are popular when it comes to and are also energy efficient. You can connect them to a burglary alarm and a , which activate after the sensors detect motion in the vicinity. It’s a great way to save energy as the lights only go off when they sense motion and shut down soon after the trigger goes away.
There are three types of motion sensors and are all useful both in private homes and businesses. They can detect passersby with infrared rays and perform one or another action depending on how you program them.
Types of Motion Sensors
The most common types of sensors are passive infrared (PIR), microwave, and dual tech or hybrid. Let’s look at each one of them in more detail.
Passive Infrared Sensors
This , commonly known as PIR is the one you might’ve seen outside of a restroom or an office space. They’re usually white and also small, low power, cheap, and easy to use. It senses movement through the changes in the temperature between a given background and a living body. This kind of sensor is known as pyroelectric and can detect levels of infrared radiation coming from anything that has some level of it. Most animals, including humans, emit a good amount of heat.
The two slots of the passive infrared sensors are made of a special material that’s sensitive to infrared energy. Thus, the sensor senses a differential change between the two slots and causes a pulse, and thus, detects “movement.”
The white plastic on this kind of is known as a Fresnel lens, which gives the PIR sensor a larger detection area so it’s more efficient.
Microwave Motion Sensors
As the name implies, these sensors use continuous waves of microwave radiation to detect motion. They send out high radio frequencies and measure their refraction off an object by sensing for a frequency shift – this is similar to how radar speed guns work. The motion detector activates when it detects a frequency shift.
A microwave sensor can cover a larger area than its passive infrared counterparts. However, these are pricier and often vulnerable to electrical interference. Their which translates into an ability to “see” through walls is the cause of frequent false alarms.
Dual-Tech Motion Sensors
This technology incorporates both passive infrared and microwave sensors, so it leads to fewer false alarms. A quick rise in temperature in the room can turn on the passive infrared and so can the wind throwing a moving object that’ll trigger the microwave sensor. As you can see, a hybrid sensor is great in this regard as both need to sense changes to go off.
Advantages of Installing a To Automate
A , also known as a or simply as , is useful when it comes to making your system “intelligent.” These are often installed in high transit areas such as office corridors but also as garden lights. The lights turn on automatically without having to press any switch when the sensors detect nearby movement. They’re also commonly installed in public bathrooms and shopping malls for increased . The main advantages of combining motion sensors with a system are energy savings, convenience, and safety. Let’s evaluate each one of these.
You save energy because the only turns on when there’s someone around it. The automatically switches off when they leave and the sensor doesn’t detect movement for a certain period.
As for convenience, imagine entering your house with your hands full of stuff. The are great in this regard as the entrance automatically switches on instead of you having to drop it all down just to turn it on. It’s also great when you go through a dark area as the turns on by itself and you don’t have to look for the switch in the dark.
Finally, these kinds of provide safety in dark areas where you could trip over an object while trying to find the switch. It can also scare away burglars if you place them in strategic places as it may seem there’s someone inside.
Let’s look at our top favorites.
HmCity Outdoor 120 LED
These plastic waterproof outdoor lights have 3 modes and are . They’re available in two, four, and six packs and sell for $21.99, $35.99, and $49.95 respectively.
You can set the to turn the on when people are around, keep it on all night long, or opt for smart brightness control — a dim stays on all night but turns brighter when detecting motion.
This highly efficient is made of monocrystalline silicon solar cells and the conversion rate reaches up to 20.5 percent. It offers about 15 percent more illumination than other products in the same time. Furthermore, the high-impact anti-lock breaking system (ABS) lamp body is high-temperature resistant, anti-corrosion, and waterproof, so it lasts longer.
Equipped with 120 led upgraded high power LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and 270 degrees wide angle, this type of provides brightness and illumination for a yard of about 90 square feet.
by HMCITY
Outdoor 182 LEDs 2500Lm
These outdoor lights are battery powered and have three modes: , permanent on all night, and smart brightness control for , just like the ones above. You can buy a pack of 2 for $33.95 or a pack of 4 for $59.95.
They’re for wall mounting and have an upgraded detector and greater PIR sensor that can detect people up to 26 feet within an angle of 120 agrees. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery isn’t only brighter but lasts longer.
Furthermore, this highly efficient can improve utilization as it provides far brighter and a wider detection range than other similar ones on the market. The highly efficient is more energy-saving and the PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) laminated and premium led lights are more durable and suitable for long-term use.
The lights are waterproof and heatproof and great for an outdoor night for your wall, patio, garden, porch, lawn, pathway, gutter, etc. It’s specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
by Aootek
AmeriTop Outdoor , 128 LED 800LM
This is a pack of 2 cordless waterproof LED with three adjustable heads and you can purchase them for $49.99. They provide 270-degree wide-angle illumination and are solar- and battery-powered and best for entryways and patios.
Each of these AmeriTop solar lights has a built-in 128 SMD 2835 LED that can produce up to 800 lumens 6500 Kelvin high brightness output. The conversion rate of these upgraded polycrystalline silicon solar panels is as high as 20 percent. This is an incredible photocell efficiency that works great during winter.
The built-in smart detects motion up to 26 feet and will go on when detecting movement and turn off after 30 seconds. The adjustable heads can move upwards, downwards, and horizontally. You can also adjust them as well as the lens hoods, and to suit your needs. Finally, they’re all weather-resistant, easy to install, and don’t require extra wires or adapters. The included screws can affix this product to any exterior wall regardless of the material (metal, wood, plastic, etc).
by AmeriTop
Baxia Technology Outdoor
This type of wireless is waterproof and perfect for outdoor use. $34.99 is all you have to pay for the peace of mind of having your little ones play freely in the yard at any time. The built-in sensitive PIR can provide illumination within a range of 10 to 16 feet and an angle of 120 degrees.
