Lighting PIR

The good people at Danlers have some great guides related to PIR occupancy switches, where to use them, what does all the technical jargon mean, and so on. Today we were looking at the "PIR occupancy switch specifications" section and we found it inspiring. What is a PIR switch? What does it mean "adjustable time lag"? What's an adjustable photocell? These and some other questions are dealt with below.What is a PIR detector? A PIR is a passive infra-red quad person detector. It is a sensor that measures via infra red the light radiating from objects or beings in its field of view / area of sight. What is the Adjustable Time Lag? The PIR detectors have an adjustable time lag adjustable in nine steps, with the following approximate values: 10 sec, 20sec, 40sec, 1.25min, 2.5mins, 5mins, 10mins, 20mins, 40mins. What is an Adjustable Photocell? A photocell is "inhibit on", which means that it will "inhibit the lights" from switching on when someone enters an area with plenty of ambient light. Also, if the photocell detects that someone already is in an area and the lights are switched on, it will allow the lights to remain on (regardless of any increase in the light level). This feature is for avoiding any nuisance like switching off the lights when people are still in the room or there's a meeting going on in that venue. The photocell detects a range of 100-111lux (and photocell inactive) falling on the working plane. What Load do Danlers PIR Switches Take? What is the maximum load that the Danlers PIR switches can take? All the Danlers PIR occupancy detectors can switch up to 1500W 6Amp at 230V of resistive, transformer, or fluorescent loads, up to 500W 2Amp of low energy lighting loads (like the compact fluorescent and the LED lights), or up to 250W 1Amp of fans / metal halide lamps. Of course, a few PIR switches can be wired in parallel in order to control the same load. The Initial Start-up Mode When a PIR switch is set up and the mains supply is connected to the PIR occupancy switch for the first time, it goes through something called "Start-up mode". The switch is turned on for 1min, then switches off and enters its "Operating Mode". Please note that if a manual wall switch is feeding the PIR occupancy switch, it will go through the start-up mode each time the wall switch is switched ON. But if you wire the manual wall switch in the alternative position, the supply to the PIR occupancy switch will be uninterrupted and it will remain in "operating mode" (it won't go through "start-up mode" each time the wall switch is ON). Do you have any questions concerning the Danlers Occupancy Switches and PIR detectors? Please leave a comment below, or contact Danlers via their website. You can purchase Danlers occupancy detectors and time lag switches via the Lighting PIR section on our website. 

The latest ESP device, the GuardCam LED, is a remarkable all-in-one security device that is both compact and cost-effective.Note: this LED GuardCam from ESP is no longer available; here is our latest offering for PIR lighting. Following up on the immensely popular GuardCam with a green alternative, this inexpensive device will keep your property safe while minimizing energy costs. GuardCam LED offers the usual security floodlight features: the GuardCam LED uses an integrated PIR motion detector with a huge 12-meter range (its "cone" 160°). When it detects an unauthorized presence in that range, the sensor switches on the floodlight - but it also has a few more tricks up its sleeve. The New LED Floodlight  First, the floodlight. While the original ("classic") GuardCam uses a halogen bulb, for properties and spaces that involve a lot of security-camera activations, the cost of running that bulb builds up. The 12W LED array in the GuardCam LED has an impressive output of 1100 lumens - about the equivalent of a 150W halogen light. It's enough to illuminate the area - and more than enough to provide the camera with enough light (more on that in a moment). By switching out the halogen lamp for LEDs, ESP has made a maintenance-free security device that could last for 40 years with average estimated usage! The FeaturesAs well as the floodlight, the GuardCam is also capable of recording still images and video with its high-resolution wide-angle camera - then it sends the files straight to a standard SD card that can be read by any computer. A 2GB card is provided which can store up to 60,000 images or 750 video clips, but any SD card can be used (up to a maximum of 64GB). Optionally, an audio warning will also be issued from the built-in speakers. If you want to record a personalized message, you can record using the on-board microphone simply by pressing a button on the underside of the device and speaking. It's possible that hardened intruders won't be scared off, but the audio warning often draws their attention to the device - so that they're looking right into the camera... You'd be forgiven for thinking it's a tricky set-up, but in fact all you need to install the GuardCam LED is a connection to the mains and the time to attach it to a wall. What's more: right now in the store the GuardCam LED is just £120 (+ VAT)! But that last feature is a tricky one: we know it's difficult to come up with a security message on the spot, but we can't think of anything better than "you there! Smile: You're on Camera!" Can our readers think of anything better? What could you say to deter a potential criminal?Note: this system is no longer available with us at Sparks; see all the Fire and Security systems we currently have on offer.

