How to Choose the Right Motion Sensor
Now Trending: Motion Sensors
Motion sensors have become more and more popular in our daily lives. It is an important solution in energy saving and home lighting control. There are different kinds of motion sensors on the market, which gives you variety of choices. You can choose your own motion sensors based on technology and your application to household use.
has some of the best motion sensors on the market with innovative technology such as passive infrared (PIR) detection technology.
Occupancy Sensors vs. Vacancy Sensors
There are a variety of motion sensors that have different types of functionality such as occupancy sensors or vacancy sensors. Occupancy sensors automatically turn on lights when motion is detected, and automatically turns off when motion is not detected in a certain amount of time. Vacancy sensors only automatically turn off the light when motion is not detected. Occupancy sensors are helpful when you don’t have free hands to manually turn on the lights and are commonly used in any room you typically enter, such as a garage, closet, laundry room, restroom, etc. If you are using vacancy sensor, you must manually turn the lights on when entering the room. Based on this feature, you may want to use a vacancy sensor in your bedroom if you or your partner don’t want the lights to be turned on during the night when motion is detected. Some motion sensors combine the 2 into one, such as
TOPGREENER TDOS5 Occupancy/Vacancy Motion Sensor
Customers can choose what they want based on their needs.
Motion sensors can also be categorized based on the technology such as passive infrared(PIR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and dual-technology sensors. Different technology sensors have different features. PIR sensor is most suitable in open areas and requires a direct line of sight between the sensor and the occupants. Ultrasonic sensors are more sensitive to subtle motions and can detect occupants behind objects. Based these features, a customer can choose the sensor that is best suitable for their application. For example, if the sensor is used for ceiling in the warehouse, PIR sensor is the best option. If a sensor is used in the office with partitioned spaces, the ultrasonic sensor is the best option. There are such sensors on the market having both technology embedded, such as
TOPGREENER MWOS Dual-Tech Sensor
The dual-tech sensor can meet almost all of your application needs.
Next Level Sensor: The Humidity Sensor
There are also other types of sensors that can be used for light control in your home, such as a humidity sensor. Humidity sensors are different from motion sensors in which they control the lighting by motion detection. Humidity sensors control lighting by detecting the humidity level in your home, i.e. the bathroom. TOGPREENER developed the world's 1st in-wall dual tech humidity sensor that combines a humidity sensor and PIR motion sensor. The
TOPGREENER humidity sensor switch can control both light and fans separately in one switch in the way you want.
Feel at Ease When Buying a Motion Sensor for Your Home
Before you buy a sensor, make sure you know what kind of sensors you need. It’s also important to note that before buying, you have to check the wiring in your house. It’s a must! Some sensors need a neutral wire to work properly and some sensors don't need it at all. There are neutral wires missing in some homes, especially older houses. If there is no neutral wire behind your switches, the best solution for you is to buy a sensor where no neutral wire is required, such as
TOPGREENER’s TDOS5-J Motion Sensor
If your house has neutral wire in the box, the best solution for you is to install a neutral wire required sensor, such as
Since 2011, the National Electric Code (NEC) requires houses to have a neutral wire in the switch box. If you install a neutral wire required sensor in a box without a neutral wire, it may cause a defect to the sensor as well as inhibit a safety issue.