Note that fewer LED beads don’t translate into lower brightness and these upgraded ones perfectly meet both your and requirements. You’ll love the brightness of this Baxia when going through the front door, backyard, garden fence, or garage.
These durable will last for years as they’re made of high-strength ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) shells and high-quality specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The lights are easy to install and don’t require extra wires, adapters, or special tools. The package contains everything you need.
by BAXIA TECHNOLOGY
Aootek 120 LEDs with Lights Reflector
This is a four-pack 270-degree wide-angle, waterproof, easy-to-install for outdoor . The selling price is $35.99 and they have three optional modes: a when it detects motion at night, a permanent mode that keeps it on all night, and a smart brightness control mode that dims it at all times but gets brighter when detecting motion.
The detector can detect people up to 26 feet within an angle of 120 degrees and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In turn, the highly efficient LED lights provide wide-angle illumination to improve .
by Aootek
Sezac Solar Lights
This is a six-pack of for outdoor and you can purchase them for $35.97. The long mode, the strong , and the can meet your various needs. Furthermore, the powerful sensor ball head can sense movement up to 16 feet.
The lights are waterproof and can withstand extreme weather. They come with a 2000 mAh (milliamp hours) of rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows the lights to be continuously illuminated for long periods. They work during the day to store electricity.
The upgraded powerful LED provide on a wide area. The more the sunshine the better the charge and the illumination. The solar cells must be charged for 8 to 10 hours before using them and won’t charge on cloudy days.
by SEZAC
Lepower 35W LED
This is a single waterproof outdoor with three heads. It’s available in black, white, and brown for $45.99.
Powered by LED lamp beads, the lamp enables it to produce up to 3500 lumens at low power of 35 watts. The optical filter lens provides better illumination and you can save more than 80 percent on your electricity bill compared with equivalent traditional 175-watt halogen bulbs.
The is triggered by moving humans, cars, or animals up to 72 feet and has a 180-degree detection angle for extra safety. You can adjust the three heads and heads to a different angle as per your needs. You can easily install it on the wall by following a few wiring steps. The time is 10 seconds to 10 minutes when triggered.
The is made of aluminum and has decent heat dissipation so it’s more durable. The lifespan of this is of up to 50,000 hours.
by LEPOWER
How To Install a
Installing a might seem complicated but it’s quite easy despite being an advanced technology. Thus, you don’t need much technical knowledge to install it as most of the options currently on the market are easy to deal with.
For example, several detectors are integrated into switches, which are connected in a similar way to common switches. They detect movement through infrared switches and turn on or off after you set up a timer. Continue reading to find out how to carry out an installation.
Firstly, you have to either cut the main electric supply or just lower the circuit breaker corresponding to the area where you’re going to install it. Then, you’re to dismantle the old switch.
The main thing to keep in mind here is this type of intelligent switch has three terminals instead of two: phase, output, and neutral. You’ll probably have to lower the neutral wire from the nearest box and can keep the phase and return for the lamp phase as they are. Once this is done, all you have to do is make the relevant connections, according to your product manual.
Affix the sensor to the wall and resume the electric current. Always consult the manual before conducting any electrical installation to do it correctly.
Before finalizing the installation of your , you must find the configuration that best suits your needs. Each model comes with different options but you can usually configure time, distance, and intensity.
A timer helps you regulate how long the should stay on after it detects movement. This will depend on what you need and you can try different configurations until you find the one you like the most. You can also set the timer so it stays on after no longer detecting motion. This is best when you want a possible burglar to think there’s someone home.
You can set distance by regulating the range of the infrared rays of the . That is to say, if you set a range of seven feet, the will only turn on when someone’s very close to the sensor. Conversely, setting a range of 18 feet will make the turn on whenever it detects movement at that distance. Some allow you to regulate the intensity level, this is usually measured in lux (a lux is equal to the illumination of a one meter square surface from a single light source). As you can see, installing a it’s as easy as installing a regular switch.
Why Would Seniors Need ?
An exterior is great for although seniors should also consider indoor . This is because lack of visibility is the most common cause of slips and falls. Here are other types of you might want to install indoors.
Wireless motion-sensing lights are a low-cost flexible option for those who frequently get up at night. They’re battery-powered and thus, wireless, so you can install them anywhere because they don’t require an outlet. Affix them to the floor, a bottom shelf of a bookcase, or any other surface you might have near the place you want to .
Wireless motion-sensing lights are also great for seniors who don’t remember to turn on the lights or feel they don’t need them. Thus, removing their need to turn them on or off is a great way to make sure their surroundings are bright enough when they need them to be.
Touch lamps are also great for seniors, especially for those with arthritis or loss of hand flexibility and strength. An aging person will be more likely to use proper if it’s easier for them to turn it on.
Automatic night lights usually plug into wall outlets. They’re a great solution to bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways. These LED lights are automatic, small, low-maintenance, and provide good lighting. They’re easy to install, but you must check batteries and bulbs every couple of months to make sure they’re working.
Lights and lighting systems may cost a little bit of money but the price is worth it compared to the cost of a fall for your senior. Help them in everything you can and try to be the that shines their path.
