- \n
- What Is an Occupancy Sensor<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- How Do Occupancy Sensors Work<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- Occupancy Sensor Types<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Types of Occupancy Sensors by Mounting<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- Types of Occupancy Sensors by Power Supply<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- Occupancy Sensor Features<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- Why Use an Occupancy Sensor<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- Occupancy Sensor in IoT<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n
- Occupancy Sensor vs. Motion Sensor<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li><\/ul>
What Is an Occupancy Sensor<\/h2>
An occupancy sensor is a kind of motion sensor that detects the presence of a person in the detecting area. They are commonly referred to as auto-on, auto-off sensors. For example, when used to control lights, the occupancy sensor turns on the light when the sensor detects a person walking in the room and keeps the light on while the person is staying. The sensor will turn off the light automatically after the person leaves and has not returned to the room after some time(time delay). The principles are the same when an occupancy sensor is used in other applications. An example is the exhaust fans in public restrooms that automatically turns on when you need to use the bathroom and off after you leave.<\/p>
![\"rz036](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ceiling-mount-occupancy-sensor-rz036-front.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>Occupancy sensors and their solutions are widely used in residential and commercial buildings to automate lighting and ventilation systems like fans and HAVC to reduce energy waste and create a hands-free, convenient living and working environment.<\/p>
![\"occupancy](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/occupancy-mode-sensor-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>In commercial buildings, occupancy sensors are commonly required by energy codes to meet the energy-efficiency standard. They are also widely used in Internet of Things(IoT) networks to help monitor and analyze the data to improve room efficiency and space utilization.<\/p>
Vacancy Sensor<\/h3>
A manual-on, auto-off occupancy sensor is commonly called a vacancy sensor because it detects the vacancy status of the room. A vacancy sensor requires the user to manually turn on the light, and it will shut off the light automatically after the person leaves. Thus the name manual-on and auto-off occupancy sensor.<\/p>
![\"vacancy](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/vacancy-mode-sensor-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>Compared to occupancy sensors, vacancy sensors are more energy-efficient because the light can only be turned on by actual users, not by the sensor in any way. An occupancy sensor may detect a person passing by the room and turn on the light in an empty room. This is known as a false-on which is an obvious waste of energy. Vacancy sensors can effectively prevent false-on from happening. Given this, most energy code specifically requires vacancy sensors to be used in various places in commercial buildings.<\/p>
A 15-30 second vacancy confirmation window time is added after the time delay so that the vacancy sensor can still be activated by motion singles during this time period. After the confirmation time expires, users have to manually switch on the light.<\/p>
Occupancy Vacancy sensor<\/h3>
Some occupancy sensors will integrate both occupancy and vacancy mode to meet various use cases, so users don\u2019t need to replace or install another sensor when they want to change the motion detection mode. This kind of sensor is usually called an occupancy\/vacancy sensor or occupancy sensor for short. Most occupancy\/vacancy sensors are sensor switches so that users can buy the same type of light sensor switch for every room and then adjust the working mode for each individual room.<\/p>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/61YEYQqBZKL-994x1024.jpg\")
The blue button is to switch between vacancy mode and occupancy mode <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> However, most sensors are single mode, either occupancy or vacancy sensor, that can only work in one motion detection mode. For most residential and commercial applications, you don\u2019t need to change the mode from occupancy to vacancy or vice versa after the sensor is properly installed. <\/p>
How Do Occupancy Sensors Work<\/h2>
How occupancy sensors detect motion and the presence of people is mainly based on the sensor technology it utilizes. There are various sensors and sensing technologies, but the most common sensing technologies used in occupancy sensors are PIR, ultrasonic, microwave, and dual technology.<\/p>
