Placing the PIR motion sensors
The PIR motion sensors have an effective range of between 16ft/5m and 50ft/15m depending on the specific conditions of the environment. Typically, the sensor will have a longer range in colder conditions, or in evenly heated environments. The opposite is also true - environments with uneven temperatures (such as part of the area in sunlight and other areas in shade) or consistently high temperatures will lower the effective range of the sensor.
Under typical circumstances, the effective range of the PIR motion sensor is approximately 50ft/15m. Multiple sensors can be used in conjunction with one another to cover larger spaces.
This diagram | 50ft/15m |
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shows a typical | 32ft/10m |
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coverage area |
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for an evenly |
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heated space |
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with an ambient | 16ft/5m |
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temperature of |
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approximately |
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68°F/20ºC with |
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low relative |
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humidity. |
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Higher humidity or higher/lower temperatures will alter the effective range of the sensor.
Important:
5ft/1.8m - 7ft/2.4m
Feet / Meters
70°
16ft/5m32ft/10m50ft/15m
•Any obstructions in the environment will reduce the sensors effectiveness. It can’t see through walls! Even a thin sheet of glass will significantly impair the range of the sensor, as glass blocks more infrared radiation than visible light.
•Small animals (such as a cat or similar) can, under some circumstances, trigger the PIR motion sensors. Therefore, we suggest that the PIR motion sensors are not suited to areas where pets are routinely kept.
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