To ensure comfort and convenience, various automation devices are used. This is especially true for the lighting system. Using sensors for presence, illumination, movement, the light can automatically turn on and off. Such systems also allow saving energy. You can install a device with a motion sensor yourself, you just need to know the basic principles of operation and the installation method.
Principle of operation
The motion sensor monitors the terrain that falls within its field of view. It reacts to movement, after which the light turns on. The area of the sensor depends on parameters such as angle and range. They may vary in different models.
Using infrared radiation, a scan of the coverage area is performed. If the sensor detects the appearance of an object with a temperature inherent in a living being, several pulses are applied. They act on the electric circuit and close it, as a result of which the lamp lights up. In the absence of pulses, the circuit breaks and a power outage occurs.
The advantages of sensors include:
- Power saving The lamp works only at a time when there are people in its visibility zone. You can increase savings by using LED lamps.
- Universality. You can connect not only to lighting devices, but also to a TV, coffee machine and other devices.
- Providing additional home security.
- Convenience of management.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
- The complexity of the installation.
Installation and configuration of the sensor depends on its type.
Sensor Types
At the installation site, external and internal devices are distinguished. External are applied on the street - for example, for house adjoining space or outbuildings. The range can reach 500 m. There are specialized devices that cover a large area.
Internal sensors are used in homes and apartments. They are less resistant to ultraviolet radiation and temperature jumps. Often installed in garages, pantries, corridors, toilets. Also serve as a security system.
Alarm Type:
- Ultrasonic. Ultrasonic waves are reflected from the surface of objects and walls. If there is movement in the field of view, the waves change the frequency, which captures the sensor. These devices are inexpensive and weather resistant. Among the shortcomings, one can single out discomfort in animals that are sensitive to ultrasound, and respond only to rapid movement.
- Infrared. IR sensors measure the room temperature and react if a high-temperature object enters the field of view. The pluses include the ability to adjust the range and angle of action, the ability to use outdoors, as well as complete safety for humans and animals. Cons - a high risk of false alarms (for heating appliances, kettles and other devices with a high temperature), instability to atmospheric phenomena.
- Microwave. It works on the principle of radar - it sends a signal and receives reflection. If the return signal is disturbed, the circuit is switched on and the light comes on. This is a more modern device than an ultrasonic sensor. Such devices can scan the area behind glass or a thin wall, operate at any temperature, and also record the slightest movement. Disadvantages - the highest cost of all types, increased sensitivity and the risk of negative effects on human health.
- Combined.The sensor uses a combination of several sensors, which reduces the risk of false alarms and carefully scans the radius of action. The disadvantage of this device is its high cost.
Popular manufacturers include Camelion, Theben, Ultralight. The price starts from 400 rubles per item. Outwardly, it may look different, so it's easy to choose a device for any interior.
Specifications
A motion detector is characterized by a set of parameters that you need to be familiar with when choosing a device. Features include:
- Viewing angle. It happens from 90 to 360 degrees for the horizontal plane. Indoor sensors are usually placed with a narrow viewing angle. This parameter is selected depending on the installation location and viewing area. There is also a vertical viewing angle. In cheap models it is 15-20 degrees, in expensive devices it can reach 180 degrees.
- Range of action. Also depends on where the sensor is installed. The optimal value for the house is 2-4 meters.
- Power of the connected light source. To save money, it is recommended to install energy-saving fluorescent or LED lamps.
- Method and place of attachment. Case models can be mounted on a bracket. There are ceiling and wall models. Built-in models are installed in a pre-arranged hole in the wall.
- Additional functions. These include the presence of a light sensor, protection from animals, and a delay in turning off the light. Additional options increase the total cost of the detector.
For wireless models, the type of power and operating frequency are also taken into account. All characteristics are indicated in the passport of the device and on its packaging.
Choosing an installation location
Correct operation of the sensor will only be ensured if the installation location is correct. There should not be any lighting devices that could interfere with work, as well as heating systems and air conditioners.
It is important to remember that as the installation height increases, the inspection area will expand. Sensitivity will decrease. Large objects also affect the work - they can obscure part of the field of view, because of which the sensor may not detect movement.
If the sensor is installed in a large room, it is better to fix it on the ceiling. You need to choose a model with a viewing angle of 360 degrees. The blind zone should be minimal - this should be taken into account when drawing up the installation diagram.
Installation diagrams
The simplest scheme is to connect the phase to a wire break that goes to the lamp. This method is used in rooms without windows. The neutral wire is also connected to the sensor, and from it the phase goes to the lamp. Zero and ground are supplied from the distribution panel.
If street lighting is created, it is recommended to install an additional photo relay or switch. With their help, you can not turn on the lamp in the daytime, it will work only in the evening and at night. They are also installed in phase discontinuity in front of the motion sensor.
When placing the sensor in the light, it is important to remember that in the absence of movement the lighting will go out, so the lamp will not light for a long time. In order to keep the light on for the right time, you can install a switch in parallel. The lamp will light up while the switches are in the “on” position.
DD setup
The sensor needs to be adjusted and set its settings. Almost all parameters are set using the rotary controls on the product body. For turning a special small screwdriver is used.
The tilt angle is set first. This is done by turning the sensor itself, which is mounted on the wall using a bracket. An exact tuning algorithm cannot be given - it all depends on the installation height, individual characteristics of the room and the selected model. There are recommendations for choosing the optimal height - 2.4 meters.Then even sensors with a coverage of 15-20 degrees can scan a fairly large area.
Sensitivity on the case is marked as SEN. The position of the lever changes from minimum to maximum. This is the most difficult setting, as even a minimal shift of the lever can lead to a response to small pets. The setting procedure is as follows: first a minimum is set and it is checked what it reacts to. Then the sensitivity is gradually increased to the optimum values.
The delay time depends on the model selected. On average, it ranges from 3 seconds to 15 minutes. It is set by turning the Time lever. It sets the time that the user wants.
Light level refers to devices with a light sensor. These are the most popular models for home use. For exposure, the LUX lever is responsible. It must first be set to the maximum position in the daytime. As the light in the room decreases, the lever turns to the min position until the lamp lights up.
Noise control is also used on some models. It is marked as MIC on the sensor housing. The minimum value should be set so that the light does not turn on from a children's cry, a dog barking or noise from the street.
