Motion sensors to turn on the light, diagram and principle of operation, how to connect with a switch in the apartment, on the stairs, on the street, video ElektrikExpert.ru

A motion sensor for lighting is an indicator designed to determine the presence of a person in the coverage area and apply voltage to the lamp. The device controls the lighting or protection system, giving a command when there is movement in the area of ​​responsibility.

Its use allows you to save electricity and increase the safety of moving in poorly lit areas.

Below we will consider what are the features of such devices, we will analyze the connection rules and highlight recommendations on how to make such a sensor with your own hands at home.

Knowing these points allows you to assemble the system yourself and not involve specialists for this.

Where are used, types

Products come in several types – ceiling, wall and flush-mounted. They are also conditionally divided into several types according to the principle of action (we will discuss this in more detail below).

When choosing, consider the installation location. Sensors are divided into household and street lighting.

In the latter case, materials are used that protect the device from negative environmental influences. It can be connected on the stairs or on the street. Household devices are intended for installation inside the house.

Depending on the circumstances, motion sensors can be connected to a spotlight, lamps, and even an Arduino smart home.

The main device manufacturers are ERA, Evan, TDM, LLT, Orbis, Duwi, Camelion, Brennenstuhl, Elektrostandard, FERON, REV, REXANT, Rubetek and others.

Features

When buying a motion sensor, it is important to take into account a number of parameters that affect the features, connection location, and conditions for use.

The main characteristics when choosing:

1. WEIGHT. Modern light sensors have a mass of 25 to 240 g.
2. Maximum load power. When choosing a product, you must look at the allowable load. So, one sensor can switch devices with power from 60 to 2300 watts. Please note that when using more powerful devices, it may be necessary to rewire or install a machine with a higher current rating.
3. VOLTAGE. The operating voltage varies over a wide range from 1,5 to 220 volts. Conventionally, motion sensors are divided into several groups – 1,5 V, from 2.2 to 3.6 V, 220 V, 5 or 9 V.
4. MAXIMUM VIEW ANGLE. Here the range is from 30 to 360 degrees. In the latter case, the device operates around the entire perimeter of the room.
5. RANGE OF ACTION. The minimum and maximum distance parameters are 8 and 120 m. Here you need to take into account the object on which lighting is provided. You should not choose sensors with an excessively high parameter, because they can react to the movement of strangers.
6. RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION HEIGHT. Here, the permissible parameter ranges from 1,2 to 16 m.
7. THE PRESENCE OF THE LED INDICATOR. In some sensors, an LED is installed, which, when a signal is present, starts blinking. Other LED indication options are also possible.

These are the main characteristics that you need to consider when buying. We will discuss the selection criteria in more detail below.

Scheme and principle of operation

There is a wide range of sensors on the market that react to movement and allow you to configure the inclusion of lighting on different objects. When buying such devices, it is necessary to take into account the presence of several types.

Infrared

Products feel the heat radiated by the human body. The main element is a sensor with a Fresnel lens installed on it, which reacts to the approach of heat and bridges the contact group.

Principle of operation:

• the radiation is focused into a narrow beam of light and directed towards the sensor;
• the sensor picks up the signal, receives it and gives a command to operate.

Such devices are conditionally divided into passive and active. In the first case, the response occurs to a change in the temperature regime, and in the second case, the operation occurs in the event of a signal interruption.

The features of both types are high sensitivity to changes in the thermal background, which requires more precise settings from the user.

Disadvantages:

1. The probability of erroneous operation in the presence of a heater in the room, which requires a long and precise setting.
2. The outdoor motion sensor can be triggered by gusts of warm wind when installed outdoors.

Infrared products are one of the simplest and most affordable options. For correct operation, they must not be exposed to light from the lamp. It is also not desirable to have sources of IR radiation in the immediate vicinity.

Contact

This is the simplest type of sensor that uses a reed switch – a contact that is triggered when a magnetic field occurs.

When the doors are opened, the contact group closes, after which the lighting turns on.

The scheme is simple. A reed switch is connected to the battery, then the contact is connected to the relay, and then to the second pole of the power source.

If desired, you can embed a switch between the relay and the batteries into the circuit. The relay contact, after being triggered, energizes the lighting.

