FAQ

For passive infrared security lights, the following product families are available:

• Motion detectors (also called security lights)
• Presence detector

The similarity in the two device concepts is that the light switches on (depending on brightness levels) when movement is detected.

However, the differences between the two concepts result from the typical place of use and required switch-off behaviour.

For example, presence detectors are primarily built for ceiling installation in offices and switch off the lights when they are no longer needed, i.e. if it is either too bright or there is nobody there. The brightness is continuously measured and analysed when the lights are switched on. A presence detector also needs to detect small movements that are typical of office work and therefore requires a high-resolution detection field and a sensitive sensor.

Motion detectors are used to monitor corridors, access passageways, entrances, etc. The movements detected here are a lot more noticeable and high-energy and can therefore be detected more easily.

Outdoor areas have a lot more disturbances that must not be wrongly identified as movement by a security light. The response behaviour of security lights has been optimised for this purpose. The light only switches off (including in the case of security lights) when movement can no longer be detected – irrespective of brightness levels.

The primary purpose of a motion detector is therefore to switch on a consumer when it detects movement (e.g. for traffic route security). In contrast to this, a presence detector switches lighting off and thereby creates savings potentials (energy costs).