Motion Sensors

For the Trade

Start with the space and how it’s being used, then the rest of the choice gets easier. In a tight corridor, stairwell or small store room, you usually want motion sensors with a narrower field so they do not keep picking up movement outside the area. In a larger room or open access route, coverage matters more than finish or extras, because a dead patch is what causes the call-back. A PIR motion sensor is still the common pick where you want straightforward detection. More sensitive control only makes sense if the layout and use justify it.

Types of Motion Sensors

The main split is between standalone motion sensors and motion sensor lights.

Standalone units suit you when the fitting is already chosen and you only need the control. That keeps the spec cleaner on refits and lets you match the sensor to the load.

Motion sensor lights are the simpler buy when you want the control built in. They cut down on separate parts, but you lose some flexibility if the fitting or sensor needs changing later.

A motion sensor light is usually the quicker answer for straightforward replacements. A separate motion detector gives you more room to pick the right layout. If you’re matching an existing scheme, the parent Lighting range is the place to keep the rest of the spec consistent.

Selection Factors for Motion Sensors

Start with how the area gets used, then decide how much control you need from the sensor. Basic motion sensors suit simple switching when you just want the light to come on and go off with movement. Occupancy or presence versions are worth the extra spend when you need the light to stay on longer or pick up smaller movement.

False triggers and missed triggers cause the grief, so coverage and sensitivity matter more than the label on the box. If the job sits within a wider scheme, Downlights usually call for a neater, more discreet sensor. Commercial Lighting often needs wider coverage and more reliable detection.

Finish the Room

Once you’ve picked the motion sensors, the next call is what sits around them. On a refurb, that usually means sorting the surrounding panels, screens and wall finish so the sensor is not the only new bit on show.

In a plant room or service area, you may also be matching storage and access gear to keep the space workable. Commercial lighting jobs often need the sensor choice kept in step with the rest of the scheme. Leave it too late, and the finish or fixing detail is already set around something else.