Motion And Occupancy Sensors Provide Maximum Lighting Control

Motion and occupancy sensors are valuable control devices and a popular addition to lighting solutions. Both can be used in interior and exterior settings, where they provide additional security and efficiency.

Occupancy sensors are also vacancy sensors, so they can detect when someone enters the space and when someone leaves. This is useful information for lighting systems, as they only need to be on when someone is nearby.

How Does An Occupancy Sensor Work?

Occupancy sensors are simple, compact devices that can be installed in nearly any environment. They can be tied to a variety of technologies, including lighting, audiovisual technology, and the kind of mechanical systems that could be used to automate a gate. They’re flexible data-gathering devices that can make many other technologies operate better.

These sensors are designed to detect changes in the environment, and in this way, occupancy sensors are flexible. They can be engineered to detect the following:

• Changes in heat – Some occupancy sensors are designed to pick up heat given off by people and animals. They do this specifically by picking up changes in infrared radiation as people move into and out of the space. Sensors that detect infrared radiation are called passive IR, or PIR sensors.
• Changes in sound – Ultrasonic sensors emit a constant ultrasonic frequency that permeates through the space and bounces back to the sensor. As people occupy and leave the room, the ultrasonic sensor detects changes in the ultrasonic wave it’s emitting.
  If they have enough range, ultrasonic sensors can detect people around corners or behind a wall.
• Changes in electromagnetic wave patterns – The same technology used for detecting sound waves can be adapted for electromagnetic waves. Microwave sensors are the most common and work by detecting microwave deflection as people enter the room.
• Changes in visual presence – Some occupancy sensors are tied to cameras and use images to notice when someone has entered the space. Such cameras are designed to take several pictures every second and instantly compare them to detect occupancy.

How Are Occupancy And Motion Sensors Used In Lighting Systems?

Occupancy and motion sensors are useful in many applications, including lighting systems. They’re a perfect fit for LED lighting systems, as LEDs are compatible with a wide range of control devices. When integrated into lighting solutions, occupancy controls can help the system with the following:

• Automate on and off switching – The most common reason for integrating occupancy sensors is to automate on and off switching at the system or source level. When someone enters the area, the lights switch on. When that person leaves, the lights switch off after a brief delay. It’s a simple approach that optimizes efficiency.
• Calibrate output levels – Facilities can also choose to set multiple output levels, depending on how many people are in the space, or depending on how long they’re in the space. For example, a lamp may output at 50 percent when someone enters the room, but if they require additional illumination, they can manually toggle it on at a wall switch or wall plate.
• Set lighting zones – Intelligent lighting systems can switch on groups of fixtures in response to occupancy. For example, in large industrial facilities or warehouses, motion sensors can anticipate where workers are going based on movement. In response, the lights can be switched on in advance and quickly brought up to maximum output.

What Types Of Lighting Systems Benefit From Occupancy Sensors?

Almost every lighting system imaginable can be improved with controls tied to occupancy sensors. However, some applications are more common than others, including:

• Residential security systems
• Parking lot and parking garage systems
• Office buildings

• Warehouses
• Department stores

• Industrial facilities
• Path lighting systems

There are many opportunities in the lighting industry for occupancy sensors.

A Few More Reasons To Consider Lighting Controls Like Occupancy Sensors

There’s plenty to like with motion sensors, especially when they’re used to optimize your lighting solution’s performance. Here are a few reasons why adding occupancy sensors to your lighting makes sense:

1. Motion sensors enhance system efficiency – One of the biggest reasons for installing occupancy sensors is to support optimal energy usage. Motion detection technology switches the lights on and off as needed, minimizing waste and power bills as a result.
2. Motion sensors improve surveillance and security – With less light to work with at night, it’s difficult for surveillance cameras to capture detailed images.
   With occupancy sensors, though, lights will switch on when needed, allowing surveillance to capture high resolution images and video of anyone nearby.
3. Motion sensors help with worker comfort and safety – The better the lighting in your facilities, the easier it will be for workers to do their job safely and productively. Occupancy sensors ensure illumination is well-distributed throughout the area, so workers can see everything they’re doing. This is especially helpful in high traffic, high risk areas like warehouses, loading areas, industrial complexes, and construction sites.

Bulb Daddy Is Your Occupancy And Motion Sensor Source

Among our products, Bulb Daddy offers a selection of occupancy sensors. We specialize in PIR motion sensors, including PIR sensors designed for ceiling-mounted high bay fixtures.

If you’re unsure which motion sensor would be the most effective option for your lighting system, Bulb Daddy can help select and source the ideal product for your facility.