The best motion sensors for turning on lights 2022
Automation of all processes is the dream of a modern person. You walk around the house in the dark, and the light turns on and off by itself. Miracles? No, it’s just technology. Healthy Food Near Me has compiled a rating of the best motion sensors for turning on the lights in 2022, or simply light sensors.

When we start talking about motion sensors, we must remember that there is some confusion in terms. The fact is that the actual motion sensors are devices for working as part of security systems. And motion sensors for turning on the light are actually called light sensors, however, in everyday life, both devices are called motion sensors.

What is the main purpose of motion sensors to turn on the light? Comfort? Of course, but first of all, such sensors are installed to save energy. Thanks to them, electricity costs are reduced from 30% to 60%.

Their presence is relevant both in residential and non-residential premises, since the light comes on only when a living object appears in the zone of their action. As soon as the movement stops, after a set time, the light automatically turns off.

Also, the presence of sensors allows you to extend the life of the bulbs, as they work less and burn out less often. Sensors are also convenient in that the light will not be on all the time if you forgot to turn it off and left the house or even left for a long time.

The principle of operation of the sensors is the same regardless of the manufacturer. But they may differ from each other in some characteristics, which must be taken into account depending on the purpose of installing the device.

Which of the motion sensors offered by manufacturers for turning on lights can be considered the best on the market in 2021? By what parameters should you choose it and what to look for?

Editor’s Choice

ORB OB134920

The infrared sensor reacts to the appearance of people or animals. You can program it with the remote control. The device operates from the mains, including lighting when an object is detected within the range. The device can operate at high temperatures (up to 40 º C), the minimum operating temperature is ー10 º C.

The editors chose this sensor as the best for several reasons. First of all, it has high power, which allows you to connect more light sources to it than to other standard sensors. Another major advantage is that it can be placed at a high height, up to 12 m, which means that the sensor can be installed, for example, under the roof of a two-story house. A high degree of moisture protection makes it possible to use the device outdoors (but only in the warm season), and a large 360 ​​° viewing angle allows you to cover a large area.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Material:plastic
Maximum power:1500 W
Width devices:140 mm
Device Height:140 mm
Device depth:68 mm
Wire connection type:screw
Protection class:IP44
Installation orientation:horizontal and vertical
Adjustment of the threshold for illumination:Yes
Sensitivity threshold adjustment:Yes
Max. frontal range:30 m
Scan Angle:360 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Wide viewing angle, remote control, response to small objects
Users report a little late response of sensors, can not be used outdoors in winter
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Top 10 best motion sensors for turning on lights in 2022 according to KP

1. Legrand 48 946

The device can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Both wall and ceiling mounting is possible. The sensor is equipped with a function to automatically turn on and off the light when it detects a moving object in the coverage area. It has an adjustable time setting during which the light will be on: from 10 s to 10 min. Connection of halogen and LED lamps is possible. The sensor has a maximum viewing angle and a degree of moisture protection.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Rated voltage:In 230
Protection class:IP55
We commute. power:1000 W
How the motion sensor works:passive infrared (PIR)
Installation height:2.5 m
Max. frontal range:8 m
Max. range to the side:8 m
Scan Angle:360 °

Advantages and disadvantages

High waterproof rating, large scanning angle
High price
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2. IEK LDD 10−010−1100−001

The sensor automatically turns on the load when it detects moving objects within its range. The viewing angle is 180 degrees, the operating range is 10 m. This allows you to cover a fairly large area. The device is temperature resistant and is mainly used outdoors. Can be mounted both on the wall and on the ceiling. The housing is made of fire resistant plastic. However, the sensor power is small, designed for 1-2 light sources.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Material:plastic
Maximum power:0.45 W
Width devices:63 mm
Device Height:94 mm
Device depth:86 mm
Protection class:IP44
Scan Angle:180 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Low price, easy setup and installation, good sensitivity
Small knobs, little power
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3. ORBIS OB134312

The ORBIS OB134312 infrared sensor is used to control outdoor and indoor lighting. As soon as a moving object appears in its field of action, the device turns on the light. The sensor is mounted externally with a screw mount and fits perfectly into modern design. Due to its small size it is not conspicuous. The IP55 waterproof rating allows the device to be used outdoors. However, the scanning angle is small: in outdoor placement, it is better to use several sensors if you plan to scan a large area.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Width devices:72 mm
Device Height:80 mm
Device depth:100 mm
Material:plastic
Protection class:IP55
Adjustment of the threshold for illumination:Yes
Max. frontal range:12 m
Max. range to the side:8 m
Scan Angle:140 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Compact, fits into almost any design, has a high degree of moisture insulation, easy to mount
Does not always respond to the movement of the object, has a small viewing angle
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4. IEK IDD10−009−1100−001