Each technology has its pros and cons, and they each have specific methods for motion detection. Knowing their mechanics and how they detect motion singles can help you to choose the ideal sensor type for your projects.<\/p>
PIR Sensors<\/h3>
Passive infrared sensors, or PIR sensors, detect the infrared emitted by people to tell whether they are in motion or not. PIR sensors use two pyroelectric sensors, which are sensitive to infrared signals to detect the infrared radiation in the environment. When there is no movement in the background, the PIR sensor should detect the same IR amount in both two pyroelectric sensors(slots). <\/p>
When a warm body, i.e., a person or a cat, walks into the detecting space, it first intercepts one slot and then the other slot of the PIR sensor, which causes a positive differential change between the two IR signals. PIR sensors see this change as a sign of motion, so they know the room is now occupied. When the person leaves, the reverse happens, the PIR sensors know the room is now empty and unoccupied.<\/p>
Based on how it detects motion, we know that a PIR sensor is more sensitive to people walking across the sensor(lateral motion) but less sensitive to people walking towards or away from it(axial motion). This characteristic is vital when installing and adjusting occupancy sensors to get the best performance.<\/p>
PIR motion sensors are more sensitive to significant and large movements like walking up to about 40 feet(12 m). They have limited sensitivity to minor movements like typing at a distance greater than 15 feet(4.5 m).<\/p>
The term passive means PIR sensors are passively detecting heat signals emitted or reflected in the background. It does not send out detecting signals like an ultrasonic sensor, making the PIR sensor very energy efficient and using only a little power to function. It also distinguishes a PIR sensor from an active IR sensor.<\/p>
Pros and Cons<\/h4>
Being the most basic but also the most commonly used sensors in both occupancy sensors and other motion detector applications, PIR sensors do have very competitive advantages. <\/p>
PIR sensors are very inexpensive, durable, and energy efficient. They only need very little power to function, making them the ideal sensor solution for long-term applications.<\/p>
Another reason why PIR sensors are suitable for occupancy sensors is that occupancy sensors and PIR sensors all mainly detect people\u2019s presence. Motions that PIR sensors are able to detect are mostly from warm bodies, which can rule out many non-human activities. This also makes PIR sensors suitable for spaces with high airflow where ultrasonic sensors are not competent in such applications. On the contrary, PIR sensors cannot be installed near distraction sources where heat changes rapidly, such as HVAC and coffee machines which can be detected as a false motion signal.<\/p>
Because infrared signals cannot move past walls or obstacles, PIR sensors require a clear line of sight from the detecting area, meaning PIR sensors must be able to \u201csee\u201d the motion. They can not see through obstacles, glasses, or corners to detect infrared signals. This can be both a pro and a con.<\/p>
The con is that PIR sensors are only good for small to medium enclosed spaces with a clear line of sight. Places such as public restrooms with many stalls are not a place to install PIR occupancy sensors.<\/p>
The pro is that you are able to adjust the detection range to monitor only a selective area of space. By masking part of the lens on the sensor with adhesive tapes, you can restrict its detection coverage, preventing the sensor from detecting certain areas. If your PIR occupancy sensor is constantly getting activated by people passing the room, you can mask part of the lens to avoid these false triggers.<\/p>
Ultrasonic Sensors<\/h3>
Ultrasonic sensors emit high-frequency sound waves above the human hearing range throughout an area to detect motion. Ultrasonic sensors have transducers inside, comprised of a transmitter and a receiver. The <\/p>
soundwave sent from the transmitter bounces off objects in the area and reflects back to the receiver. If there is a change in the frequency of the reflected sound waves, the change is interpreted as a motion. By measuring the time between sending and receiving the sound wave, ultrasonic sensors can determine the distance between the sensor and the target. <\/p>
The ultrasonic sensor is an active sensor that needs to continuously send and receive ultrasonic sound waves to detect motion, which means they need to consume a good amount of power for the sensor to function. <\/p>
Ultrasonic sensors do not require a line of sight, making them ideal for places and applications with obstacles in the path, such as public restrooms with multiple stalls.<\/p>
Pros and Cons<\/h4>
Ultrasonic sensors are highly suitable for spaces where a line of sight is not possible, such as partitioned spaces such as public restrooms, open offices, enclosed hallways, and stairways. Ultrasonic sensors typically have a larger coverage area at a distance of up to 25 feet. <\/p>
