference to smooth gait and movements.
  • Microwave(microwave). The device emits electromagnetic waves with a frequency of about 5.8 GHz, registering surrounding objects. This type is mainly used by security systems. It is not suitable for installation in a residential area, since microwave radiation is unsafe for humans.
  • Acoustic. The detector reacts to sudden noise and does not emit anything. Most often used in basements and staircases.
  • Combined(dual). These sensors combine several technologies to clarify the result. They can be more precisely tuned, which reduces the number of false positives.

Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages, which affect the choice of installation location for the device. For home use, IR and ultrasonic sensors or a combination of them are most suitable.

Each device has a number of characteristics that you should be aware of when purchasing a device.

Degree of protection

In other words, the strength of the device body. It is measured in IP: the higher the indicator, the more durable the shell of the device. For outdoor use, you need to choose models with IP 55 and higher. For home use, IP 22+ is quite enough.

Power type

There are wired and wireless motion sensors. Accordingly, wired ones are powered from a standard 220 V network, and wireless ones run on batteries, including solar batteries, and batteries. The latter are more often used when it is necessary to turn on lights or other devices from low-voltage sources (for example, from a 12 V emergency network). They are used if, after European-quality renovation, it is not possible to lay a wire for transmitting information.


Important Features of a Motion Sensor

Angle of action

One of the key characteristics that directly affects the operation of the sensor and the installation location. Most often, the numbers range from 90 to 360° horizontally and from 15 to 180° vertically.

Range

This parameter determines at what distance from the device a person will be detected. It is measured in meters and determined in three planes:

  • Perpendicular, when a person moves along a tangent circle, where the center is the motion sensor.
  • Frontally, when a person moves towards the device.
  • The presence of a person near the device.

The fundamental difference from viewing angle is that it measures range, not viewing angle.

Maximum connected power

Most sensors are designed for low-power devices: from 500 to 1000 W. If you need to connect powerful lamps, you need to add a magnetic starter to the circuit between the lamp and the sensor phase, and its coil on the other side of the lamp.

Use Cases

There are many alternative uses other than turning the lights on and off in a room:

  • Security systems and alarms.
  • Illumination of gates and paths near the house.
  • Installation of control over the operation of fountains.
  • Installation of pool lighting.
  • Lighting of stairs and corridors.
  • Lighting of basements and utility rooms.
  • The toilet flushes and the hood turns on.
  • Light-emitting diode (LED) strip for .

Main area of ​​use: street lighting

Where to install?

Without experience in installing such devices, it is quite difficult to choose the optimal location for the sensor. Therefore, it is worth spending a little time testing different corners in the apartment or in the yard. There are a few general guidelines to help with this process:

  • There should be no obstacles such as trees, bushes and other randomly moving objects in the visibility range of the device.
  • It is not recommended to install the device near other lighting fixtures, microwave ovens, fans, air conditioners and batteries.
  • Minimize exposure to water, sun, dirt and dust. If the sensor is installed, for example, in the yard, it makes sense to attach a canopy or other protection from bad weather and directed sunlight over it.
  • The sensor must cover the maximum viewing angle, and no large objects in the field of view are allowed. Their presence makes the sensor ineffective.

Installation locations

The technical characteristics and appearance of the device directly affect the installation location. Household motion sensors are usually mounted on the ceiling or walls. The first option is convenient to install in a room with several doors, where it is unknown which side a person will enter from. Ceiling sensors most often have a 360° viewing angle and are installed in the middle of the room. But for different sensors, the direction of movement and in what plane they work are important.


Wall motion sensor option

The motion sensor is used to automatically turn on the lights in the house. It detects an object moving in the room and sends a signal to turn on the light. It is very convenient to use such devices in everyday life.

What is a motion sensor and why is it needed?

The motion sensor is a special wave detector powered by electricity. It detects movements in the room. That is, any moving object entering the coverage area of ​​the motion sensor activates the sensor system, which transmits it to the mechanism attached to it.

The device will not harm your health and will significantly save energy, and therefore the money that you could pay for it.

This device has many advantages:

Installing a motion sensor in any warehouse will make your life easier. As a rule, in such rooms the switches are located quite far from the entrance. This means that if the room is creatively cluttered, you can easily get injured by tripping over an object.

Multifunctionality is one of the main advantages of motion sensors. Not only is it compact and ideal for any interior, but it can also be wireless, which is convenient. The motion sensor can be used for various purposes, be it opening a gate or signaling.


