Motion Sensor Placement
Motion sensors provide an essential part of most effective 21st century smart homes and the functionality they allow is vast. Simply speaking, the purpose of a motion sensor is to detect a person entering or moving around the room. The trigger is then passed to the smart home system to decide how the building should respond. Features in a smart home that are linked to motion sensing can include: automatic lighting, alarm triggering, automatic heating overrides and many other specific applications, the imagination of the integrator is the only limit.
Whilst it is becoming more common to see motion sensors in hallways and thoroughfares, a smart home can be greatly enhanced by installing motion sensors in a wide range of places throughout the building. We recommend, as a minimum, that a Faradite Motion Sensor is installed in bathrooms, hallways and all communal areas. We would also advise cabling for any rooms where there may be a requirement to install a motion sensor in the future.
Also, the exact position of the motion sensor in the room should be carefully considered to ensure you get optimal functionality and avoid any unwanted triggering of the sensor. Here are some top tips to consider to ensure perfect motion sensor placement:
Consider how people will use the room and where they are likely to enter - Putting a motion sensor immediately above the door is great to detect people entering the room, but also bear in mind the motion sensor should detect people as they use the rest of the space. Remember: The Faradite Motion Sensor 360 range will detect movement within the ~8m diameter (at floor level) sensing area when installed in a 3m high ceiling. The detection area is reduced to 5.6m by 6.6m when mounted in a 2.5 m high ceiling. The diagram below shows the exact sensing area of the sensor at various heights.
Ensure the motion sensor won’t be falsely triggered by movement outside the intended detection area - a motion sensor in the middle of a small room might be triggered by the feet of someone walking along the hallway. Consider moving the motion sensor towards the corner of the room to avoid false triggers from people using adjoining rooms.
In larger spaces consider multiple sensors to give complete coverage of the room - it is better to have overlapping detection zones than risk missing areas of larger rooms.
Ensure key pieces of furniture where you are likely to dwell are covered by motion sensors - for example, make sure the living room motion sensor detection area includes the sofa is a good idea.
Be aware of glass impacting detection areas – PIR Motion sensors cannot detect through glass, so consider how motion sensor detection areas will be impacted by something like a shower door/screen.
Remember to consider regulations for installations where zoning applies. The Faradite Motion Sensor 360 range is IP20. Please refer to applicable building regulations at the time of installation for guidance.
Bear in mind the 3D detection area - As a motion sensor detection area is a cone shape originating from the motion sensor, if you are near the edge of the detection area only your feet will be detected.
So far we have only considered the ceiling as a possible location to mount Faradite motion sensors. Whilst this is the most common location, motion sensors don’t need to be installed up high. There are many other great locations to install a motion sensor for some specific applications:
Inside wardrobes/joinery - Turn on wardrobe lighting as soon as a user opens the wardrobe doors.
Under desks - If the homeowner decides to work from home, sitting at their desk for more than a few moments can adjust the lights and set the heating to ‘Working from home’ mode.
Vanity Units - Ensure the perfect lighting is automatically triggered for the morning routine by installing Faradite motion sensors in furniture such as vanity units. As Faradite motion sensors can be painted, it is possible to colour match the sensor with the material it is being installed in to, making the sensor almost invisible. (NOTE: The lens itself can’t be painted, only the solid white plastic case. To paint the sensor, remove the PIR first by removing the two screws in the back of the sensor)
Garage - Keep an eye on the car with garage motion sensors linked to the building automation system that can for example send you a notification on your phone if motion is detected. The garage is another essential space to utilise automatic lighting, especially when your hands are full.
On the wall - The Faradite Motion Sensor 360 range is very discreet, why not consider mounting them vertically in a wall to give more detection area flexibility.
There are many benefits of motion based automation and all start by having correctly installed motion sensors. The Faradite Motion Sensor 360 range ensures consistent, reliable motion sensing from one of the most discreet sensors available.
Faradite motion sensors are compatible with Lutron, Crestron, Control4 & Loxone (as well as most other control systems) thanks to the volt free version of our sensors. So whatever your control system of choice is, make sure you use the Faradite Motion Sensor 360 Range for all your motion sensing needs.
For further technical information including electrical connections please refer to our datasheets:
Faradite Motion Sensor 360 – Volt Free Datasheet
Faradite Motion Sensor 360 – 0-10V Datasheet