Motion sensors are an electronic device that detects motion changes in nearby objects or people. When it detects a motion, it alerts your security system. Motion sensors or motion detectors are famous for their energy efficiency and protection in smart homes, intelligent industrial buildings and commercial applications. For example, these are used for security cameras or burglary alarms. It also saves energy by shutting off lights in a building when it senses no motion.
Uses of Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are widely used for the following-
- Detecting a potential intruder near to or inside your house or office area
- Sending an alert to you if people enter restricted areas like the basement or garage
- To save energy by powering lights in an area only when needed.
Different Types of Motion Sensors
Let’s get an understanding of the different types of motion sensors available-
1- Active Detectors
Active motion sensors emit radio or microwaves all across the area, which then strike nearby things and reflect on these sensor detectors. Thus, these detectors are also known as radar-based motion sensors. The active motion sensor tends to understand changes in waves hitting moving objects, sending a signal to the alarm system, light, or other types of device it operates.
Active sensors, due to their tendency to detect the movement of things, are not used for outdoor lighting as they will detect small objects like animals and lightning will get triggered. However, you can use these sensors for automatic doors in retail buildings, house security, and indoor lighting systems.
2- Passive Infrared Sensors
Passive infrared sensors (PIR) is a motion sensors that can detect a person’s skin temperature. These sensors can sense movements through the change in temperature between the background and a warm body across the room. These are called passive because no energy emits from the sensor. These can detect objects, people, or animals by picking up infrared radiation.
3- Microwave Sensors
Microwave sensors are motion sensors that work similarly to a radar speed gun by detecting motion using continuous pulses of microwave radiation. It normally emits high radio frequencies, and by detecting a frequency shift, it can detect an object’s reflection. Thus, the motion detector is turned on when it notices a frequency shift.
4- Gesture Detectors
Gesture detectors are motion sensors which detect human movements like hand motions and gestures through the infrared lighting elements on the digital screen.
5- Dual-technology Motion Sensors
Dual-technology motion sensors or hybrid sensors are a combination of two different technologies. A variety of multiple sensing technologies in one sensor helps to reduce the probability of false triggering but can also lead to a reduction in detection and increases vulnerability.
For instance, many dual-tech sensors usually combine a PIR sensor and a microwave sensor into one unit to have fewer false alarms. This is because microwave sensors cover a larger area than PIR, and a temperature rise in the room makes the PIR go off, while a moving tree branch or any object can trigger the microwave sensor.
So, with the Dual Technology motion sensor, both PIR and Microwave sensors need to sense changes which will trigger it, causing false alarms to be shallow.
Now you understand the different types of motion sensors, how they work, where you can use them, and the advantages of using them. So, get one according to your usage and keep your surroundings safe at a low cost and energy. Visit Legrand to shop now!
