Progress does not stand still, invented all new devices designed to facilitate the everyday life of the layman. One of such devices is a lamp with a motion sensor. This device allows you to forget about the search for the switch in the dark and the need to put out the light when leaving the room, "smart" automation will do everything itself: turn on and off the lighting for you. In addition, such lamps can save a significant amount of electricity, which is important in conditions of depletion of energy resources and a constant increase in prices for them.
In the article we will talk about the types, applications, advantages, disadvantages and the principle of operation of lamps with a motion sensor for the apartment.
Fields of application
In residential premises, “smart” lamps are widely used. They are installed in the entrances and on the stairs to save electricity. Lighting turns on when people enter the room, and turns off when there is no one. In apartments, LED lamps with motion sensors are used in corridors, halls, bathrooms, toilets, pantries, as well as on stairs and loggias. That is wherever the tenants are for a short time.
Especially relevant are such lamps in homes where there are elderly people who may forget to turn off the lights or even forget the location of the switch. And young children will not be able to reach the switch due to growth. In private homes, streetlights with a motion sensor are installed in front of the entrance. Such a lamp will relieve the inconvenience of finding keys and a keyhole in the dark, as well as scare away intruders.
Kinds
Mostly luminaires differ in the principle of operation of the sensor. These include:
- Infrared The sensor responds to changes in room temperature. Such lamps are safe for health and can be adjusted to the angle and range of recognition. Failures happen if a person is wearing outerwear that does not conduct heat well. Also, the sensor can respond to domestic heating appliances. Lamps with an infrared sensor are suitable for a bathroom and a corridor.
- Ultrasonic The recognition system is based on a change in the reflected signal. They react to a person in any clothes and ignore heating appliances. They are characterized by stable operation at a high level of humidity. Even if the space is very dusty, the sensor will easily detect the object. Since the device responds to ultrasonic vibrations, it may not work if a person walks in quietly. To enable the movement of the object should be sharp enough. In addition, the sensor has a short range. Animals feel ultrasonic radiation and may feel discomfort and worry, and for humans such a device is absolutely safe. Luminaires with an ultrasonic sensor are an ideal solution for spacious halls, stairs, stairways. They are suitable for outdoor lighting in private homes.
- Microwave The device is based on the emission of high-frequency electromagnetic waves. The sensor has compact dimensions, picks up even the slightest movement, can detect an object behind thin obstacles, does not respond to changes in the temperature background. But he may erroneously react to objects outside the serviced premises, for example, behind a thin door or window. Microwave radiation is a danger to human and animal health. Such devices have a fairly high cost.
- Universal. Combine several varieties of sensors, which increases their efficiency.
Principle of operation
Lamps with a motion sensor are quite simple in design. They consist of a motion sensor, photocell and LED placed in a plastic case. There are models with other types of lamps: energy-saving, halogen, incandescent. However, LEDs are the most economical and durable option.
The photocell here responds to the level of illumination of space. It is needed so that the lamp turns on only in the dark and does not respond to movement during the day. The motion sensor picks up temperature fluctuations in the surrounding space or changes in the wave nature. The circuit closes and turns on the LED lamp.
Benefits
The main advantages of luminaires with motion sensors are comfort and energy savings. As soon as a person enters his coverage area, the light turns on automatically and burns exactly as much as necessary. You can set the shutdown delay, then the light will go out after the room is empty. You no longer need to look for the keyhole and switch in the dark: the lighting will light up in the pantry as soon as you open the door, and finding things in the dressing room will become much easier. Installation of luminaires with motion sensors saves up to 40% of electricity.
The advantages of such lamps are due not only to the presence of the sensor, but also to the use of LEDs in the design. The latter can save up to 70% of electricity compared to other types of lamps. They are safe for human health and have a long service life. LEDs are not afraid of voltage drops: they work stably with a voltage in the network from 180 to 260 volts. In addition, they can operate in a wide temperature range, so they are suitable for installation both indoors and outdoors. By the way, for pantries and walk-in closets, the ideal solution would be lamps with a battery-powered motion sensor.
disadvantages
The disadvantages of the described light sources are caused by errors in the sensitivity setting and the principle of operation of the sensor itself. So, if the sensitivity is set too low, the sensor will not always work, and if it is too high, it will erroneously respond to pets, objects outside the window or thin doors.
Lamps with a microwave motion sensor, as already mentioned, are dangerous to human health, so they are rarely installed in residential premises. And ultrasounds often cause discomfort in pets.
How to choose?
The choice of a specific model depends primarily on the characteristics of the room. For smaller rooms, devices with an infrared sensor are suitable. For cabinets, pantries, dressing rooms, the best solution would be wireless fixtures with a motion sensor. They operate on batteries and do not require communications.
Light sources with an ultrasonic sensor are suitable for spacious rooms: porches, halls, stairs. A good solution is to install them outside, in front of the front door.
An important factor when choosing a lamp is the intended installation location. There are ceiling and wall models. The recognition angle of objects in the ceiling is 360 °, and in the wall - 90-240 °. The latter are more suitable for stairs and duplex studio apartments.
Rules of operation and care
In order for the lamp to work stably and last longer, a number of simple rules should be observed:
- Do not overload. They most often arise due to improper settings of the detection range of the object and sensitivity, as well as if foreign objects are in the radius of the device: indoor plants, curtains, partitions, etc.
- Periodically wipe the sensor and lamp from dust with a soft dry cloth.
- It is forbidden to use the device in case of damage to the housing or insulation.
Luminaires with motion sensors greatly simplify everyday life and save energy. But before acquiring, you need to properly study all the positive and negative characteristics of these devices so as not to make a mistake in choosing.