The economical use of powerful volatile luminaires reduces energy consumption and extends the life of the equipment. The solution to this problem can be the use of a motion sensor - a compact device that connects the lighting device to work when a large moving object appears in the coverage area.
Benefits of Using Motion Sensors
As practical experience shows, a simple motion sensor is efficient by performing the following functions:
- saves energy consumption up to 70%;
- serves as a means of deterring intruders who count on darkness and lack of observation;
- rationally consumes the working life of lighting devices.
The cost of acquiring and installing sensors is fully justified by reducing the cost of paying for electricity and the maintenance of lighting devices.
Operating principle
The motion sensor is configured so that in the field of its "vision" was the entire controlled territory. If the sensor detects infrared radiation or a wave reflector that is different from other objects in the field of operation, the device is connected to the power supply. If the built-in Fresnel lens detects the movement of the detected object, the electric circuit closes and the light turns on. After some time, according to the presets, the light turns off, but the sensor’s work to monitor the situation in the controlled territory continues.
The motion sensor can be purchased separately or supplied with a halogen or LED lighting device. You can connect it to the lighting used during the initial installation, as well as during the repair and improvement of the network.
Classification of motion sensors
Depending on the type of installation, wall and ceiling models are distinguished. The degree of protection of internal elements from dust and moisture determines the scope of the device - on the street or indoors. The following design solutions are possible for the location of sensors relative to lighting devices:
- inside the lamp housing;
- together with a lighting lamp, but in a separate housing;
- separate from the lighting device.
An important criterion for choosing a model is the viewing angle and range. It is necessary that the selected device can fully control the territory, taking into account its area and planning features.
Depending on the principle of detecting an object on a site, there are:
- Infrared models - react to changes in infrared radiation in the coverage area. If an object moves, all built-in lenses are directed at it, and the lighting device connected to the network turns on. The sensitivity of such a model depends on the number of lenses - the more there are, the faster the sensor responds to the appearance of an object. Among the advantages of an IR device are the absence of radiation and the precise adjustment of the range, of the disadvantages it is worth noting the likelihood of false alarms and the limitation on operation in low air temperatures.
- Ultrasonic devices capture the change in the frequency of the emitted ultrasonic waves, as a result of which the lighting device is turned on. Among the features of the model are a relatively short range and a negative effect on animals that can capture ultrasound.Fine tuning is especially important here to prevent the device from operating on small objects or on sudden movement. Otherwise, the security function of such a sensor will be minimized.
- Microwave sensors - capture their own high-frequency electromagnetic waves reflected from the object in the field of view. Easily recognize the movement behind subtle obstacles made of glass, stone or wood. Devices of this type are compact and versatile in use, but have a relatively high cost.
- Combined models combine several of these options at once, using their advantages and mutually overlapping disadvantages. The scope of such sensors is burglar alarms at important facilities that require particularly careful monitoring.
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- Microwave
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- Ultrasonic
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- Infrared
The choice of motion sensors should be depending on the specific features of operation and safety requirements at the facility.
Device adjustment
Fine tuning of the sensor is carried out using the available regulators, each of which is responsible for the corresponding option:
- SENS - determines the sensitivity of the device. With it, you can set the size of the object to which the sensor will trigger, and the distance to the detected source of movement. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of false positives when a small animal enters the field of view or the object moves outside the controlled area.
- TIME - adjusts the duration of the lighting device after operation. It is recommended to set the parameter for at least 2 minutes in order to exclude frequent operation.
- DAY LIGHT - allows you to select the time to turn on the lighting devices. Among the options offered are night mode or around-the-clock tracking.
The type of mounting and the design of the sensors are characterized by mobility, due to which it is possible to adjust the position of the device in space in four directions - up or down, right or left. Thus, it will be easy to configure the device to control a selected area of the territory, experimentally achieving its maximum coverage.
Wiring diagram for LED spotlight
If the sensor is supplied separately from the lighting, it is necessary to connect the device to the spotlight before performing installation work.
- The cover is removed from the housing.
- Cables from the lamp are connected to the device terminals: a wire in blue insulation - to the zero terminal, a wire in red insulation - to the phase terminal, the remaining wire - to ground.
- The end of the cable is connected to the power supply via an outlet. For safe operation, it is recommended to connect the device through circuit breakers. The protection current of the machine must be three times the power value of the lighting device.
Detailed instructions on how to properly connect the light sensor to the spotlight are attached to the vast majority of branded devices.
When choosing the direction of the spotlight, it is necessary to remember the importance of choosing the right position for the sensor. It should be directed to the place where the appearance of people is most likely, in accordance with the maximum permissible distance to the object and the nominal viewing angle. It is possible to connect several sensors to one lamp at once. This solution is optimal in open space, where the appearance of moving objects from any direction is possible. In addition, connecting multiple sensors is recommended when the viewing angle of an existing sensor is not wide enough. The sensors are connected to the network in parallel, and the lighting device can be switched on when at least one of the installed sensors receives a signal.
Installation of a mounted lighting device should take into account the following points:
- Significant height, eliminating the risk of theft or damage to the device.
- A radius of action covering the entire protected area.
- Availability of the device for monitoring the technical condition and periodic maintenance.
According to SNiP, powerful lighting equipment can be mounted according to the following requirements:
- Installation on supports or facades of buildings is allowed.
- As a fastening, a steel cable or metal bracket is used.
If it is necessary to increase the duration of the light on, it is recommended to connect a switch to the network in parallel. Then the automatic inclusion of the searchlight by the sensor signal will be possible only if the switch position is inoperative.