The device is widely used in conjunction with automatic lighting and security systems. Applies the load, detecting movement in the field of action. Wide viewing angle and range allow you to cover a large area. The sensor is made of fire-resistant polycarbonate. Can be used indoors or outdoors. Service life 一 5 years.

Key Features:

Installation:on the wall / in the channel
Maximum power:1100 W
Width devices:95 mm
Device Height:80 mm
Protection class:IP44
Scan Angle:180 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Inexpensive, works both indoors and outdoors, easy to install, interesting design
Plastic is not of the best quality, does not always work, inconvenient adjustment
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5. Legrand 48945

An infrared sensor is used to control the lighting. The device turns on the light when a moving object appears in its field of action. When used in large rooms, it is desirable to use several sensors, since the scanning angle of the model is small. The device is mounted on the wall, easy to install. Stylish appearance will fit into any interior.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Rated voltage:In 230
Material:plastic
Protection class:IP42
Power:1000 W
How the motion sensor works:passive infrared (PIR)
Installation height:2.5 m
Max. frontal range:8 m
Max. range to the side:8 m
Scan Angle:140 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Easy installation, stylish appearance
Long response time, needs to be disassembled to adjust
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6. REV 28 509 0

The motion sensor is installed in residential premises, entrances of residential buildings, as well as in the corridors of public buildings. Reacts to the movement of an object within a radius of 6 meters, including lighting. The sensor distinguishes the time of day: in the “Sun” mode, the device works around the clock, and in the “Moon” mode only with a certain amount of illumination (total darkness). Operating temperature from -20 to +40 degrees. The device is attached to the ceiling, thanks to which the detection area expands. The low level of moisture protection does not allow the device to be used outdoors.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Material:plastic
Width devices:115 mm
Device Height:24.3 mm
Device depth:115 mm
Protection class:IP20
Max. frontal range:6 m
Max. range to the side:6 m
Scan Angle:360 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Wide detection area
Not protected from moisture, false positives are possible
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7. IEK LDD11-024-1100-001

The infrared sensor IEK LDD11-024-1100-001 is designed to control lighting in industrial premises and common areas. The device automatically turns on and off the light, detecting a moving object in the field of action. The time during which the light will be on is adjustable from 5 to 480 s. The body of the sensor is made of non-flammable polycarbonate, which makes its use the safest. The device is recommended to be installed at a height of 2-2,4 m. The scanning angle is 360 degrees, which allows you to cover more area. The service life declared by the manufacturer is 7 years. Warranty period – 1 year.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Mount type:screw
Width devices:115 mm
Device Height:115 mm
Device depth:58.8 mm
Protection class:IP3X
Max. power:1 W
Installation height:4 m
Max. frontal range:6 m
Max. range to the side:6 m
Scan Angle:360 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Wide viewing angle, flame retardant, long service life, low temperature operation
Some specimens have broken switches, poorly protected from external interference, sometimes it does not turn on right away
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8. REV 15 283 5

The device is the best option for installation in entrances, summer cottages, industrial premises and bathrooms. The sensor automatically turns on the light when heat sources are detected. The high degree of protection allows the device to be used both indoors and outdoors. Lighting turns off automatically after the set time has elapsed, which allows significant energy savings. Universal black color will fit into any design and will not attract too much attention.

Key Features:

Installation:open
Material:plastic
Width devices:98 mm
Device Height:60 mm
Device depth:87 mm
Protection class:IP44
Max. frontal range:12 m
Scan Angle:110 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Affordable, easy to install, stylish design
Big size, awkward fit
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9. IEK DD 035

The device is of the built-in type, that is, it is mounted instead of a standard switch. The sensor automatically turns on the lighting when it enters the viewing radius of a moving object. You can also set the sound signal. Withstands temperatures from -25 to +40 degrees. Viewing range 一 12 m. Such a sensor can only be installed indoors.