Ultrasonic

Such sensors work on the principle of receiving radio waves that are reflected from an approaching object. The device has a generator and a device that receives electrical vibrations.

The product perceives high-frequency ultrasound in the range of 20-60 kHz. Despite the inability of the ear to perceive such vibrations, when using the device, it is important to take into account not only human capabilities, but also the presence of animals in the room. Dogs sense these frequencies and may get annoyed when they appear.

The work is based on the Doppler effect. The wave that is emitted by the generator is reflected from the object and enters the receiver. Under such circumstances, the wavelength remains unchanged. The sensor detects the signal and gives the command to operate the relay. After that, a signal is given to turn on the lighting.

The advantage of such sensors is that they do not perceive extraneous noise coming from industrial or domestic objects. Also, they do not react to thermal radiation that comes from devices, and are not afraid of changing weather conditions.

But in order to avoid false triggering, it is not recommended to use ultrasonic sensors in rooms with strong temperature fluctuations or changes in humidity. Please note that some materials are ultrasonic transmissive, which may result in spurious operation.

Microwave

Such sensors work on the basis of the Doppler effect. The device interacts with a generator emitting microwave frequencies and a receiving mechanism. A motion control device is triggered when the wavelength is distorted.

In terms of features and functional content, these nodes are similar to ultrasonic devices. In this case, the radiation frequency is 2,2 GHz.

Microwave sensors are distinguished by a high level of sensitivity and allow you to “examine” a person even behind a glass or a door, which often leads to a false alarm. This feature must be taken into account during the configuration process.

The disadvantage of such sensors is the high price and a very complex circuit.

Laser or photosensors

In such sensors, an IR LED and a receiving element (a photodiode operating in a certain spectrum) are provided.

There are two implementation options:

1. The emitting and receiving devices are fixed in the controlled area. When a person passes, the radiation is interrupted and does not reach the receiver. In this case, the sensor and relay work. Such a scheme is suitable for the implementation of an alarm system.
2. Both elements are next to each other. When in the area of ​​the sensor, the beam is reflected and hits the photodiode. This design has found application in robotics.

This option is rarely used to control lighting, but you should not ignore it.

Criterias of choice

When buying a presence sensor to turn on the light, it is important to take into account a number of criteria regarding installation and operation features.

Let’s highlight the basic recommendations:

1. DECIDE ON THE PLACE FOR INSTALLATION. For outdoor installation, it is advisable to choose devices with protection from IP 55 and higher (preferably from 65). If the product is mounted under a canopy and protected from water, IP 34 (44, 54) is suitable. If the motion sensor is planned to be installed inside, for example, to turn on the lighting in a house, apartment or garage, there are no special requirements for the degree of protection.
2. BE AWARE OF POSSIBLE OBSTACLES (WALLS). Most often, sound or infrared sensors are used. Microwave products are more suitable for protection.
3. DEFINE YOUR VIEWING ANGLE. If the entrance to the room where the lighting is adjusted is possible from several points, it is advisable to choose a sensor with an angle of 360 degrees and a ceiling mount. If there is only one pass, 180 degrees is enough.
4. DEFINE WITH POWER. Before buying a device, consider the consumption of devices that will be connected to it. Sum up the obtained values ​​​​and add 10-20% on top for the margin.
5. CONSIDER YOUR RANGE. For a small room, a minimum parameter of 6-10 meters is sufficient. For work on a large area, it is better to choose sensors with a large radius.
6. BE AWARE OF ANIMALS. If there are pets in the apartment or in the courtyard of the house that can affect the sensor, it is better to take devices with special protection.
7. PAY ATTENTION TO PHOTO RELAY. This is a big plus, because in this case the product turns on only in the absence of light.

We will pay special attention to the choice of lighting devices:

1. When mounting the sensor on the street, use LED-type spotlights that easily tolerate temperature changes and load the wiring less.
2. In open areas, it is better to use lanterns that work on the luminescent principle.
3. When organizing driveway lighting, you can use all types of lamps, but in order to save money, it is better to choose the LED option.

Knowing the features of choosing a motion sensor and lighting elements, it is easier to make the right purchase and not make a mistake with the choice.