Ultrasonic sensors are highly sensitive, making them ideal for places with low-motion activity and minor movements or applications where a high level of sensitivity is required, like people typing and turning pages. They are most sensitive to motions to and from the sensor due to the characteristics of ultrasonic sound.<\/p>
On the contrary, ultrasonic sensors are not good for places with high levels of airflow vibrations because the vibration can trick the sensors into falsely turning on and off. And they are not competent for applications where only a selective range needs to be monitored, such as control of individual warehouse aisles.<\/p>
Microwave Sensors<\/h3>
Microwave sensors emit low-power electromagnetic radiation and receive the reflected microwave for motion detection. The microwave pulse emitted from the sensor bounces off objects in the room and reflects back to the receiver of the microwave sensor. If the microwave is altered in the reflected microwaves, the change is interpreted as a motion. They can also tell whether the target is moving towards or away from the sensor or randomly in the room by analyzing the waves so that they can also be configured to detect different types of activities.<\/p>
Microwaves can penetrate walls and holes, which means they have a more extensive detection coverage for both inside and outside usage. Microwave sensors are very versatile and can be used in virtually any environment.<\/p>
Pros and Cons<\/h4>
Microwave sensors are inexpensive to purchase but costly to run because it needs to constantly draw power to emit and receive microwave. So most microwave sensors work intermittently to reduce costs and are designed to cycle from ON and off status, which may be an obvious pattern. But it can also work constantly in a busy house to reduce on and off circles.<\/p>
Microwave sensors are extremely sensitive and usually not accurately configured, so they can cause many false triggers or false alarms and are more susceptible to electronic interference. <\/p>
Dual-Techonolgy Sensors<\/h3>
Dual technology or dual-tech sensors combine PIR and ultrasonic sensing technologies for motion detection. The combined technologies significantly increase the sensor\u2019s overall reliability for complex and high-sensitivity applications. <\/p>
Get Inspired by Rayzeek Motion Sensor Portfolios.<\/h3>
Doesn't find what you want? Don't worry. There are always alternate ways to solve your problems. Maybe one of our portfolios can help.<\/p>
PIR Motion Sensors<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div>
\u041f\u0435\u0440\u0435\u043a\u043b\u044e\u0447\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432 \u0434\u0432\u0438\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div>
\u0414\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a\u0438 \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0441\u0443\u0442\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0438\u044f<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div>
Air Conditioner Motion Sensor<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div>
\u0421\u0432\u0435\u0442\u043e\u0432\u044b\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0441\u044b \u0441 \u0434\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a\u043e\u043c \u0434\u0432\u0438\u0436\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div>
Low-voltage DC Motion Sensors\/Dimmers<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div>
Wireless Motion Sensor Kits<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dual-tech-sensor.jpg\")
A dual-tech sensor combines both lens and ultrasonic detectors. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> In idle mode, only the PIR sensor is working to detect motion, while the ultrasonic sensor is in sleep mode to reduce energy consumption. When the PIR sensor detects a motion, the ultrasonic sensor now wakes up to validate the same motion. Only when both two sensors have detected the same motion the dual-technology sensor is now activated. This design can ensure the lowest possibility of false-on.<\/p>
As long as either PIR or ultrasonic sensor is continuously detecting motion, the dual-tech sensor is kept activated. When both sensors cannot detect the motion, the dual-tech sensor now thinks the room is empty. This design can lower the possibility of false-off.<\/p>
Most dual-technology sensors are also self-adaptive to adjust sensitivity and timing automatically. <\/p>
Passive & Active Sensors<\/h3>
Many people tend to call PIR sensors passive sensors and ultrasonic, microwave, dual-tech and other types of sensor active sensors. This is a personal preference for calling sensors and we also list the type here for our readers.<\/p>
Typically passive sensors are durable because they don\u2019t use much electronics so they have fewer possibilities of electronic failure. And they use much less power as they only receive signals without the need to emit.<\/p>
