Connecting a motion sensor for lighting with a switch

The motion sensor switch is an electronic device used in electrical circuits for automatic opening or closing of a circuit when fixing movement in a particular sector space.

Such products are widely used to optimize the operation of lighting systems, as well as electrical appliances.

Infrared sensors

The principle of operation of such a device is based on its ability to detect changes in the intensity of infrared radiation observed in a specific area. It is no secret that the human body is the source of such radiation, therefore, when a person enters the sensor’s sector, it works, thereby closing the electric circuit. Due to this feature, it is possible to accurately identify the presence of a person. Such a device can control the lighting system regardless of whether a person is moving or not. The light switch with a motion sensor emits nothing, but only responds to extraneous infrared waves. This allows you to ensure complete safety for the health of people and animals.

The disadvantages of sensors that respond to infrared radiation include their sensitivity to interference, which can be caused by the heating of electrical appliances, getting into the operating sector of the device warm air from an air conditioner or intense solar Sveta. In addition, such products have a limited temperature range, and they do not respond to the movement of people in clothes made of heat-insulating materials.

Ultrasound models

The operation of this equipment is based on continuous scanning of space using ultrasonic waves with a frequency of more than 20 kHz. The product is equipped with a receiver that allows you to analyze the frequency and amplitude of the reflected signal. When these parameters change, which is observed when moving through the range of the device a certain size, a command is issued for the operation of electrical contacts, making or breaking chain.

The main advantages of using ultrasonic sensors in lighting systems should not include the exposure of their work to changes in temperature, humidity, and dust or smoke In addition, such a product is able to determine the movement of objects made of any material and having a different temperature.

It is worth noting some disadvantages of such devices: ultrasonic radiation can affect the well-being of pets, some of them can perceive high-frequency sounds. A sharp movement is necessary for the sensor to trigger. With the smooth movement of the object, it is possible to deceive most models of such devices.

Microwave sensors

The principle of their operation is based on the use of microwave radiation (electromagnetic waves with a frequency of several GHz).

By registering the amplitude and frequency of the emitted and reflected signals, the sensor is capable of not only high accurately identify the movement in your area of ​​responsibility, but also evaluate the speed and size of moving objects.

The advantage of such products is their ability to detect moving objects that are behind obstacles made of dielectric material. The sensitivity of these sensors is very high and allows you to respond even to the most minor movements of the object. The switch with a microwave type motion sensor can operate at any temperature, humidity and other air parameters.

The disadvantages of such devices include their high cost, increased likelihood of false positives, as well as insecurity for human health.

Today, there are a significant number of less common types of motion sensors used in various schemes of lighting systems. These include perimeter, acoustic, vibrational, seismic, magnetic, capacitive, photoelectric and other devices. The need to use such equipment can be justified by its specific purpose or technical characteristics.

In most cases, the use of ultrasonic or infrared sensors is sufficient to control lighting systems and most electrical appliances.

Wiring diagram

Since the main purpose of the motion sensor is to perform the functions of a switching device in an electric circuit, its connection scheme does not differ from that of a conventional light switch. Most manufacturers attach the installation instructions for the motion sensor to its delivery kit. On the case of some models of these devices there are signs corresponding to their correct connection.

Installation Features

The connection diagram of the sensor without a switch is the simplest from the point of view of installation. The procedure for installing such a device includes the following operations:

1. Laying the wire from the location of the sensor to the electrical box. In the case of using hidden wiring, you should first perform the gating of the walls.
2. Fixing the sensor to the wall surface.
3. Connecting wires to the contacts of the device in accordance with the connection diagram.
4. Connection of wires in the junction box. For normal operation of the sensor, it is necessary to connect in the junction box the wires going to its terminals with the wires of the lamp, as well as with the neutral and phase conductors. If, due to a lack of practical experience, difficulties arise when performing these works, then you can first draw a connection diagram. All connections are made in the same way as when connecting a single-section light switch.
5. Functional check and adjustment of the sensor operation parameters.

Such a connection scheme has a significant drawback, which consists in the dependence of the lamp operation on the movement of objects through the sensor coverage area. Sometimes a situation arises when such movement is not observed, and lighting must be provided. In this case, the sensor will turn off the power after a certain time, which is set in the device settings. To cause the re-inclusion of light, you have to intentionally move in the sector of the device.

In such cases, you can apply the circuit using a light switch, which is connected in parallel with the sensor. At the same time, it is possible to control lighting regardless of the presence of movement in the coverage area of ​​this device.

Customization

Since today there are a large number of different types of similar products that differ between each other in terms of design, purpose and parameters, the order of their settings can significantly differ. There are three main parameters that most of the models on the market have the ability to configure.

Working hours

This parameter shows how much time after the registration of movement the device will give a command to turn off the light. Most sensor models allow you to adjust this time from 1 second to 10 minutes. The choice of a specific value of the operating time depends on the location of the product and its purpose. When placing such a device in front of the front door of the house, several seconds of its operation may be sufficient, and the lighting in the pantry or in the car parking should be turned off only a few minutes after being triggered sensor. This parameter is set using the Time knob on its case.

Light intensity

It is used to ensure the normal operation of the device during daylight hours. Using the “Lux” control, you can set the maximum level of illumination at which the motion sensor will be triggered.

Sensitivity setting

Excessive sensitivity can lead to a large number of false positives. At the same time, with a low level of reaction of the sensor to movement, it may not turn on the lighting at the right time. To adjust this parameter, use the “Sens” knob. Optimum work parameters can be achieved empirically.

Thus, the use of a motion sensor to control the lighting system in an apartment or country house will not help only to achieve maximum convenience in its operation, but also allows you to save money spent on payment electricity. The undoubted advantage of these devices is the simplicity of their connection scheme, as well as a wide range of parameters that can be configured in accordance with the requirements of the consumer.