Whether it’s doors that open automatically when you enter the grocery store or a notification on your phone that someone is at your door, chances are you are in constant contact with motion sensors every day.
Motion sensors are a staple in many homes and businesses, automating many of daily actions that make life safer and more convenient. But how do they work, and how can you fit them into your own home?
Read on to find out.
Motion sensor basics
Motion sensors (also known as presence sensors or motion detectors) are small electronic devices that can sense movement in a specific area. They can be standalone devices, or they can be embedded in other smart home devices like cameras or lights.
Motion sensors are typically used in security devices and smartthings and trigger an action. When part of a security system, motion sensors will trigger the burglar alarm if a person opens a door or comes into the coverage area while the system is armed.
In smart home devices, motion detection is often used to turn lights on (or off), start camera recording, or send real-time notifications.
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Types of motion sensors
Although the basic functionality of all motion sensors is to detect movement, there are different types of technologies that make them work.
Passive Infrared (PIR). This is the most commonly used type of motion detector in home security devices. With PIR technology, passive infrared sensors work by monitoring temperature changes in the specified area using infrared light sensors. When body heat is detected, it will trigger the motion sensor’s action, such as sending a notification, activating an alarm, or starting recording on a camera.
Active Ultrasonic. Active ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to identify motion within the device’s field of view. These silent ultrasonic waves bounce off objects in the sensor’s field of vision and back to the motion sensor, triggering the alarm.
Microwave sensors. This type of sensor identifies motion by sending out waves that capture the reflections coming from the moving object. Microwave sensors can monitor larger areas than the more commonly-used PIR sensors, but they are more prone to interference.
Dual technology. Dual or multisensors combine PIR and microwave sensor technologies. This is commonly done to help minimize false alarms.
While motion sensors are typically used to measure motion of people, they can also detect animals or moving objects. Most devices allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the device or the sensor, so you don’t get false alarms or notifications for movements that aren’t threats., like a pet jumping on the couch or a car driving by your home.
Smart motion sensors in the home
If you have a security system or smart devices in your home, chances are good you already have a number of motion sensors already.
Motion detection plays a key role in both home automation and home security, making your home more convenient and secure.
Motion sensors in smart home automation
Motion sensors are present in many smart home devices, including:
Smart lighting
One of the most popular forms of presence sensors in smart home automation is in lighting. Smart lighting can use motion sensors in a variety of ways, including:
Smart light bulbs have motion sensors in the light bulbs themselves. When a person or animal walks in front of the bulb'’s sensor, the light will turn on. When the light no longer senses movement, it turns on. Some smart bulbs also connect to wifi, so you can control them remotely as well.
Motion-activated light switches. Whether they are smart wall plate switches or dimmer switches, motion-activated light switches are another way you can set your lighting to turn on or off based on whether or not someone is in the room. These can be hardwired into your wall or battery powered. While wireless switches won’t require complicated wiring, you’ll need to consider battery life.
You can put smart lighting all over your home, from living rooms to closets to hallways. Smart lights are also useful outside as well. Motion sensor lighting along your front walkway, for example, can help light your way when guests or deliveries arrive.
Smart thermostats also use motion detectors to help you save energy. When the thermostat’s motion sensors detect a person’s presence, it will adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting. If no one is home, you can set the temperature down or up to help you conserve energy and save money on your electric bills.
Smart appliances
Many smart appliances use motion sensors as well. Vacuum robots and lawn mowers, for example, use motion detectors to help ensure they don’t bump into furniture or other objects. Smart assistants like Amazon Echo with Amazon Alexa and Google Home with Google Assistant also have motion sensors.
Home security systems also use motion sensors to make your home safer. Security devices with presence sensors might include:
Motion detectors. Although the terms motion sensors and motion detectors are often used synonymously, they are actually two different things. Motion sensors are found in many devices, but motion detectors are stand-alone devices that trigger an alarm or notification when a person is detected. In home security systems, motion detectors are often placed in high-traffic areas. If the security system is armed and the motion detector is triggered, it will sound the alarm and contact the professional monitoring center.
Security cameras. Motion sensors are also found in smart home security cameras. When motion is detected, it triggers the camera to begin recording. Most cameras will also send you a notification when motion is detected. Security cameras that rely on motion detection include doorbell cameras, indoor cameras, or outdoor cameras.
Security lighting. Motion sensors inside the house make life convenient and save energy; outside the house, they are often used to help make your home and yard more secure. If a person or animal walks in front of a light, it will activate the light.
Door sensors and window sensors. Door and window sensors are often contact sensors, meaning the sensors are triggered when contact between the sensor on the door or window and the sensor on the doorframe or sill is broken. They can also be integrated with motion sensors for more comprehensive protection of your home’s entryways.
Smart plugs. Although smart plugs themselves do not have built-in motion sensors, you can combine a smart plug with a motion sensor, so the sensor triggers the smart plug to turn on (or off) based on motion. Keep in mind that his will require a wireless protocol such as zigbee or z-wave in order to ensure smart plug and motion sensor compatibility.
Custom actions you can do with a motion sensor
So what exactly can you do with a motion sensor? Plenty! A few of the actions you can customize for your Vivint Smart Home include:
Turn your lights on when a motion detector senses movement
Set security camera to begin recording when a front or back door is opened
Record a video clip when your car is disturbed
Use motion sensors in your doorbell camera to record when someone comes to your door
Set your appliances or television to automatically turn on or off when you enter or leave a room
Vivint lets you customize each detail of your smart home, giving you a home with motion-activated security and home automation that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
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