It’s time once again to delve into the shelves at Inspired LED! Today we take a closer look at one of our most popular control devices, the Infrared Motion Sensor. This convenient accessory easily combines with Inspired LED flexible strips or panels to create the perfect low-voltage lighting system for cabinets, closets, pantries, and more! Let’s examine this product in a bit more detail to get a sense for how it works, and how it can be used to brighten up your home or business.
The first thing most people notice about the motion sensor is the half-sphere which sits on top. This component is often referred to as the “eyeball” since it is the lens through which the actual PIR sensor “sees” infrared energy. All living creatures produce this infrared energy in the form of heat, and when the sensor detects a change in the surrounding environment (up to 8 meters away), it sends a signal to the microcontroller housed inside the body of the motion sensor.
This is where the “magic” happens, so to speak. Inside the motion sensor, a microcontroller responds to the presence of infrared motion by allowing power to flow from the input of your power supply to the output of your LED lights. When this connection is made, your lights turn on!
Power will continue running to your lights for a set amount of time, depending upon preselected settings. The back side of the motion sensor features a small dial which can be accessed using a Phillips head screw driver. Turning the dial all the way to the left will allow the lights to remain powered on for as little as one minute, while turning the dial all the way to the right will allow lights to remain on for up to ten minutes. Depending upon the needs of your specific application, you can manually adjust the timer as you see fit.
There are many locations in which a motion sensor can be used to enhance the convenience of your lighting system. Some of the most popular applications include the insides of cabinets or drawers, although it is equally at home inside closets and pantries. When arriving home with an armful of groceries, who wouldn’t want their pantry to brighten up on command? Motion sensors are also well-suited for the toe-kick lighting in your bathroom, along the stairs, or even under the bed, illuminating those tricky areas without the need to fumble around for a switch in the dark. Our motion sensor has even been combined with our Infinity outdoor duraflex, lighting up front porches and pathways for visitors approaching the front door.
No matter where you are intending to add low voltage LEDs, chances are a motion sensor can add a touch of novelty and convenience to your set-up. For more information about Inspired LED’s motion sensor, click here, or download our specification sheet for more detail.
Once you are ready to plan your LED system, be sure to take advantage of our free Design Services. To learn more about Inspired LED products, visit our website, or give us a call at 480-941-4286.
