PIR Sensors Explained

Most properties use conventional switch lighting. But just because it’s the most common, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the most convenient or cost effective.

You need to search for a light switch every time you enter the room, which could be inside or outside. And if you forget to turn the light off, you could be wasting a lot of money on electricity.

That’s why many people are switching to passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor lights both inside and outside of their property.

As well as being easy to use and helping to save energy, PIR sensors also protect your property from trespassers and thieves.

What are PIR sensors?

PIR sensors are motion detectors that pick up infrared radiation, which is given off by any object that emits heat. They’re called ‘passive’ infrared sensors because the sensors themselves don’t actually emit heat or energy.

When the sensor picks up the movement of people, animals or objects, the light turns on for a set amount of time.

The PIR sensor range for lights is typically around 6-12m.

Some models allow you to adjust the range or detection sensitivity. But even if yours doesn’t, you can angle it towards or away from the ground, wall or ceiling to manually alter the PIR sensor range.

PIR sensors are suitable for internal and external use, and for all types of residential, commercial and industrial properties. Typically, these lights are either surface mounted or come as recessed downlights.

How do PIR sensors work?

Each PIR sensor has two slots. These are made from a special material that’s sensitive to infrared radiation.

When the sensor is idle, both slots detect the same amount of infrared.

But when a heat-emitting body like a person, animal or vehicle crosses one half of the sensor, it creates a positive differential between the two slots.

Then, when the body leaves the sensing zone, it creates a negative differential change.

The PIR sensor picks up these differential pulses and signals the light or alarm to activate.

What are PIR sensors used for?

PIR motion sensors are typically used for security and lighting, though they have many other uses as well. These include:

• Automatic lighting systems
• Intruder alarms
• Motion-activated security cameras
• Home and worksite security
• Workplace safety, such as PIR sensors that turn off potentially hazardous equipment when somebody gets close

What are the benefits of PIR sensors?

• Security: The biggest benefit of these motion-detecting lights is how PIR sensors give a sense of security. If someone tries to enter your property, PIR sensor lights illuminate their presence. This is a powerful deterrent to trespassing and thievery, and helps keep your property safe.

• Low energy usage: PIR sensor lights use very little power and turn off automatically shortly after you leave the room. They also don’t emit heat or energy, which can otherwise be a waste of electricity. As such, installing PIR sensor lights can be a great way to lower your energy bills.

• Cost effective: Compared to other types of motion-detector lights, PIR sensors are often much cheaper to buy. They’re a cost-effective choice for a wide range of applications.

• Low false alarm rates: Compared to microwave or ultrasonic detectors, PIR sensor lights are much less likely to turn on when they’re not needed. That means you’re much less likely to waste electricity.

• Convenience: These lights come on automatically when they detect your presence in a room. That means no more hunting for a light switch on your way in and out.

• No interference: PIR sensors don’t emit infrared themselves. That means you can install several PIR sensor lights close together without worrying that they might interfere with one another.

Are PIR sensors pet friendly?

Since PIR sensors detect movement, you might worry that your cat or dog might keep them on all day and night.

But certain PIR sensors are designed to ignore certain shapes or only detect movement above a certain height.

So even if you have pets at home, they won’t activate the lights and waste electricity.

How do I install PIR sensors?

Installing PIR sensors involves tinkering with electrical wiring. So if you’re not confident in electronics or DIY, it might be best to have an electrician set up your new lights.

However, if you have the skills and confidence to install PIR sensors yourself, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Gather your tools: You may need a screwdriver, a wire stripper, wire connectors and electrical tape, as well as a stepladder to work at height. Some PIR sensor lights come with installation tools.
2. Turn off the electricity: Flip the breaker in your fuse box and use a circuit tester to make sure not electricity is flowing to keep yourself safe during installation.
3. Remove the existing light: Unscrew or unclip your existing light fixture from its mounting bracket. Then unscrew the wire nuts and disconnect the wires.
4. Install the new base: Some PIR sensor lights come with a mounting bracket or base. Secure this to the electrical box in your wall or ceiling with the screws provided.
5. Wire the new light: Connect the wires from your new PIR sensor light to those in your electrical box. After wiring, you can use wire connectors and wrap them with electrical tape for extra security.
6. Mount the light: Screw your light to the mounting bracket and check that it’s firmly in place.
7. Adjust the settings: Some PIR sensor lights allow you to adjust detection range and sensitivity to keep the light from turning on when it’s not needed.
8. Seal and secure: If there are any openings around your new fixture, seal them with out-rated silicone caulk. This will protect the electrical connection and keep water from getting in, which is particularly important for outside lights.
9. Test: Turn your electricity back on and walk past the sensor to see if your light comes on. If it does, your PIR sensor is installed and working properly.

Get top-quality PIR sensor lights from ES Lighting

In the ES Lighting range, you’ll find dozens of surface-mounted and recessed PIR motion sensor lights for internal and external use.

Our lights typically carry a warranty of 3-5 years to give you confidence in your purchase, with quick dispatch and delivery for maximum convenience.

Shop top-quality PIR sensor lights online today.