How to connect for lighting: on the stairs, to the apartment, on the street

There are five different connection schemes for lighting control. Consider the features of each of the options and common mistakes.

Circuits without a switch

To begin with, we highlight circuit solutions that do not imply the use of a switch.

XNUMX-wire connection

This is the simplest option, involving the use of several elements – a 220 V circuit breaker, a sensor, a junction box and a light source). The principle of collecting the circuit is the same as when installing the lamp.

First, power is supplied to the indicator, and through it it is directed to the lamp. It is better to assemble the chain in an individual circuit, and not in a general lighting chain.

A simplified diagram is shown below.

Using this method, you can connect motion sensors to turn on the light on the stairs, in an apartment or other object.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Run a cable with three cores and a 1,5 square wire into the junction box and sign the cores (indicate the phase, ground and neutral wires).
2. Pull two wires to the installation site of the control product that gives the command to turn on the lighting.
3. Place the device at a height of 120-200 cm from the floor. When installing, pay attention that it does not interfere with the opening of doors or other mechanisms. Installation near heating elements is not recommended.
4. Also put the cable that goes to the light source into the box.
5. Connect all cores using special terminal blocks – phase, zero and ground.
6. Connect the wires to the sensor. Put the phase on the terminal with L, and the second wire (from the lamp) on the load icon.
7. Finish the installation by installing the box and setting up. Set the automatic mode, operating time interval and sensitivity level.

The advantages of such a scheme are ease of installation, ease of forced inclusion and the possibility of mounting in different places.

The downside is that when installing lamps on LEDs or working on an energy-saving principle, there may be problems with light flickering.

XNUMX-wire circuit

The following diagram involves connecting the sensor to three terminals. Here you can select the infrared device type (for example, IEK from DD-009 to DD-019).

The advantage of models in a more affordable price and reliability. When buying, it is important to look at the degree of protection against negative influences.

For indoor installation, IP44 is suitable, and if there is a risk of moisture ingress, IP65.

With a three-wire circuit, phase and zero are supplied to the sensor, but the set of necessary elements remains unchanged.

To assemble the circuit you will need:

1. Motion Sensor.
2. Lamp.
3. Wires.
4. Junction box.
5. AB (circuit breaker).

The junction box includes three cables:

• with three cores from AB (“ground”, zero, phase);
• three cores per lamp (if the lamp has a metal case);
• three wires to the sensor.

Further, the wires are assembled in a box, taking into account the designations. After that, it is necessary to bring three wires to the controlling body – output, zero and phase (input). Connect the outgoing phase to the wire that goes to the lighting lamp.

You can simplify the circuit and not use a junction box, but then the wires will need to be led to the sensor and connected in the terminal block. The same scheme will turn out, but without the junction box.

In some devices, wires of different colors are already brought out, and in order not to open the box, you need to know what color it means.

1. Blue is zero.
2. L (brown) – input phase.
3. A (red) is the exit.

Next, adjust the sensitivity so that the device does not react to pets, and set the shutdown time.

Depending on the model of the motion sensor, there may be several setting elements. Read the instructions carefully.

In the photo above, one knob (circled in blue) is responsible for the time of day. The second (circled in red) – during the shutdown in automatic mode.

The actual coverage area depends on the type of sensor used.

For the greatest effect, it is better to place the product above the door or in the corner. In this case, the sensitivity will be maximum.

The disadvantage of this option is the inability to independently turn on / off the sensor. This feature can be useful in the event of a breakdown or malfunction. A switch can be used to avoid such situations.:

Connecting a 3-wire sensor to a 2-wire network

There are situations when a 3-wire sensor is available and only one broken phase. This option is available for some LED lamps, but additional elements will be required.

So, it is necessary to prepare a 400 V and 2,2 uF capacitor, as well as a VDI 1N4007 diode.

The schema looks like this:

• zero is connected to the light bulb and on one side goes to the capacitor;
• the output of the lamp is combined with the second terminal of the capacitance;
• then the wire from the output of the light bulb and the capacitor goes to the sensor (N) and the diode (output);
• the input to the diode is combined with the output A of the sensor;
• L connects to phase and motion control device.

The scheme is convenient in that with a 2-core cable, you do not need to make any major changes or change the wiring.

