If it is possible to automate everyday life and minimize unnecessary movements - then this should be done without hesitation! Of course, the "smart home" system will cope with this task best of all, but even a couple of very simple elements of home electrical equipment can significantly simplify life. For example, a conventional motion sensor ...
1. If it doesn't work - check "zero"
The motion sensor is a smart replacement for a conventional switch, except that a simple electronic circuit does all the work. But to connect such a device and its subsequent operation, both a phase wire and a working "zero" are required. Therefore, if the sensor does not show signs of life, the first thing to do is to check "zero".
2. What is the IP of the device?
What is IP? IP - the degree of dust and moisture protection, that is, the ability of the device to resist excessive moisture, and both large and small particles of debris. The first number means protection from dust (6 is the maximum, the device is not afraid of debris particles of any size), and the second - from water (number 8 means the ability to operate under water).
It is best to buy motion sensors that bear the IP55 designation. Then the device will function properly under environmental conditions.
3. Sensitivity
It is very important that the motion sensor does not trigger:
- When dogs, cats and other relatively small animals appear.
- Moving debris, such as wind-blown newspaper.
Otherwise, suddenly turning on the spotlight will cause panic rises in the middle of the night several times. In order for this not to happen, you should correctly set such a regulator as "sensitivity". Usually it needs to be moved to the middle position, this is quite enough.
4. Working hours
This regulator is located next to the "sensitivity" - usually all three are placed side by side. And if you unscrew it towards the maximum, then the sensor will supply power to the projector for a rather long time - maybe 3 minutes or more. It is very convenient, for example, in front of the front door or wicket.
If you bring it closer to the minimum, then the operating time will also be reduced - it will be approximately 15 seconds.
5. Day or night
The last of the three knobs is usually labeled "LUX". In nine cases out of ten it is immediately put in the "night" position. This means that the sensor will not work during the day. It is very convenient and you do not need to control the operation of the device.
You can set it on the "day" or in the middle position, because motion sensors are not only placed on the spotlight, they are also mounted on doorbells and any other sound signaling devices.
6. Correctly direct the viewing angle
The most important operation when setting up the device. Any motion sensor has a certain viewing angle - for more expensive models it is 120 degrees, for less expensive ones - less. It is necessary to position the sensor in such a way that this angle of view covers the “protected” area as much as possible. Move it a little up, and the sensor simply does not see the object of operation, direct it down - it will be directed into the ground, respectively, "be silent".