Check out our lamps, luminaires with detectors, and also separately sold detectors.

How does a motion and presence detector work?

Lamps with detectors have sensors to measure movements, which will determine when the bulb turns on. There are 3 detection modes.

For electric fixtures, the infrared detector: it detects changes in temperature; when a human or animal passes by, the sensor detects the heat emitted by the body of a living being and the lamp turns on.

Also for electric fixtures, the radiofrequency detector: it emits radio frequency signals and analyzes changes in these signals caused by movements (humans, animals, branches, cars, etc.). Radiofrequency detection is more powerful and can detect through a wall, for example. It is recommended for outdoor use.

This motion detector, which is installed as a ceiling fixture in humid environments, uses radiofrequency detection. Perfect for outdoors.

For solar lamps, the twilight sensor: it turns on the lamp at nightfall by measuring the ambient brightness. A solar lamp can have a twilight sensor or an infrared sensor.

A coupled timer allows you to turn off the lamp after a few seconds (depending on the chosen settings). Some models can be paired with a remote control, a button to force the lamp to turn on, or controlled from your smartphone for connected models. The choice is vast!

Our motion detectors are also available separately, individually or in sets, in various shapes.

The best places to install a presence or motion detector

Determining where you will place your motion detector is essential to choose a device that meets your needs without causing unwanted activations.

Installation height

The recommended installation height is 1.80m to 2.50m, depending on the detection radius of the sensor. Placing the sensor too low can distort detection and may also include animals or heat reflection from a surface (such as asphalt). Placing the sensor too high can cancel its effectiveness by preventing the sensor from detecting movements too far from its field of view.

Installation location

Depending on the range of action (expressed in degrees: 120, 180, 360), you will place your motion detector on the ceiling (for those with 360 degrees) or on a wall, as a wall-mounted fixture. To cover two walls, you can place it on a corner. Install a motion detector for safety and to illuminate your parking lot, under a porch, near a door to easily find the lock, etc.

Important details to observe

To avoid false alarms (unwanted activations, which could also cause trouble with your neighbors!) but also shadow areas (uncovered areas), perform tests. Motion sensors are also useful for preventing intrusions by discouraging unwanted visitors. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the field of view covers your entire parking lot, garden, driveway, or entrance.

Buying guide: how to choose your outdoor lighting? The guide to making an enlightened choice!

What are the criteria for choosing lighting with a detector?

Choose your presence or motion detector according to where you will place it and the needs it must meet. Is it to mark a path? Illuminate an area for the safety of occupants, decorate a space?

IP rating

The IP rating determines the conditions in which you can use your electrical device. For outdoor use, the protection rating must be at least IP44. The most common IP ratings are IP44, IP54, IP65, IP66, and IP67.

These two motion detectors sold in packs are perfect for outdoor use, with their IP65 rating.

Range of action

The range or field of action of the sensor is expressed in degrees, indicating the lateral coverage allowed by the motion detector (120, 180, 360 degrees?). If the range is wide, you can place it zenithally.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the motion sensor (not the lamp) is expressed in meters. The larger the range, the more effective it will be in turning on when it detects people far away. Be careful to choose based on the sensitivity that interests you to avoid unwanted activations (for example, if you live near a road).

These wall-mounted solar lights with motion detector and solar panel are perfect for your parking lot or driveway!

Power in Watts or lumens

The power of a bulb is expressed in Watts, so you can decide which ones to choose for each space. Regarding lumens, they express the amount of light emitted by the bulb, a criterion widely used to qualify LED lighting. LEDs are perfect for outdoor use, as they require powerful lighting to see well in the dark.

Color temperature

The color temperature, expressed in Kelvin degrees, represents the color of the light, more or less yellow and warm. To see well, it is necessary to approach the color of natural light, i.e., whiter. Yellow lights are generally reserved for creating a luminous atmosphere, for decoration, as they are less efficient for seeing correctly. There is no rule; you can also do what you want!

Indoor motion detectors

Why use an indoor motion detector? They are useful in passage areas to avoid turning on and (forgetting!) off the light constantly. In a corridor, especially at night for young children, in closets, pantries. Do not use them in places without movement, such as toilets, to avoid ending up ... in the dark!

How to install a motion detector

To install a motion detector, you must first determine if they are detectors that require electricity or battery-powered (solar). You must think in advance about the equipment of your electrical installation for those that require power. Have these works carried out by a professional, especially if you need to pull new cables from your meter. Replacing an existing installation is simpler. Turn off the power before any intervention on the electrical network! Disconnect and unscrew the existing luminaire, then connect the phase, lamp return, and neutral if it is a 3-wire installation. Screw the luminaire back in and restore power to test your installation.

Perfectly adjust your motion detector

Adjusting presence detectors is important to avoid wasting their use through unwanted activations, which besides being useless, could disturb your neighbors. Several settings are to be considered:

Is the twilight detector setting correct?

Does the detector take into account your presence on the path you are taking, without "shadow zones" without detection?

Does the timer (the time the lamp stays on) suit you?

Once these parameters are adjusted, you can enjoy your installation! Regularly clean the lenses of the detector and the panels if you use solar panels.

Outdoor LED floodlights are very easy to install and use; follow our tips to choose lights with detectors that suit you!