Let There Be (Automated) Light: The Upside and Downside of Sensors for Lighting Control
When lights are always on, the energy costs can quickly add up, and keeping them on for too long can cause them to overheat and possibly malfunction early into their warranty period and life expectancy. To help ensure that lights are only used when necessary, LED manufacturers have developed different types of sensors that work with their line of LED products with some fully integrated into the light fixtures.
By using sensors, lights can be controlled to turn on and off in response to individual or a combination of conditions including occupancy, motion, or levels of natural light, ensuring that they are used only when they are needed, making it easier for people to move freely without having to constantly switch lights on and off, and improves safety by providing visibility in otherwise dark and empty areas. They help reduce consumption, contribute to energy savings, and help extend the lifespan of the light bulbs.
About Light Sensors
Sensors that Detect Motion and Occupancy
Motion sensors detect movement within a space, while occupancy sensors detect presence regardless of movement. Microwave, PIR (Passive Infrared), and Ultrasonic technologies are commonly used in detecting motion and occupancy, and all three technologies are almost exclusively used indoors.
Microwave Sensors
Microwave motion sensors use high-frequency radio waves to detect movement within their detection range, and when it detects motion, the lights turn on. It is effective at short distances but can have problems with false alarms due to over-sensitivity and interference from other nearby movements and signals.
Microwave Sensors
Fixture Integrated Microwave Sensor
Ceiling-mounted Microwave Sensor
Fixture-mounted Microwave Sensor
Surface-mounted PIR / Microwave Sensor
Upside:
- Can detect motion at a distance of up to 20 feet in one or all directions (400 ft²).
- Adjustable distance settings so that the motion sensor will only detect movement at certain distances.
- Microwave signals, such as those emitted from cell phones and routers, are non-ionizing forms of radiation and do not cause long-term damage to humans.
Downside:
- As a motion sensor, it can be overly sensitive and set off the lights unnecessarily when placed in areas near trees, plants, and moving machinery.
- As an occupancy sensor, it can be interfered with by continuous movements e.g. bodies of water, and ventilation fans.
- Affected by gusts of wind, rain, and extreme weather conditions.
PIR Sensors
PIR sensors, or passive infrared sensors, detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects including the human body that have a temperature above absolute zero. It is effective at long distances and has low false alarm rates but can be affected by other heat sources within the same space.
PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensors
Ceiling-mounted PIR Sensor
Wall-mounted PIR Sensor
Wall switch Integrated PIR Sensor
Fixture-mounted PIR / Daylight Harvesting Sensor
Upside:
- Integrated into some modern LED fixtures.
- Can detect motion at a distance of up to 30 feet in one or all directions (900 ft²).
- Most PIR sensors work without any external power source by harvesting the available light or using battery sources.
- Can be used to detect both small and large movements at various distances due to its wide sensitivity range.
- Detects heat and is unaffected by gusts of wind and other environmental factors.
Downside:
- Can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity of the environment.
- Affected by other high heat sources like steam, radiators, and heat vents.
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ceiling-mounted Ultrasonic Sensor
Wall-mounted Ultrasonic Sensor
Wall Switch Integrated Ultrasonic Sensor
LED Integrated Ultrasonic Sensor
Upside:
- Integrated into some modern LED fixtures.
- Can detect motion at a distance of up to 33 feet to 40 feet in one or all directions (1000 ft² – 1200 ft²).
- Preferred over other types of detection such as infrared due to their wide range of detection and non-contact nature i.e. senses occupancy despite not being in direct line of sight.
- Detects moving objects that are large enough e.g. humans to reflect sound.
Downside:
- May not work effectively in areas with high levels of background noise e.g. heavy machinery or if the motion is slow.
- May be affected by temperature variations in the environment, mostly by heat.
Sensors that Detect Natural Light
Photocell sensors detect natural light and turn light fixtures on in the daytime and off in the nighttime. Daylight Harvesting sensors detect natural light and control light dimmers to maintain appropriate light levels. Both technologies can be used in open and outdoor areas with ample daylight and help reduce energy consumption by using natural light whenever available.
Photocell Sensors (On/Off Control)
Photocell Sensors
Fixture-mounted Photocell Sensor
Fixture Integrated Photocell Sensor
Wall-mounted Photocell Sensor
Pole-mounted Photocell Sensor
Upside:
- Comes built-in to some modern LED fixtures.
- Relies on reflected light in the surroundings and functions even on a cloudy day.
- Designed to detect light levels and adjusts accordingly to natural daylight and artificial light sources like streetlights.
Downside:
- Must be installed facing north, not placed under a shade, and not placed under direct sunlight or will risk malfunction and overheating.
- Adjusting the sensitivity can be difficult, making it hard to ensure that the lights come on when needed and don’t stay off when not needed.
Daylight Harvesting Sensors (Dimming Control)
Daylight Harvesting Sensors
Wall-mounted Daylight Harvesting Sensor
Ceiling-mounted Daylight Harvesting Sensor
LED Integrated Daylight Harvesting Sensor
Fixture-mounted PIR/Daylight Harvesting Sensor
Upside:
- Integrated into some modern LED fixtures along with motion and occupancy sensors and replaces external dimming controls for adjusting brightness.
- Relies on reflected light in the surroundings and functions on a cloudy day.
- Designed to detect light levels and adjusts accordingly to natural daylight and artificial light sources like streetlights.
Downside:
- Must be installed in places with enough natural light e.g. windows or sky lights to work properly.
Timers
Light Timers
Manual Light Timer
Digital Light Timer
Preset Light Timer
WiFi / Smart App Light Timer
Upside:
- Using timers with other sensors ensures that lights stay off on the preset schedules and would not be turned on by the sensors.
Downside:
- When using timers by itself, it relies on preset schedules and do not adapt to current conditions.
Bluetooth (BLE) Mesh Light Controls and Sensors
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Mesh Lighting is an Advanced NLC (Networked Lighting Control) technology that connects fixture controllers, sensors, timers and other devices together to create a network of interconnected and remote-controlled lights.
With Bluetooth Mesh light controls, users can set timers and schedules for their lights, adjust brightness levels remotely, group lights, or even change the color from any device connected to the mesh network, giving complete control over their lighting with the dedicated control app on their phone or tablet.
BLE Mesh systems are relatively easy to install, allowing you to quickly set up the existing fixtures.
Sharkward Wireless Network Gateway
Sharkward is dedicated to the application research, products development, manufacture and marketing for LED lighting controls. The Sharkward Control app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.
Bluetooth (BLE) Controls and Sensors for Offices
Bluetooth (BLE) Controls and Sensors for Industrial Spaces
Bluetooth (BLE) Controls and Sensors for Outdoor Spaces
KeystoneTech SmartLoop Wireless Controls
SmartLoop is powerful enough to run a space with multiple zones, but simple enough to program in minutes with your phone—perfect for warehouses, offices, schools, and auditoriums, whether new construction or retrofit. The Keystone SmartLoop Control app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.
Bluetooth (BLE) Controls and Sensors for Rooms