Types of motion sensors

Now there are several types of motion sensors. Before purchasing, you should understand a little about the characteristics of these devices. There are a large number of them so that everyone can choose a device that suits their specific requirements.

Motion sensors are divided into several types, depending on the location where it is located:

  • Type internal. This type of sensor is located indoors. You can install it absolutely anywhere in your house or apartment.
  • External type. Such a device operates at a distance of 100 to 500 meters. They are usually installed in the courtyard of a house or in large areas of various industries.

The installation, like the devices, is divided into two types:

  • Ceiling installation type. This alarm device is mounted in the ceiling. Typically, it works 360 degrees.
  • Wall-mounted or, another name, corner type of installation. The advantage is considered to be a smaller opening angle, which reduces the number of false reactions.

The power supply of the alarm is divided into several types:

Wired power supply – they work well throughout the entire period of operation, almost like new. This happens because electricity is transmitted through wires. The alarm has a minus - it turns off if there is no electricity.

Autonomous or wireless power supply. It runs on one or more batteries that are pre-built. More modern models are powered by sunlight. However, such an environmentally friendly option requires control of electricity. It should not be too little or too much.

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.

Ultrasonic motion sensor

It works quite simply. The waves that come from the moving object are read by a built-in wave catcher. This type of sensor lasts a long time and is easy to use. The price of the ultrasonic sensor is reasonable and it is also environmentally friendly.

However, it has some disadvantages:

  • Often does not respond to slow moving objects.
  • It has a negative effect on animals, so if you have pets you should not choose a sensor of this type.

Infrared sensors

Such devices react to heat emanating from a moving object, then the light turns on. The implementation of this action directly depends on the number of light bulbs that are built into the system. The more lamps, the more territory the device covers.

It is not advisable to install such a sensor in the kitchen, because... there are temperature changes, and as you already know, these devices do not like temperature changes.

The sensor is harmless to animals and people. The device is customized to suit your viewing angle and sensitivity requirements. Sensors of this type work great both indoors and outdoors - this is definitely a plus. Infrared sensors include 12 volt motion sensors.

Disadvantages of infrared sensors:

  • They react to heat waves from equipment located in the room.
  • Precipitation and sun affect the infrared sensors.
  • Does not react to objects that do not emit heat.

Principles of operation of motion sensors

The principle of operation of the motion sensor is quite simple. When a moving object appears in the motion sensor's viewing area, the built-in detector will turn on the relay and, with its help, electricity will be transmitted to the light bulbs, thereby turning on the light.

The device operates for the time you specify in the settings. You can select from 5 seconds to 10 minutes. That is, for example, you set a timer for 5 minutes, if there is no movement during this entire time, the device will turn off the light.

Even before purchasing a sensor, you need to decide on its location. The type of device will depend on this. For example, an infrared sensor will not respond to a person if he has not entered the room. If you want the light to turn on when the doors are opened, install an ultrasonic type device.

How to install a motion sensor correctly?

You already know what a motion sensor is, their types, and how they work. Now let's talk about how to properly connect a motion sensor. When placing the device, be sure to take into account the size of the room where the windows and doors are located. All this affects the correct operation of the sensor.

Consider these factors when installing the device:

  • There should be no dirt or dust.
  • Any objects in front of the sensor, especially outdoors, may cause the device to trigger.
  • If you are installing an alarm with wiring, its insulation must be moisture resistant.
  • Mounting the sensor next to or opposite devices that emit light or electromagnetic waves is not a good idea.
  • Set the desired angle and direction, because the device will react to objects that fall within the coverage area.
  • Select lamps based on power, take with a margin of 15%.


So now you know everything there is to know about motion sensors. I hope after reading this article, you have decided for yourself which motion sensor is better to choose.

Photos of motion sensors

By connecting a motion sensor to a lamp or lamp, people avoid high energy costs and, consequently, pay little for utility services. A device that records the movement of objects is a convenient device, because it provides a unique opportunity to turn the light on and off automatically.

Operating principle and use of the sensor

A motion sensor is a device that “notices” changes in the location of objects in space and reacts by triggering the necessary actions. If the device is connected to an electrical system, then in response to human movement, the sensor closes the circuit and produces light. This reaction is the result of a transformation of the thermal field, because its temperature rises due to air fluctuations.

However, the principle of operation of the motion sensor may be different. Therefore, the device can be infrared, ultrasonic, microwave and combined. Only the infrared sensor reacts to changes in the warm field. Ultrasonic and microwave devices operate by producing sound vibrations. The sensor that detects ultrasound is considered the most advanced, as it scans movements even through walls. The combined device detects several types of radiation.

