Microwave Sensor vs. PIR Sensor

Microwave Sensor 1The lighting industry is experiencing tremendous technological advancements. In particular, the use of sensors is making lighting smarter and more effective. Still more, sensors can optimize the security of your home. Thus, it’s important to equip your home with the right sensors. You can choose either microwave sensors or PIR sensors. The following guide will help you understand the differences between these two types of lighting technologies.

The Benefits

Motion sensor lights offer top-notch security. You can install them in gardens, entryways, parking areas, as well as, building sites. When motion is detected, these floodlights will automatically be turned on. This not only provides increased security but also prevents strangers from trespassing on your property.

PIR Sensors

PIR Sensors 1Passive infrared (PIR) sensors utilize infrared technology to constantly monitor the surrounding. They feature to small slots that track movement within range. When there’s no movement, both slots will pick a similar amount of infrared radiation. Nonetheless, when a foreign body comes close, one of the slots will be quick to pick up the movement. And this will in turn trigger the lights to turn on.

Once the warm body leaves, the temperature automatically drops, and the sensor returns to its normal position, hence turning off the lights.

Remember, PIR sensors are specifically designed to detect heat signatures. As such, they aren’t triggered by inert objects. They’ll only trigger animate bodies, such as animals and human beings.

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of PIR sensors include:

Pros

  • Small in size
  • Inexpensive
  • Energy efficient
  • Easy to use
  • Wear resistant

Cons

  • Lower sensitivity
  • Less coverage than their microwave counterparts
  • Cannot function in temperate settings of more than 35 degree Celsius

PIR Sensors 2Works effectively in Line of Sight. However, it will find difficult to work in those corner regions.  Not very sensitive when it comes to very slow object motions.

Microwave Sensors

Microwave sensors are designed to work like sonar systems. They send out signals into the environment and measure how long it takes for them to bounce back. When an object passes through the detection zone, the signal will be disrupted, and it’ll take longer to reach the microwave sensor.

When the sensor detects this time delay, it’ll trigger the lights to turn on. These sensors are suitable for use in large and awkwardly shaped spaces. They can produce signals that travel through obstacles such as glass.

Adjustable Microwave Sensors

Since microwave sensors are overly sensitive, adjustable microwave sensors were developed. You can adjust them to fit your personal needs. They’ve been uniquely designed to detect movement from all angles within a distance of 6 meters. Plus, their sensitivity can be easily regulated with the touch of a button.

These sensors also incorporate a photocell that can be adjusted to detect different light levels. When it isn’t being used, it’ll automatically switch off hence saving you substantial amounts of energy.

Some of the pros and cons of microwave sensors include:

 Pros

  • Improves home security
  • Saves energy
  • Lossless data transmission
  • Offers continuous real-time data analysis
  • Offers real-time feedback

Cons

  • Microwave radiation can be hazardous to your health. That’s why most people prefer low-wave microwave-based sensors
  • Irregular interval operation. Sometimes, it can fail to notice introducers
  • Expensive than PIR sensors
  • Not energy efficient. Uses more energy than PIR sensors

Tri-Sensor PIR

These sensors comprise a PIR and a thermometer. Based on the ambient temperature, the lantern will automatically increase or reduce the PIR’s sensitivity. The presence of a photocell, the Lux-Up, and Lux-down features make these lights some of the best options on the market. They’re highly functional and reliable.

The Bottom-Line

Microwave Sensor 2Optimize the security of your home with microwave or PIR sensors. Highly effective, these sensors make lighting smart and exciting. You can also use them to save energy at home. Choose the right type of sensors for your lighting system. You can either choose microwave or PIR sensors. Evaluate your needs. Consider the available options on the market.

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