Occupancy Sensor Types<\/h2>
Occupancy sensors can be sorted by different factors, such as sensor technology, install locations, working voltage, etc. To help users choose the most suitable sensor types for their home and commercial application, we will try to cover every major occupancy sensor type and explain their advantages, differences, and usages.<\/p>
Types of Occupancy Sensors by Mounting<\/h2>
Occupancy Sensor Switch<\/h3>
Occupancy sensor switches are switch-type occupancy sensors. They are also called in-wall occupancy sensors, occupancy sensor wall switches, or motion sensor switches.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/pir-motion-sensor-switch-trans.png\")
A typical PIR sensor switch: The lens above the button is to detect infrared signals.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Unlike other occupancy sensors that are mostly mounted on the surface of the wall or ceiling, occupancy sensor switches are installed in the wall switch box. Most occupancy sensor switches are specifically used to control lighting or fans to replace regular light switches. Because they act more like a light switch with a built-in occupancy sensor feature rather than a standalone occupancy sensor, the wall switch type is more commonly called a motion sensor light switch.<\/p>
One significant advantage of occupancy sensor switches is that they integrate the control(switch) and sensor into one, so it\u2019s convenient for users to override the sensor and manually control the light. For the same reason, almost all vacancy <\/strong>sensors are switch type sensors as they don\u2019t need to connect to another switch or control to turn on the light. In contrast, most ceiling and wall mount sensors are occupancy sensors only, mainly for detecting the occupied status of the room.<\/p>
Single-Pole Occupancy Sensor Switch<\/h4>
Single-pole occupancy sensor switches are the standard type of sensor switches and can control one or multiple light fixtures from a single location. <\/p>
Three-Way Occupancy Sensor Switch<\/h4>
Three-way occupancy sensor switches allow you to control one or multiple lights from two different locations, such as the beginning and end of a long hallway or stairway. What you need are a three-way occupancy sensor switch and a three-way regular light switch, and install the 3-way occupancy sensor switch at either end and the 3-way light switch at the other end.<\/p>
![\"long](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/long-hall-way.jpg\")
Install three-way occupancy sensors in both ends of the long hallway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> You cannot use two 3-way occupancy sensor switches at both ends because they will fight for the control of the lights. Only one occupancy sensor switch can be used in 3-way or multi-location installations.<\/p>
Neutral and Ground Required<\/h4>
When selecting occupancy sensor switches, you need to specifically pay attention to the wiring requirement.<\/p>
The occupancy sensor switch requires an individual power supply for the sensors to detect motion and activate the relay switch even when the light is turned off. That\u2019s why most occupancy sensor switches require a neutral wire to work. That neutral wire is for the occupancy sensor to draw a bit of standby power continuously. These types of sensor switches are called \u201cneutral required\u201d occupancy sensor switches. Most modern homes now include a neutral wire in the wall switch box, so the neutral wire required occupancy sensor switch can function properly. <\/p>
![\"wiring](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/3\u7ebf\u5c3a\u5bf8-1024x1024.jpg\")
Green and Red load wire and Black ground wire<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> If you have a neutral wire in the switch box, you should choose a neutral required occupancy sensor switch. These switches have 4 wires, a load wire, a hot wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire.<\/p>
Older homes may not have a neutral wire available in the switch box because the national electrical code did not require neutral wires in the switch box at that time. A \u201cground required\u201d or \u201cno neutral required\u201d occupancy sensor switch is made for this situation. Instead of the neutral wire, the occupancy sensor draws a little bit of current via the ground wire for the sensor to function, which is allowed by code because the current is very tiny and completely harmless. The ground wire is required but the neutral wire is not required.<\/p>
![\"wiring](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/4\u7ebf\u5c3a\u5bf8-1024x1024.jpg\")
Green and Red load wire, Black ground wire and White neutral wire<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> If you don\u2019t have a neutral wire but a ground wire in the switch box, you should choose a \u201cground required\u201d occupancy sensor switch. These sensor switches have 3 wires, a load wire, a hot wire and a ground wire. <\/p>