But there is also a minus. This option will not work with all types of LED lighting, so the type of light bulb will have to be selected individually. If the lamp lights up, the light may flicker.

In addition, the application of this scheme for another load is excluded. In this case, the total power of the connected lighting should not exceed 80 watts.

Circuit with starter and contactor

Most of the products that respond to movement operate in a network with a relatively small load of up to 1 kW. If the power is higher, it is necessary to use a magnetic starter capable of passing large currents through itself.

In this case, the main load will go through its contacts, and the product that controls the movement will control the closing coil.

The principle is simple:

1. The phase goes to contact L on the motion sensor and the starter.
2. Zero is connected to N, contactor coil and lamp.
3. The second wire from the bulb goes to the starter.
4. The second wire from the contactor goes to sensor A.

With proper assembly, such a circuit is convenient and avoids damage to a device that is not designed for high currents.

Switching circuit with a switch

Above, we considered two switching circuits without a switch. If this option is not convenient, you can fix it and install a disconnecting element in the chain. The most popular scheme involves the use of a switch with one key.

One sensor

For optimal operation of the device, it is necessary to connect the first wire from the switch to the lamp connection contact with the terminal, and the second to the phase. This approach allows you not to depend only on the sensor and turn on the lighting as needed.

In a circuit with a switch, the latter cannot be inserted in series into the phase, because in this case the light bulb will not turn on immediately. The reason is that in the event of a power outage and after it has been supplied, the device needs time to scan the room. This means that the light will turn on with a delay.

This feature can greatly annoy the residents of the room. On average, it takes up to 10-20 seconds to scan an object. This time will have to stand in the dark.

Two sensors

There are situations when one sensor is not enough. To cover the entire area, it is necessary to use several devices that control movement. To simplify the circuit and not pull the phase directly for each element, you can use two products at once.

The number of motion control devices is not limited, and the bottom line is that their outputs are connected in parallel in a box, and after that the rest of the circuit is assembled.

Scheme of parallel connection of two sensors.

This option is convenient for lighting a long corridor. For example, at the beginning of the journey, the first sensor is triggered and gives a command to turn on the light. While you have reached the far part, the lamps are still on, and when you enter a new zone, the first lamps will fall asleep, and a new batch will light up. Time intervals can be set manually.

The advantage of the circuit is that it uses a switch that allows you to turn off the light regardless of the action of other devices. It is installed parallel to L’ and L.

How to avoid false positives

To avoid false switching on of lighting in the circuit solutions discussed above, follow these tips:

1. Do not place sensors near trees or heating devices.
2. Break always only the phase.
3. Make sure that the sensor is not exposed to light rays, for example from an incandescent lamp.
4. Fasten the product according to the type (wall, ceiling).
5. Do not mount the unit near air conditioners or a window where there is air movement.
6. Keep the glass of the infrared product clean and undamaged.

Following the above tips allows you to quickly and without errors connect a device to control lighting on the stairs, in the apartment or on the street.

How to connect to the spotlight

Another issue that needs to be considered is how to properly connect a motion sensor to a spotlight.

To do this, you can use one of the following schemes:

1. WITH THREE CONTACTS. In this case, the phase is connected from the shield to terminal L. From the output A, the wire goes to the input L of the spotlight. Voltage is applied when the motion sensor is triggered. Contacts N are combined and sent to the shield. Ground is routed directly to the floodlight and connected to PE to divert potential voltage from the metal case.
2. USING A SINGLE SWITCH. In the solution discussed above, the use of a switch is not provided. But this can be fixed. As a rule, the switch is mounted in a phase break (before the product that controls the movement). In this case, when the switch is turned off, the voltage is removed from the entire circuit. The second option for connecting the switch is in parallel with the phase and output of the motion sensor. With this solution, you can turn on the lighting without being tied to other devices. When the switch is turned off, the entire circuit operates normally.
3. USING A DOUBLE SWITCH. In this case, a kind of symbiosis of the two circuit solutions discussed above is introduced. One contact of the switch breaks the phase, and the second one goes in parallel. When both buttons are turned off, voltage is completely removed from the circuit. When the first key is disabled, the sensor operates in normal mode and turns on the spotlight when motion occurs. If only the second key is actuated, the lamp is immediately energized.
4. TWO SENSORS. The same principle as discussed above applies here. Two movement-controlling bodies are located in parallel, after which they are connected to the supply circuit and the spotlight.
5. CONNECTING THE LAMP TO A LOWER VOLTAGE. If it is necessary to turn on the floodlights at a lower voltage (12, 24 or 36), a power supply unit is installed in front of the input, which reduces 220 V to the required level. In this case, three wires (with ground) enter the PSU input, only power is sent to the sensor.
6. FOR SEPARATE PHOTO RELAY. When installing old motion controllers without a photo relay, the latter has to be connected separately. In this case, the wire goes from the sensor output to the relay, and only after that to the floodlight input. Zeros are combined, and the ground goes to the source of illumination.

