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(92 products available)
How They Work
Active infrared sensors are built on sending out infrared beams and then measuring the reflection. This type of sensor will constantly send out energy, and when an object within that energy field comes into contact with the beams, the object will reflect some of the energy back to the source of emission.
Applications
Common applications include outdoor security areas, industrial fencing, and motion-activated lighting. Their ability to function well in bright light means that they are always dependable in security statuses.
Benefits and Disadvantages
One of the advantages of active infrared sensors is their accuracy. However, since they are constantly transmitting energy, they may consume more power than passive sensors. High costs also make them less affordable.
How They Work
Passive infrared sensors work by detecting changes in the infrared levels in the environment. All objects emit some level of infrared radiation, and the PIR sensors are designed to pick the level of radiation out to differentiate between people and other obstructions.
Applications
PIR are widely used in energy-saving lighting controls, outdoor security lights, and home security systems. They are very commonly found in systems where the detection of the human body needs minimal energy input.
Benefits and Disadvantages
PIR indoor motion detectors have the advantage of low power consumption because they don't actively emit signals, and they're typically less expensive than active sensors. As for the disadvantage, they are less reliable under direct sunlight or extreme heat.
How They Work
Microwave sensors emit microwave radiation and measure the change in the returned waves. Movement within the sensor coverage area affects the wave pattern, leading the sensor to detect motion.
Applications
Microwave sensors are frequently incorporated into commercial security systems, automatic doors, and industrial applications. They can penetrate obstacles, which makes them appropriate for different needs and statuses.
Benefits and Disadvantages
Benefits of microwave sensors include detection through walls and other objects. They can cover a longer distance compared to PIR. The main disadvantage is simply that, unlike PIR, these sensors can cause false alarms when used in areas with many obstructions since they can detect animals or even minor movements.
How They Work
As the name suggests, dual-technology sensors use both active and passive infrared technologies to detect motion. These sensors only send an alert when both technologies register motion, aiming to improve accuracy and reduce false alarms.
Applications
These types are also used in critical security areas, commercial properties, and advanced home security systems. Good performance is guaranteed in situations where false alarm prevention is critical.
Benefits and Disadvantages
The main advantage of dual-technology sensors is increased accuracy by combining detection methods, leading to fewer false positives. However, they are more expensive and complicated to install, unlike basic sensors.
The sensitivity and detection range are two features interconnected with the type of outdoor passive infrared heat sensors. For example, most PIR sensors have a coverage radius of between 30 to 40 feet, while some have longer ranges of several hundred feet.
Temperature compensation allows the sensor to maintain its steady operational state in either summer or winter. It means the sensor won't go into overdrive when the outside temperature is too high or too low, thus maintaining a proper detection level in all climates.
Many outdoor passive infrared sensors come with adjustable detection zones. Such sensors offer users the option to change the angle and distance of detection according to their needs, whether for outdoor lighting or security purposes. It feature allows people to customize coverage so they get optimal performance without picking up unnecessary movements out there.
Since operational dependability in outdoor passive infrared sensors is desired, they are constructed with high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. Most of these devices have at least an IP65 rating, which means that they can withstand dust invasion and exposure to jets of water from any direction. This feature protects the sensor from water damage, as well as damage from dust, dirt, and debris.
Another important thing to note is that, while all outdoor passive infrared sensors will detect movement, a few of them come with a feature that allows users to set the sensitivity according to their particular preference. Such settings help in eliminating false alarms resulting from small animals or during extreme weather conditions.
One of the most common ways to use an outdoor passive infrared sensor is in automated lighting control. For example, when a person walks into an area covered by the sensor, it will detect the body heat and the infrared radiation, and then the lights will turn on automatically.
In security systems, passive infrared sensors are mainly used to detect intruders. For example, in an outdoor area, a sensor will be mounted on the perimeter, and once it detects motion, the system will activate an alarm or send alert notification only when there is heat variation in the environment caused by a human.
In commercial buildings, passive infrared sensors are used to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For instance, in some places where a user wants to save energy, the sensor will detect an occupancy level, and then it will automatically adjust temperature settings in that area.
Some advanced outdoor passive infrared sensors have communication capabilities. Hence, after detecting an intrusion, the heat will be converted into an electrical signal; then, it will be transformed into an email alert that will be sent to the homeowner or interested parties.
The other common application is in automatic doors, mainly found in commercial buildings. For example, when a potential customer approaches, the sensor will detect their body heat and movement; thus, the door will automatically open.
Another interesting use is in the field of environmental science. Researchers use outdoor passive infrared sensors to monitor wildlife. The sensor will pick the first heat signatures of animals, and then they can gather important data concerning animal behavior, migration, etc.
When purchasing an outdoor passive infrared sensor, buyers should consider the coverage area. Basically, the PIR outdoor motion detectors should be appropriate for the area where they plan to install them to ensure proper detection of movements without any blind spots or overlaps.
One more feature in the outdoor passive infrared sensors that buyers should look for is adjustable sensitivity. In detail, such outdoor sensors allow users to adjust how sensitive the sensors are to motions. This feature ensures that the sensors are set to the right level according to their particular needs, which helps avoid pesky false alarms caused by small animals or blowing leaves.
In this case, the customers should choose outdoor passive infrared sensors that are easy to install and have minimal maintenance requirements, given that they will probably be exposed to elements like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Operational range is an important consideration, especially for customers living in extremely hot or cold regions. For example, they should look for sensors that function effectively within a wide temperature range and have features such as temperature compensation to guarantee performance in all seasons.
Customers should first determine the type of environment in which they intend to use the sensor indoors before buying one. In other words, if the area is prone to direct sunlight, it would be better to get a sensor with an anti-UV design, while one rated with a high IP grade would be ideal for customers who plan to place theirs in extreme weather conditions.
A: Yes, passive infrared sensors can work both at night and during the day. They are basically designed to detect the body heat emitted by people within their coverage area, regardless of light conditions.
A: The obvious cause of false activation of outdoor passive infrared sensors is pets. Other factors can include strong winds, heavy rain, or rapid temperature changes.
A: Active infrared sensors emit infrared radiation to detect motion, whereas passive infrared sensors only detect the heat emitted by objects within their coverage area.
A: A lot of outdoor passive infrared sensors have high Ingress Protection ratings that make them resistant to dust and water. However, customers should make sure that the one they choose has the required IP rating for their needs.
A: Depending on the particular model and manufacturer's guidelines, outdoor passive infrared sensors can generally withstand temperatures ranging from -30°C to 70°C. For example, customers residing in areas with harsh winters or extreme heat should look for a model capable of withstanding such temperatures.