Manual Override<\/h4>
Manual override is a practical feature allowing users to manually override the motion sensor temporarily or permanently to use it as a regular light switch. <\/p>
Wall Mount Occupancy Sensor<\/h3>
Wall mount occupancy sensors are usually mounted on walls between 8-10 feet above the floor. They might lose sensitivity if they are mounted higher than recommended mounting height. Wall mount occupancy sensors usually have a 110\u00b0 pattern and a 2500 sq. ft. coverage. <\/p>
One significant advantage of wall mount occupancy sensors is that they are very flexible with installation. You can locate and install the sensor wherever you need it and further fine-tune the head of the motion sensor to ensure it is precisely pointing at the desired detection area. In contrast, you have fewer installation options when installing sensor switches, as they can only be installed in pre-installed wall boxes.<\/p>
Ceiling Mount Occupancy Sensor<\/h3>
Ceiling mount occupancy sensors are usually mounted on the ceiling between 8-20 feet above the floor. They might lose sensitivity if they are mounted higher than recommended mounting height. Ceiling mount occupancy sensors can usually have a 360\u00b0 pattern and a 2000 sq. ft. coverage. <\/p>
![\"ceiling](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/ceiling-sensor-installed-1024x768.jpg\")
Ceiling occupancy sensor Installed next to the light<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> The advantage of ceiling mount occupancy sensors is that they have high detecting performances because they can have a good line of sight when pointed downside on the ceiling and are less likely to be disturbed by normal obstacles on the ground. Ceiling mount occupancy sensors can also be networked with other wall mount or ceiling mount sensors to provide extensive coverage.<\/p>
High Bay Occupancy Sensor<\/h3>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/high-bay-occupancy-sensor-1024x1024.jpg\")
High bay occupancy sensor looks different ceiling sensor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> High bay occupancy sensors are specially designed for high ceilings that normal ceiling mount occupancy sensors cannot cover. High bay occupancy sensors are usually mounted between 20-45 feet above the floor, whereas ceiling mount occupancy sensors can be considered low bay(12-20 feet ). Additionally, high bay occupancy sensors can be both 180\u00b0 lens end-mount and 360\u00b0 lens surface-mount unlike ceiling mount occupancy sensors.<\/p>
Desk Occupancy Sensor<\/h3>
Desk occupancy sensors are mostly used in IoT systems that are installed under the desk to monitor the usage of the desk and human presence in working areas. It has a narrow-angle, 180-degree PIR motion sensor to detect people at the desk without interference from people walking past. Desk occupancy sensors are connected wireless to the IoT systems to communicate the data.<\/p>
Types of Occupancy Sensors by Power Supply<\/h2>
Low Voltage Occupancy Sensor <\/h3>
Low voltage occupancy sensors are hardwired and powered from a power pack that can convert AC to 24V DC voltage. The lighting and occupancy sensor are connected via the power pack. When the occupancy sensor detects a motion, it will send a control signal to the power pack so as to switch the load or control the lighting. <\/p>
![\"power](\"https:\/\/rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/low-voltage-powerpacks.jpeg\")
Low voltage occupancy sensor requires a power pack for electricity<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> The advantage of low-voltage occupancy sensors is that you can freely place and install the sensors anywhere on the ceiling without directly disturbing the power lines. Additionally, you can easily wire and connect multiple occupancy sensors in a network via the power pack to provide extended coverage for large spaces like open offices.<\/p>
Line Voltage Occupancy Sensor<\/h3>
Line voltage occupancy sensors are hardwired and get power directly from 120\/277VAC line voltage. It\u2019s also called a self-contained sensor as it does not need a power pack. The lighting is powered and controlled directly by the occupancy sensor. Line voltage sensors are mostly used individually for detecting a small area where a single sensor\u2019s coverage is sufficient for the entire space.<\/p>
Line voltage occupancy sensors are mostly used when low voltage sensors are difficult to install, i.e., lack of spaces for installing the power pack or junction box is hard to access, as an ideal compact solution.<\/p>
The disadvantage of line voltage occupancy sensors is that they can only switch about \u2153 or \u00bd of the load(max load 5A-8A for lighting) compared to a low voltage sensor(max load 16A-20A for lighting) with a power pack.<\/p>
Wireless Occupancy Sensor<\/h3>
