Buy LED lamp with motion sensor: What to look out for

Are you planning to buy one or more LED lamps with motion sensor soon? Then the lighting experts at AdvantageLED will be happy to provide you with some essential information about this product type. After all, one smart motion sensor is not the other.

When buying LED lighting with motion sensors, it is first of all important to pay attention to the type of sensor in the lamp. A passive infrared motion sensor only responds to heat, while an ultrasonic motion sensor actually uses sound waves. Consider which one best suits your needs.

There are many products with big differences in quality in the world of smart lighting. In addition to the type of sensor, pay attention to the sensitivity, the range and the possible presence of a delay timer. Sometimes it is also important that the sensor dust- and water-resistant is.

What is an LED motion sensor?

A motion sensor is a component used in combination with LED lighting to detect motion in the environment. The light source can be switched on or off based on detected movement within a set range.

In most cases, the LED lights will jump on for a few seconds or minutes upon detection of motion in the immediate area. After this, either the light is automatically dimmed or switched off completely. This may also happen in stages.

The big advantage of an addition like a smart motion sensor is energy savings. Also, lamps with this kind of sensor last many times longer than 'ordinary' LED lamps without motion detection. This is because the lights do not need to be on for as long thanks to the sensor.

Generally, an LED lamp motion sensor uses either heat (passive infrared) or sound (ultrasonic) to recognise movement. This is directly the main way to recognise different types of LED motion sensors.

Passive infrared vs. ultrasonic sensor

There are two main categories in the world of LED motion sensors, namely passive infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors. These use two fundamentally different methods of motion detection:

• Passive infrared sensor (PIR): uses heat detection in the infrared light spectrum to recognise changes in the immediate environment. Its advantage is very fast movement, especially compared to ultrasonic detection. Disadvantages, however, are the very limited detection angle and obstruction by possible obstacles.

• Ultrasonic sensor: Uses sound detection and can therefore also recognise stationary objects without IR radiation. The main advantage is the large detection angle and almost instant detection, even in the presence of obstacles. The disadvantage of sound detection is the sensitivity to ambient noise that can be picked up by the sensor.

Important features to watch out for

Have you been able to choose between PIR and ultrasonic sensors depending on your personal needs and situation? Then you are not done yet. Also consider the following factors, among others, when choosing the right LED lamp with motion detection:

• Reach: Motion recognition depends on the selected detection angle. The sensor can only scan a small area for movement in a specific direction. Anything beyond this often requires an additional sensor. So pay attention to how large the room is and align sensors on walkways and locations with a lot of activity.

• Sensitivity: A good LED lamp with sensor offers the ability to adjust the sensitivity according to your needs. This allows you to control how fast (or slow) a lamp turns on in response to motion. Make sure the sensor you choose has this option.

• Effect of ambient light: Some sensors are designed exclusively for use in the dark. They may sometimes have difficulty in dim light or indoor environments where a lot of daylight falls in. So always test the effect at different light levels.

• Delay timer: To avoid errors, a delay can be set for motion detection. Sensors with a delay timer only jump on after a certain number of seconds of constant movement. This is often better for energy saving and to avoid irritation during use.

• Consumption: Not every LED lamp and sensor is equally economical. The higher the quality of the lamp, the better the consumption efficiency will often be. Always check product specifications while buying.

• Protection: Some applications require special protective measures for safety reasons (and to prevent the product from breaking down). In these cases, pay attention to IP ratings for water and dust resistance.

• Installation method: Sometimes an LED lamp with sensor can be screwed into a socket just like that, but other products require specialist installation knowledge. Check the manual and the type of wiring or fitting beforehand. There are also wireless options.

• Brand, type and warranty: Obviously, it is better to choose a reliable LED manufacturer. Go for a popular type of LED light source and pay attention to the warranty of this product when making your purchase. In the online shop of AdvantageLED, we have a preselection of high quality ready for you, including a long-term manufacturer's warranty.

The advantages of a motion sensor

Users of LED lighting with motion sensor cite the following benefits as their main reasons for choosing this smart lighting technology:

• Energy-efficient choice: Light comes on only when motion is detected by the sensor. This eliminates the need for lights to be constantly on when no people are present in a room. This will measurably reduce the overall energy consumption of your lights.

• Improve lifespan: The already long-lived LED lights need to work less hard than the same LED lights without a motion sensor. This is because the lights are on for less time, reducing the total burning hours per year. This will greatly increase the overall life expectancy of the light sources.

• Safe environment: Providing dark environments with automatic lighting can help prevent accidents. A motion sensor can also work in conjunction with security cameras to secure the environment from unauthorised persons.

• Ease of use: Motion sensors are designed to operate automatically and autonomously, without manual actions by users. This allows instant illumination of an environment without effort based on movement alone. This is useful in working environments where both hands are already being used for something else, or where hygiene is important.

• Accessed: When a person cannot reach the light switch due to a physical disability, they can still enjoy a bright interior space.

• Sustainability: By saving energy and reducing light pollution, the environment is also helped by a motion sensor on an LED lamp. In addition, LED lights with a sensor need to be replaced less often, consuming fewer resources.

LED lamps with motion sensor at AdvantageLED

By now, you have a good overview of the differences between the types of LED lighting with motion sensors. Keep the practical information in this overview handy during the buying process to make the best choice for your needs.

Want to be sure that LED lighting and its sensors are of high quality? AdvantageLED selects smart lighting with great care. We guarantee all our products, and are happy to help you with personal advice.