A device that records movements is used as a device that helps save on electricity. But the sensor is good not only because it turns off the lights if the owner of the house and children running from one room to another forget to do so. The device eliminates the need to feel for the switch in the evening and at night or allows you to completely abandon the switching device that supplies current.

Choosing a location for the device

In order for the motion sensor that turns on the light to work on time, it must be installed correctly. Here are some tips to follow:

Connection diagrams

To connect the motion sensor to the network and the lamp, you must first understand the installation diagram. Otherwise, you can get confused, because the device has 3 contacts: zero, input and output to the lighting device.

Figure 1 - connection without a switch, Figure 2 - connection with a switch extinguishing the light, Figure 3 - connection with a switch giving light

When connecting a motion sensor to a lighting system, you can go in three ways:

  • Connect the device to the electrical network without a switch if you need to make the sensor entirely responsible for turning the light on and off, which makes sense if you need to illuminate the local area or swimming pool.
  • Together with a device that detects air vibrations, use a switch in the room that forcibly turns off the light in the room, which means that the lamp must be connected to the electrical network, bypassing the motion sensor.
  • Supplement the power supply circuit of the lighting system not only with a device that automatically supplies light, but also with a switch, when pressed, the light will go out and will not come on due to movements made in sleep.

Instructions for connecting a motion sensor to control lighting

A device that supplies electric current to the lighting device only after detecting movement will work if it is installed as follows:


Sometimes a motion sensor needs to be connected together with a switch. This task must be performed so that the switch is connected to both the lighting fixture and the motion sensor. This can be done as follows:

  1. Find the wire that runs from the lamp to the switch.
  2. Connect another wire to the detected wire, directed to the red contact of the motion sensor.
  3. Take the wire from the other side of the switch and insert it into the brown contact of the device, which automatically turns on the light.
  4. Route the wire belonging to the lamp to the motion sensor terminal.

Video: how to connect the device

Video about installation of the device

Solving possible errors

When installing a device that turns on the light after detecting human movements, you can make the mistake of creating a bad contact at the neutral wire. This happens if the wire is inserted into the terminal together with construction debris or is not pressed, which leads to the formation of a dense layer of carbon deposits, significant heating, oxidation and loss of contact. If the sensor does not work, then the wires need to be checked and, if necessary, cleaned or compressed.

Sensor malfunction may be a consequence of deformation and breakage of the aluminum core. To see if this is true, you need to use a voltmeter - bring its probes closer to the terminals. True, the device may not operate even if the device detects voltage. In such a situation, you should replace the old lamp with a new one, because, most likely, the problem lies in the burnout of the channel filament in the lighting device.

Sometimes people who have installed a motion sensor in a room encounter the following problem: the lights will not turn off, despite the fact that the device that responds to human movement is working properly. To deal with this problem in the operation of the device, you need to check the time period. Probably, this value is too large and does not allow the output contact responsible for the operation of the lamp to open. In this case, it is necessary to slightly reduce the response time delay.

Adjusting the motion sensor to turn on/off the light

The first thing you need to do is set the time on the device. The sensor allows you to select an interval from a second to 10 minutes. It will be easier to decide over time if you listen to the following tips:

  • the optimal period for supplying light to the stairs is a few minutes, because they rarely stay longer in such a place;
  • the normal period of time for supplying light to a utility room is 10–15 minutes, because something often has to be taken from such a room.

The sensor is supposed to set a response delay after detecting the movement of an object. This value can range from a few seconds to 10 minutes and is determined by how fast the person moves. For example, a corridor is crossed quickly, so it is better to mount a sensor with a shortened “Time” parameter in it.

The illumination level, dependent on the “Lux” regulator, should be adjusted so that the sensor performs its task at times when the room is illuminated less than usual. It is recommended to equip a room where a lot of light enters from the windows with a motion sensor with a “Lux” regulator set to the initial or middle position.

The sensitivity of the device, which triggers certain actions in response to human movement, is controlled by the “Sens” regulator. This value is influenced by the distance of the device from the moving object and the weight of the person who made the sensor work. Therefore, if the light sensor turns on for no reason, it is necessary to make the sensor less sensitive. And it’s worth thinking about increasing the device’s response rate only if there is no action from the sensor while a person is passing by it.

The motion sensor has a complex design that must be adjusted to special operating conditions. Ignoring the rules risks the fact that the device will work contrary to the wishes of the owner of the premises.