為家居選擇最佳 PIR 動態感應器

您可能不知道甚麼是 PIR 動態感應器，但在日常生活中，您一定體驗過動態感應器帶來的便利。還記得當您走進辦公大樓的走廊或洗手間時，燈光會自動為您開啟嗎？這就是 PIR 動態感應器的神奇之處。

如果您想為家居生活增添這份便利，本指南將協助您選擇最適合的 PIR 動態感應器。

目錄

• 甚麼是 PIR 動態感應器？
• 選擇家居動態感應器時的注意事項
• 結語

甚麼是 PIR 動態感應器？

PIR（被動式紅外線）動態感應器是一種電子感應器，能被動測量其視場內物體發出的紅外光。 

由於 PIR 動態感應器廣泛應用於基於 PIR 技術的動態探測器中，因此 PIR 動態感應器 一詞通常是指動態感應探測器或開關，而非動態感應器電子元件本身。

在大多數情況下，PIR 動態感應器的運作方式類似自動電燈開關，會在偵測到動態時開啟燈光，並在您離開時關閉。使用 動態感應燈飾開關 可以大幅節省能源和電費，同時為您的家居生活提升舒適度與便利性。

選擇家居動態感應器時的注意事項

我們列出了幾項主要考慮因素，協助屋主選擇最理想的 家居動態感應器.

選擇您所需的功能

動態感應器主要包含兩種工作模式：自動開啟/自動關閉的 佔用模式（Occupancy Mode） 以及手動開啟/自動關閉的空置模式（Vacancy Mode）。 

簡單來說：

• Occupancy mode(auto on/auto off) turns the light on and off automatically with more convenience. You don’t have to mind about the lighting at all.
• Vacancy mode(manual on/auto off) requires you to manually turn on the light and automatically turn it off while you leave. Compared to occupancy mode, vacancy mode could save more energy and keep the lights always off with no light false-on caused by motions.

While most motion sensors offer an integrity that combines the two modes into one, allowing you to switch modes freely for different applications and scenarios. There are certain types of motion sensors that are labeled as either an occupancy sensor or a vacancy sensor only, meaning the function is singular and cannot be changed. 

For home usage, there are certain places more suitable for occupancy modes like bathrooms and garages. Places like master and kid bedrooms can be installed with vacancy sensors where you don’t want the light to turn on while in a good sleeping.

Or, simply choose a 2-in-1 motion sensor that you can change working mode any time you need. 

Mind the Installations

The installation is very easy. DIYers can replace and install motion sensors with only a screwdriver in under 15 minutes. But before choosing your ideal motion sensors, take a look at your light switch wallbox to see if there is a neutral wire or not.

Most PIR motion sensors require a neutral wire for the PIR sensor to work individually for detecting infrared and motions. If you already have a neutral wire in your wall box, you can choose most motion sensors on the market as they provide a neutral wire.

If you find no neutral wire but only a ground wire, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the convenience of motion sensor switches with the help of ground wire type motion sensors.

These types of motion sensors are specially made for homes that do not have a neutral wire. They work with a ground wire instead of the standard neutral wire. When choosing these types of motion sensors, go with sensors that are labeled with  “ground required” or “ground wire required”.

Design Matters

A well-designed product can improve your home’s comfort and convenience in all aspects. The ideal product should not only provide reliable functions but also fit your home’s overall decoration. Unlike commercial buildings that look for function over design, if the product cannot make your home look nicer than before, then it’s not a good product.

When choosing motion sensors for your home, look for these design factors that might make a difference. 

Color

We decorate our homes with diverse designs and colors. Every home is different and unique. You can choose to match the color of the motion sensor to your wall color. But sometimes, matching colors is not a bright idea as it’s hard to locate the switch. A classic white color sensor switch is always a wise choice, and they match almost every color.

Shape

If your home is a minimal-designed style, you can choose a square corner sensor switch to look fresh and lean. If your home is decorated with rich elements, you can choose a round corner switch that adds more warmth.

Function

Setting the function is not a one-time process. We might need to adjust mode frequently in daily usages, like adjusting to a longer 30 min time delay for kids to take a shower in the bathroom and change it back to 1 minute after shower. The convenience of how to adjust mode and setting is definitely one major thing to look at. While some sensors are designed with dials inside the cover plate, you need to uncover the plate first and use tools to adjust settings. It’s more convenient to choose a PIR motion sensor that is designed with touch-only operations by pressing buttons on the panel.  

結語

There is no motion sensor that suits all homes, but there is definitely one that suits you best. 

Following the general guidelines above can help you find your ideal motion sensors.

It’s never too late to replace your mechanical light switch with a PIR motion sensor switch to embrace to green and energy-saving lifestyle. And it saves electric bills, a lot!