Above are the basic diagrams that allow you to connect a spotlight with or without a switch. Here, everyone already makes a decision, taking into account the current tasks and features of the premises.

How to connect to Arduino

Of no less interest is the connection of a motion sensor to Arduino for organizing a smart home.

To solve the problem, you need to prepare:

• Arduino board;
• PIR motion control device;
• solderless breadboard;
• 220 ohm resistance and LED;
• wires of the “father-father” and “father-mother” type.

The name of the contact connections for different manufacturers may differ, therefore, before performing work, it is necessary to study the features of the module.

One pin is connected to GND, the next to VCC (5V), and the rest to OUT (transmits a digital signal from the PIR sensor).

PIR sensors are almost identical in design. They have the necessary sensitivity at a distance of up to six meters, and visibility is 110 * 70 degrees. The output is either 0 or 1, depending on the detection of the fact of movement.

Can I do it myself?

Despite the low price of sensors, many are trying to make devices on their own and save money. The advantages of such a solution lie in the ability to understand the principle of operation well, reduce maintenance costs and “sharpen” the device for specific application conditions.

In addition, with the right assembly, you can reduce costs and even upgrade the system.

But there are also disadvantages. Before starting work, it is necessary to purchase equipment, draw a diagram, determine the dimensions and other points. This requires experience and knowledge. However, there is no guarantee that the finished scheme will work.

If you decide to assemble the motion sensor yourself, prepare the following items:

• housing for collecting circuits;
• set of elements;
• soldering iron and wires of different sections;
• fastening;
• screwdriver;
• other materials – electrical tape, pliers, cambric.

To turn on the lighting, a sensor with a photocell built into it will be used. The photo relay will act as a switch.

To collect the scheme you will need:

• capacitor (C1);
• operational amplifier DA1;
• phototransistor (VT1);
• resistance R1 to load the collector and create a working point;
• resistor R2 to implement feedback.

When properly assembled, the circuit works like this. After light enters VT1, the element fires, and the phototransistor opens, followed by charging C1. When the voltage is removed from VT1, the capacitor is discharged and the voltage decreases.

The light source for the photocell can be a simple laser or an infrared LED.

The assembly takes place according to the following algorithm:

1. Assemble the power supply, adjust it and control the output current.
2. Connect a resistor to the negative of the power supply.
3. Connect the diode with the cathode.
4. Bring a tuning resistor to the anode.
5. Connect the transistor emitter to the negative wire of the power supply.
6. Connect the resistance with the base circuit.

After assembly, it remains to test the correct operation of the product when light hits it. Possible errors must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

Possible problems

Other reasons can lead to false positives and incorrect operation of the sensor, which we mentioned above:

1. Mounting the wall sensor on the ceiling. If such a mistake was made, then the device will not work correctly because their viewing angles are different.
2. Arbitrary activation of the sensor after its deactivation. This often happens with IR products when there is a light source near the device, the beam from which directly enters the sensing element. Therefore, it is important to place far from lighting fixtures.
3. Influence of drafts, wind and glare. You can not mount the sensor on air conditioners, above windows, in corridors where a strong draft blows. Above places where water accumulates and where direct sunlight falls. Reflected glare falling on the sensitive element of the sensor will lead to its frequent operation.

Results

The motion sensor allows you to organize street lighting or make light control inside a dwelling. To achieve your goals, you can use ready-made solutions or make them yourself.

The main thing is to carefully approach the choice of components and correctly assemble the circuit.