Key Features:

Installation:hidden
Material:plastic
Width devices:80 mm
Device Height:80 mm
Device depth:57 mm
Wire connection type:screw
Protection class:IP20
Installation orientation:horizontal
Max. frontal range:12 m
Scan Angle:140 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Takes up little space, easy to install
Does not work with LED lamps, it is installed only indoors
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10. EKFMS-19B

The built-in sensor is suitable for use in offices, homes and industrial premises. The device responds to movement. When a living object enters the sensor field, the sensor turns on the lighting. After a while, the light turns off, which allows you to significantly save energy. For ease of setup, the connection diagram is indicated directly on the product case. The moisture protection class is low, so the sensor can only be used indoors.

Key Features:

Installation:hidden
Material:plastic
Installation height:1,4 m
Protection class:IP20
Max. frontal range:6 m
Max. range to the side:6 m
Scan Angle:120 °

Advantages and disadvantages

Tilt and direction level adjustment, convenient connection
Weak wire fastening, not suitable for a standard socket
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How to choose a motion sensor

For help in choosing a motion sensor to turn on the light, Healthy Food Near Me turned to an expert – electrical engineering on local networks at commercial and industrial facilities to Yuri Slepukhov.

Popular questions and answers

What parameters should you pay attention to first of all?
1. First of all, you need to decide where the sensor will be installed, the desired degree of moisture protection, it is denoted in IP. If in a dry environment, IP20-22 is sufficient. In a room with high humidity – from IP44. For outdoor installation, sensors with IP44 and above are suitable.

2. The next option is operating range. Here you need to focus on the distance at which the sensor will have to work.

3. Next is viewing angle. Here everything will depend on the location of the sensor. If it will be installed in a narrow room, such as a corridor, a small angle is sufficient. If in a large wide room with several inputs, then one sensor with a large angle, preferably 360 degrees, otherwise there will be uncovered areas and errors in operation.

4. You also need to pay attention to whether there is adjustable sensitivity level. The presence of this function is important when installing in a room where there are animals. When installing the sensor outdoors, the presence of this function is always important, otherwise the device will be triggered even by small moving objects, such as frogs or mice.

5. Next – мощность. The higher it is, the more light sources can be connected to the sensor at the same time.

6. And the last thing you need to pay attention to – light level adjustment. If there is no regulator, the sensor can only be installed where the light level is the same throughout the day. For example, in blind corridors, staircases without windows, basements, etc.

Where in the room should motion sensors be installed and how many are needed?
In living rooms, motion sensors are usually not installed. Otherwise, the person who is there will have to wave their hands about every 10 minutes so that the light turns on again. In this case, presence sensors are more suitable, which will turn off the light only when a person leaves the room.

As a standard, motion sensors are installed at the entrances above the doorways or on the ceiling above the door. One sensor is enough for each input. Devices are also installed on stairs, on each flight and in walk-through rooms, for example, corridors. The required number of sensors will depend on the layout features, for example, if there are corners and turns, it must be taken into account that the sensor will not respond to a moving object outside the zone of its sensitivity angle.

When installing motion sensors, it is important to exclude objects from their detection zone that can lead to erroneous operation – air conditioners, fans, etc.

There are also devices that include several motion sensors and a control unit. They integrate with each other and work co-dependently. If one of the sensors is triggered, the signal is transmitted to the control unit, and all lighting devices connected to this unit are turned on.

Which motion sensor can be installed outdoors?
First of all, you need to look at the level of moisture protection (for the street – IP44 and higher), but it is equally important to adjust the sensitivity level so that the sensor only works on people. In addition, you need to adjust the light level so that the sensor works at the right time.

When installing the device on the street, the desired angle of its sensitivity will depend on the design features of the buildings. Depending on this, you will need one or more sensors.

Motion sensors differ among themselves in the way of installation: overhead and built-in. Provided that the characteristics of the devices are the same, the choice can be guided only by the design.

How to adjust the motion sensor with your own hands?
Most sensors are adjustable at an intuitive level. The controls are located on the surface of the device. They are labeled next to them. The sun or moon icon means adjusting the light level. If you turn the knob closer to the moon icon, the sensor will only work in the dark. The second slider sets the amount of time the light will stay on. The sensitivity control adjusts the size of the object the sensor will react to, as well as the degree of its remoteness.

Detailed instructions for adjusting the sensor can be found in the user manual that comes with the kit. But, according to the expert, for the correct operation of the device, a specialist must install and configure it.

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