A New Year is upon us and you have probably already made plenty of resolutions regarding your personal habits. We here at Sparks like to make more general goals and would heartily recommend you take 2019 as an opportunity to save on your energy bills, especially during what promises to be a frosty start to the year. So if you're thinking to save money (and energy) on your bills this year, you could start by making some adjustments in lighting and ventilation. Using (green-i) PIR sensors - save the energy lost by those leaving their lights on How many times was the light in the toilet left on accidentally, and how many times did you come home from work to find out that the light in the children's bedroom has been on for quite a while? While at the office, how many times did you simply forget to turn OFF the lights in a certain room, and the next day the lights were still ON? It's time to change this. CP Electronics, one of the world's leading brands in energy-efficient controls for heating, light, and ventilation, uses cutting-edge technologies and innovations to prevent wasted energy. We have written previously about the benefits of their range of Green-I energy-saving products. The wall-mounted PIR sensors ensure that your precious heating and lighting won’t be put to waste, as they only activate upon detecting infrared radiation emitted from people’s bodies. We here at Sparks provide a range of CP Electronics switches and covers, as well as a highly useful multi-function remote for Green-I devices and switches. We would particularly recommend the Single Channel Dimmer with PIR and Adjustable Timer, whose switch has a built-in presence detector to help you save energy; if there is no movement your lights will switch off. When used in conjunction with the remote handset, it can be utilized for dimming and accessing the array of switch functions. There are a multitude of PIR switches and sensors available at Sparks, including this External Black PIR Security Motion Sensor.Buy External Black PIR Sensor This fully automatic outdoor security light is capable of controlling up to 1000W of lighting and, during the day, an inbuilt photocell saves electricity by deactivating the attached lighting system. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including car parks, driveways, stairways, patios, porches, entrances, and so on. Using LED lighting, indoors and out - save energy being lost by the less-efficient outdoor lighting When it comes to lighting - especially outdoors - the electricity bill goes over the top; the LED floodlights offering 500W halogen or more or the wall lamps each having 50W simply makes the electric meter speed up. Especially with longer nights and shorter days, there's a need to turn ON the light outdoors - but can we do it without wasting too much energy and money? The switch in focus to LED lighting can be seen in how many capital cities across the world ushered in the New Year in 2019  - from Beijing to London, LED light shows greeted massing crowds. New York made the switch in 2012, implementing over 1,200 LED light fixtures for a display that was 5-8 times brighter and was 73% more energy efficient than its predecessor. We would strongly recommend you follow the examples of modern cities celebrating the New Year and make the switch over to LED Flood Lights for your own outdoor areas. With impressive IP ratings and slim, attractive appearances, Sparks have a plethora of such energy-saving outdoor LEDs to light up your garden, when the skies above seem perpetually dark or grey during the winter months. For instance, the Compact Black LED Flood Light provides a powerful, crisp 4000K of light that has 85% lower running costs compared to its halogen equivalents. Combine this with its inbuilt PIR sensor and think of the money you could save throughout the course of 2019! Ventilating properly - guarantee your health whilst retaining heat and save energy Health should always be top of your priorities when entering the New Year - and no we’re not talking merely about getting a new gym membership. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation and black mould, which may lead to medical problems for occupants of your home. 'Whole home ventilation' is a concept that is important - for both your well-being and your energy bills. During winter we tend to try and trap as much heat in as possible and it is essential we recycle this hot air properly - and we would advise a combination of a positive input system along with a negative air pressure system. We have great options in both these areas, such as the Airflow iCONstant HT, a continuous axial fan with a unique setup and diagnostic LED light.Buy Airflow iCONstant Fans The economical and intelligent nature of this device ensures that running cost are kept at an absolute minimum, with adaptable trickle speeds beginning at 6 l/sec which takes a mere 1.07W to power. Looking at the air pressure system, the Envirovent heatSava is an excellent heat recovery unit that feeds in through the wall. It’s primary functions are to improve indoor air quality by reducing condensation and mould problems, while recovering up to 75% of indoor heat that would otherwise be lost. So with the New Year ringing in, you are probably pondering on improvements to be made in your household. We at Sparks would highly recommend you start the year by getting some peace of mind about your energy expenses and the healthy ventilation of your home.

