Difference Between Motion Detectors & Occupancy Sensors

Sept. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- There is some ambiguity and misconception about the factual difference between a Motion Sensor and Presence Sensor – Generically both appear to have been engendered from a similar family of Sensors over a period of time however the evolution of technology has created a schism between these two closely linked Sensor technologies.

Professionals, Suppliers and Patrons generally use these terms very frivolously, which dilutes the boundaries of these Sensors. You will find below a treatise on the broad nuances of these sensors, which also underline their differences.

The chief difference between motion and presence detectors lies in their detection properties and areas of use. The particular situation determines which technology is used where.

Dynamic means effective: Motion detectors

Motion detectors respond to walking movements. They perceive these in the selected detection zone and respond to them: this means light is switched 'ON' when a movement is detected once ambient light levels fall below a preselected threshold. Light switches 'OFF again after the period you set. Their use is recommended for detecting moving objects outdoors or in thoroughfares indoors. The scope of installing or suggesting Motion Detectors is greater as compared with a True Presence or an Occupancy Sensor. The Costs of a Motion Sensor is lower as compared to the Presence sensor due to the technology and sensitivity involved.

High-resolution and sensitive:

Presence detectors respond to the tiniest movements using extremely high resolution, precision sensor technology. This is important indoors, particularly in conjunction with sedentary activities (offices for desk work, classrooms etc.) as well as for specific lighting tasks, such as in sports halls, changing rooms, corridors and storage areas.

The light sensors continuously measure ambient light and constantly compare it with the preselected level. Light is switched on when ambient light falls below a specific threshold while people are present. If it's bright enough, light is automatically switched off even if people are in the room. Some of these dual-purpose sensors are also called Multi Sensors – or sensors with multiple attributes, which in this case would be lux detection & Occupancy sensing.

With the evolution of the Presence Sensing Technology one finds that the patrons of this technology have now increased multifold. Building Automation Companies with a worldwide footprint have adapted their Bus and Communication protocols to encompass the Presence Sensors. KNX, BACNET & LON are some of the protocols that are actively supporting presence sensors in their projects.

Steinel, B.E.G Luxomat, Wattstopper, Honeywell, Theben, HTS, Busch Jaeger etc are some of the more prominent brands offering Sensors with widely accepted communication protocols.


Precision squared

The detection zones of our IRpresence detectors are not round but square. This is not only far more precise and practical but also better to plan there are no overlaps and no areas omitted. In addition to this, the square detection zones provided by STEINEL Professional presence detectors are precision-scalable.

The world is round rooms aren't

Our IR presence detectors have a square detection zone providing unmatched precision. This detection zone can be scaled with precision, and that's unique. Never before has it been possible to cover rooms with presence detectors without overlaps or leaving gaps: perfectly plannable zones, reliable detection at every point of the room. No longer is there any need for planners, electrical fitters or users to get worked up later on over poor presence-detection performance. Instead, everyone can look forward to maximum energy savings. Unseen anywhere else in the world, the incredible resolution of our presence detectors, with up to 4,800 switching zones, provides a level of detection precision that's previously not been possible.


Made for the most exacting of demands:
Presence detectors from STEINEL Professional

Presence detectors are the cream of the crop in lighting automation. We say: What counts is light when it's needed  and no light when it isn't.
All automatically - And always with perfection


Technology that works

Presence detectors must work in a way that requires absolutely no thinking on the part of either the people using them or the electricians fitting them. Our foremost maxim is sensor technology that works perfectly. Because a building comes with all sorts of different detection tasks and rooms that also involve widely differing activities, sensor technology needs to satisfy a wide range of demands. Presence detectors that leave pupils sitting in the dark while they are quietly at study are not particularly helpful. Long stay-'ON times to compensate for detection weaknesses are not particularly helpful either Nor are presence detectors that fail to provide the capability of manual intervention - to turn the light 'OFF', say, for video presentations. Poor detection performance is simply no use at all  and has nothing to do with what we can provide.

Top expectations demand performance to match

We are committed to meeting the expectations placed on us by building the best sensors money can buy because only a first-class engine makes a first-class car. In our opinion, this is the only way of providing you with the very best presence detectors that are available on the market. Developed and produced entirely by STEINEL Professional from the initial idea down to the very last detail. For perfection that works and lasts

The optical system, its resolution density, reach, detection characteristics and evaluation software are all crucial to the quality of a presence detector. Standardized testing provides us with the tremendous precision and the knowledge with which we bring objectivity and hard fact into the equation: It's an incorruptible measurement process that permits international comparison.


We know what we're talking about

Standardized movement is performed by a robot that simulates the human forearm: our NEMA arm robot. Using a temperature-controlled, standardized forearm model of unchanging mass, it performs a 90°-movement that's always the same (conforming to the American NEMA Standard).

Whether and the speed with which the sensor detects it is recorded in a measurement protocol that ultimately provides the basis for producing the detection diagram. There's not a sensor in the world that can't be measured and compared as objectively as this. On the basis of this process, we know exactly how every motion and presence detector performs. And we are extremely proud of where our products rank in this comparison but at the moment we'll politely refrain from comment.

For further information please contact:

•   Pammvi Group of Companies
•   Mumbai - India
•   Email:info@pammvi.com
•   Website:http://www.pir-motion-sensor.com

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Pammvi is sole distributor and dealer of Steinel, Germany products for lighting automation and power tools in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other sub-continent countries. Pammvi also deals in FDA certified drugs of abuse test kits and AED.