Wireless occupancy sensors are powered by internal batteries without the need for extra wiring. They detect motion and send control singles wirelessly to the controller to switch the load. <\/p>
Wireless sensors are growing in popularity, especially for upgrading existing lighting controls in your house or office. They are easy and quick to install without the worry of messing with existing wires or adding new wires or power packs.<\/p>
Occupancy Sensor Features<\/h2>
There are some standard features that occupancy sensors would include.<\/p>
Time Delay<\/h3>
Time delay is the period of time that delays the light from turning off after the sensor cannot detect any motion in the area. It is an essential feature to keep lighting consistent without turning on and off in circles. When the space is vacant and the sensor cannot detect a motion, the time delay starts to count down. The light is still kept on and the sensor is still looking for moving objects. If it cannot detect any motion single after the time delay expires, the sensor will switch off the load, confirming an empty space.<\/p>
Occupancy sensors allow users to adjust the time delay settings to suit their demands. Generally, there are several preset time delay options from 15s, 1min, 3min, 5min, and 15min to 30min for users to choose from. The actual time delay will vary by product and application, but it\u2019s generally within the range of several minutes to 1 hour. <\/p>
The shorter the time delay, the more energy you can save because the lighting will quickly switch off after you leave the room. However, it may cause the lighting to falsely turn off while you are still in the room if the movement is minor and hard to detect, such as reading or working on computers. Longer time delay can solve the problem, but obviously, it will result in more energy waste by keeping the lights on, illuminating an empty room.<\/p>
That said, choosing the optimal time delay is as important as it can be. Generally, a 15-minute delay for indoor usage is recommended to achieve the most efficient balance of lamp life and energy efficiency. In commercial buildings, The energy code used to require a maximum of 30 minutes time delay but now they have reduced it to 20 minutes for a higher energy-saving efficiency.<\/p>
Light Sensor \/ Photocell<\/h3>
Light sensor, photocell, or daylight sensing feature means the occupancy sensor integrates a photocell sensor that is able to detect ambient light along with motion signal. The feature is to prevent the light from turning on in the daytime or when there is sufficient ambient natural light.<\/p>
Generally, there are several preset light sensor values from 15 lux, 25 lux, to 35lux, or it can be self-adjustable and learn from daily usage patterns. For example, if you select 35LUX and turn on the light sensor, the light will not be activated by any motion when the ambient brightness is above 35lux.<\/p>
Daylight sensing is a very beneficial feature to help you save energy in the daytime a step further. When there is enough natural light, you don\u2019t have to turn the artificial light on. Natural light is also beneficial for people\u2019s health. If you disable the light sensor, it will behave like a normal motion detector that gets activated whenever a motion is detected.<\/p>
Sensor Sensitivity<\/h3>
Sensor sensitivity, sometimes known as range, allows users to adjust how sensitive the motion sensor can detect a small at a given distance. All sensor technologies allow users to adjust the sensitivity. The higher sensitivity, the better the sensor can detect a minor motion at a large distance. Thus, sensor sensitivity is also called distance or coverage by different manufacturers.<\/p>
Generally, setting a high sensitivity is adequate for most scenarios. It\u2019s worth noting that high sensitivity is not always a good thing. If the sensitivity is too high, the sensor may capture activities outside the detecting area which will eventually cause a false-off. For example, the light inside the conference room may turn on when a person simply walks by because the sensor has detected the motion signal via the door or glass. In this case, you can try a low sensitivity to reduce false activations to improve accuracy. <\/p>
Masking<\/h3>
Masking is a way to partially cover or mask the PIR sensor to limit or adjust its detection range by preventing it from receiving signals from a certain angle or area. For example, if the sensor is frequently getting activated by people from outside the detecting area, you can mask the sensor with tapes to prevent it from detecting signals from that area. This only works with PIR sensors because PIR sensors require to \u201csee\u201d the IR signal.<\/p>
Some occupancy sensor switches like Leviton may provide a built-in slider for users to limit the detecting range from the two sides. It can be a very convenient feature to further fine-tune the detection accuracy.<\/p>
Dimming<\/h3>