The PIR - Passive Infrared Sensor - is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view and then trigger a certain action in a device or light fitting. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors, and they work in conjunction with lights, heating, ventilation, etc. Their main purpose is detecting the presence (or absence) of a human being (or a pet) in a certain area, and then switching ON or OFF the light, the fan, or the heat. The PIRs are of different kinds depending on the lighting loads, location (indoor or outdoor, wall or ceiling), IP rating, usage, etc. Some PIRs are integrated with the fitting: some light fittings come complete with a PIR sensor, and some fans have a PIR integrated for presence or motion detection. On our website at www.sparksdirect.co.uk we have quite a large range of PIR sensors - the standalone units - to help you save energy and make sure you don't waste money just because you forgot to turn the light or the fan off. Ceiling or Wall PIR Detectors from CP Electronics CP Electronics has quite a wide range of PIRs. One of them is the batten mount PIR, a miniature PIR that has been specifically engineered for mounting directly onto a batten style luminaire (see EBMPIR-MB), while another one is a retrofit PIR that allows previously uncontrolled lighting sources to benefit from presence detection and lux level (see EBMINT); these are both ceiling mounted PIRs. For ceiling flush mounting CP Electronics has the GEFL PIR movement sensor that provides automatic control of lighting, heating, or ventilation loads, having a low profile and being almost un-noticeable on the ceiling.If you prefer a wall-mounted PIR, the PDS-PRM no-neutral wall-mounted presence detector combines the PIR presence detection with a time delay function - it ideally replaces a wall switch so that, when the presence of a person is detected, the light turns on automatically.Buy CP Electronics PIR Detectors PIR Occupancy Switches from Danlers The Danlers range of passive PIR infra-red occupancy switches is designed for the automatic control of lighting, heating, ventilation or air conditioning loads. How it works: the PIR switch will switch on the connected load automatically when an area is occupied, and then switch it off automatically when the area has been vacant for a chosen duration. This has the benefits of reduced energy bills and automatic control. When being used to control lighting, the built-in photocell can be used to keep the lights off on bright days. Among the most popular ceiling flush PIRs from Danlers are the CEFL PIR (ideal for false or plasterboard ceilings) and the CEFL Sealed version (ideal for bathrooms and damp areas, sealed bathroom version). They also provide a wide range of batten-mounted PIRs with the new "intelligent" photocell and a range of 5-10m detection; they are cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, they have some ceiling directional PIRs (which can be rotated and lowered, ideal for corridors and aisles), wall PIR detectors, and even some PIR occupancy switch modules (ideal for building into luminaires and for wall/ceiling mounting).Buy Danlers PIR Occupancy Switches Other PIRs: mini PIR, Outdoor PIRs, and Integrated PIRs Besides these two main British Manufacturers of PIR detectors and sensors there are many others, such as the outdoor BB2002 black outdoor wall-mounted PIR (up to 2000W, covers approx. 10m range, can be manually operated) and the BB3027 (2000W black PIR for corner-mounting outdoor, 270 degrees, 10m coverage). For indoor lighting control and with a £1 size is the BEG Luxomat PD9 - circular detection area, ceiling-mounted or directly built-in lamps, or the ceiling-mounted PD3FC circular mini occupancy detector which can be remotely controlled. For small spaces such as wardrobe lighting you can always use the LEDPC in-line photocell for LED striplights or the PIRSENSO mini PIR motion sensor for switching ON/OFF the lights up to 250W (10 sec - 3 mins PIR cupboard switch). The choice is yours: where and for what do you need a presence detector? Is it for indoor or outdoor? Is it for LED lamps, fluorescent fittings, or regular halogen or incandescent lamps? Take a look at the PIR solutions we at Sparks can offer you, and let us know if you need more information!