Progress does not stand still, new devices are being invented to make everyday life easier for the layman. One such device is a lamp with a motion sensor. This device allows you to forget about looking for a switch in the dark and the need to turn off the light when you leave the room, "smart" automation will do everything by itself: turn the lights on and off for you. In addition, such lamps allow you to save a significant amount of electricity, which is important in the face of depletion of energy resources and the constant increase in their prices.
In the article we will talk about the types, applications, advantages, disadvantages and the principle of operation of lamps with a motion sensor for an apartment.
Application areas
In residential areas, "smart" lamps are widely used. They are installed in entrances and on stairs to save energy. Lightingturns on when people enter the room, and turns off when no one is there. In apartments, LED lamps with motion sensors are used in corridors, halls, bathrooms, toilets, storage rooms, as well as on stairs and loggias. That is, wherever residents stay for a short time.
Especially relevant are such lamps in homes where there are elderly people who may forget to turn off the light or even forget the location of the switch. And small children will not be able to reach the switch due to their height. In private houses, street lamps with a motion sensor are installed in front of the entrance. Such a lamp will eliminate the inconvenience of finding keys and a keyhole in the dark, and will also scare off intruders.
Views
Mainly 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 he alth and can be adjusted to the angle and range of recognition. Failures occur if a person is dressed in outerwear that does not conduct heat well. Also, the sensor can react to household heating appliances. Lamps with an infrared sensor are suitable for bathrooms and corridors.
- Ultrasonic. The recognition system is based on the change in the reflected signal. They react to a person in any clothes and ignore heating devices. Differ in stable work at the high level of humidity. Even if the space is very dusty, the sensor can easilydefine the object. Since the device responds to ultrasonic vibrations, it may not work if a person enters quietly. To enable the movement of the object must be sharp enough. In addition, the sensor has a short range. Animals feel ultrasonic radiation and may experience discomfort and worry, but such a device is absolutely safe for humans. Luminaires with an ultrasonic sensor are an ideal solution for spacious halls, stairs, and entrances. They are suitable for outdoor lighting in private homes.
- Microwave. The device is based on the radiation of high-frequency electromagnetic waves. The sensor has a compact size, captures even the slightest movement, can detect an object behind thin barriers, and does not respond to temperature changes. But it may erroneously react to objects outside the serviced premises, for example, behind a thin door or window. Microwave radiation is hazardous to human and animal he alth. Such devices are quite expensive.
- Universal. Combine several types of sensors, which increases their efficiency.
Working principle
Lights with a motion sensor are quite simple in design. They consist of a motion sensor, a photocell and an 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 reacts to the level of illumination of the space. It is needed so that the lamp turns on only at night and does not react to movement during the day. The motion sensor captures 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 its coverage area, the light turns on automatically and burns exactly as long as necessary. You can set the turn off delay, then the light will go out after the room is empty. No more searching for the keyhole and switch in the dark: the pantry lights up as soon as you open the door, and finding things in the dressing room will be much easier. Installation of lamps with motion sensors saves up to 40% of electricity.
The advantages of such lamps are due not only to the presence of a sensor, but also to the use of LEDs in the design. The latter allow you to save up to 70% of electricity compared to other types of lamps. They are safe for human he alth and have a long service life. LEDs are not afraid of voltage drops: they work stably at mains voltage from 180 to 260 volts. In addition, they can operate over a wide temperature range, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. By the way, for pantries and dressing rooms ide althe solution would be lamps with a battery-powered motion sensor.
Flaws
The shortcomings 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 react to pets, objects outside the window or thin doors.
Lamps with a microwave motion sensor, as already mentioned, are dangerous to human he alth, so they are rarely installed in residential areas. And ultrasound often causes discomfort in pets.
How to choose?
The choice of a specific model depends primarily on the characteristics of the room. For small rooms, devices with an infrared sensor are suitable. For wardrobes, pantries, dressing rooms, wireless lamps with a motion sensor are the best solution. They are battery operated and do not require any communications.
Light sources with an ultrasonic sensor are suitable for spacious rooms: entrances, halls, stairs. A good solution would be to install them outside, in front of the front door.
An important factor in choosing a luminaire is the intended installation location. There are ceiling and wall models. The angle of recognition of objects for ceiling - 360 °, and for wall - 90-240 °. The latter are more suitable for stairs and duplex studio apartments.
Use and care
So that the lamp works stably andserved longer, you should follow a number of simple rules:
- Don't overload. They most often occur due to incorrect setting of the object detection range and sensitivity, as well as if there are foreign objects in the range of the device: indoor plants, curtains, partitions, etc.
- Periodically wipe the sensor and lamp from dust with a soft dry cloth.
- Do not operate the device if the housing or insulation is damaged.
Lamps with motion sensor greatly simplify daily life and save energy. But before purchasing, you need to properly study all the positive and negative characteristics of these devices, so as not to make a mistake in choosing.