Dimming is a good complementary feature that expands the flexibility of the occupancy sensor. Besides simply turning the light off in an empty room, dimming occupancy sensors can leave the light at 20% to 50% level to provide minimal visibility without wasting much energy. Dimming occupancy sensors are also called partial-ON, partial-OFF sensors.<\/p>
Why Use an Occupancy Sensor<\/h2>
There are plenty of good reasons to use an occupancy sensor than a manual light switch. We\u2019ll talk about some good reasons here.<\/p>
Maybe You Are Interested In<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staging.rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rz037-front-view.jpg\")
<\/div><\/a><\/div>\u041f\u043e\u0442\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0418\u041a \u0434\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0441\u0443\u0442\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0438\u044f RZ037-DRY \u0441 \u0441\u0443\u0445\u0438\u043c \u043a\u043e\u043d\u0442\u0430\u043a\u0442\u043e\u043c \u0440\u0435\u043b\u0435<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- \u041f\u043e\u0442\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043d\u044b\u0439 PIR \u0434\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0441\u0443\u0442\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0438\u044f \u0441 \u0441\u0443\u0445\u043e\u043a\u043e\u043d\u0442\u0430\u043a\u0442\u043d\u044b\u043c \u0440\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0439\u043d\u044b\u043c \u0432\u044b\u0445\u043e\u0434\u043e\u043c<\/li>
- 12\/24VDC or 12\/24VAC low-voltage supply<\/li>
- COM, NO, and NC isolated relay contacts for EMS, HVAC, and building control inputs<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"RZ048](\"https:\/\/staging.rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rz048-main-clean.jpg\")
<\/div><\/a><\/div>RZ048 12V\/24V 360-Degree Recessed Ceiling Microwave Motion Sensor Switch<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Low-voltage DC recessed ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch<\/li>
- 12 VDC \/ 24 VDC input with 10-30 VDC range<\/li>
- 10A max work current with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
RZ048-10A 360-Degree Recessed Ceiling Microwave Motion Sensor Switch<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Higher-load recessed ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch<\/li>
- 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 10A model<\/li>
- 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
RZ048-5A 360-Degree Recessed Ceiling Microwave Motion Sensor Switch<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Recessed ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch<\/li>
- 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 5A model<\/li>
- 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
\u041f\u043e\u0442\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0434\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0441\u0443\u0442\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0438\u044f \u0441 \u0434\u0438\u043c\u043c\u0435\u0440\u043e\u043c RZ037-DIM 220V<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Ceiling-mounted RZ037 PIR occupancy sensor dimmer for 220V power<\/li>
- 3A maximum working current with 660W rated load<\/li>
- LUX button controls light-sensor ON\/OFF and user-set dimming brightness<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
RZ037-DIM 110V \u041f\u043e\u0442\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043d\u044b\u0439 PIR \u0414\u0430\u0442\u0447\u0438\u043a Occupancy \u0421\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043e\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0414\u0438\u043c\u043c\u0435\u0440<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Ceiling-mounted RZ037 PIR occupancy sensor dimmer for 110V power<\/li>
- 3A maximum working current with 330W rated load<\/li>
- LUX button controls light-sensor ON\/OFF and user-set dimming brightness<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"RZ047](\"https:\/\/staging.rayzeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/rz047-main-product-square-1200.jpg\")
<\/div><\/a><\/div>RZ047 12V\/24V 360-Degree Ceiling Microwave Motion Sensor Switch<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Low-voltage DC ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch<\/li>
- 12 VDC \/ 24 VDC input with 10-30 VDC range<\/li>
- 10A max work current with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>Product Details <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
RZ047-10A 360-Degree Ceiling Microwave Motion Sensor Switch<\/a><\/h4><\/div>
- Higher-load ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch<\/li>
- 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 10A model<\/li>
- 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity<\/li><\/ul> <\/div><\/div>
- How Do Occupancy Sensors Work<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n