A motion sensor lamp is a cost effective lighting fixture. It can be used almost everywhere, from street lighting to living room. Thanks to its design, the light bulb works only when there is a moving object within its range. This feature allows you to save a lot and extend the life of the device.
Content
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General information
- Types of bulbs
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Design and principle of operation
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Self-installation
- Selection rules
- Mounting a lamp with built-in sensor
- Connecting the device with an external device
- Unwanted places of use
- Safety engineering
General information
In European countries, a light bulb with a motion sensor is very common. In Russia and neighboring countries, such a device is not yet used everywhere, but every day it is gaining more and more popularity.
Types of bulbs
Nowadays, on the shelves of the store, you can find a large number of light sources with a built-in motion sensor. They are all very similar to each other, but they have a number of features. Their main distinguishing feature is their structural characteristics. According to them
lamps are divided into the following types:-
With a bulb shaped like a pear. These light sources have the most popular type of base. Thanks to this, the lamp is suitable for almost all lighting fixtures installed not only in apartments and houses, but also in production halls.
- Linear. These bulbs are oblong and over a meter long. They are used in offices or homes to illuminate the entire room or a separate part of it. Thanks to its shape, the lamp can cover a large part of the territory and illuminate it with high quality.
- Corn-like body. Such light sources are widely used for work in low temperatures and in bad weather. They are distinguished by their reliability, durability and high luminescence brightness.

In addition, lamps with built-in sensors that react to movement are divided according to the way the main parts are located. Among them, the following types stand out:
- External. In such devices for lighting the territory, the motion sensor is located outside the bulb. It is reliably covered with a small protruding part and works well even in the worst weather conditions.
- Internal. These lamps are characterized by the installation of the sensor inside the bulb. External light sources practically do not differ from standard counterparts, therefore they are often used for installation in open lighting devices.
Advantages and disadvantages
Devices with sensors have many advantages over conventional lamps. This makes it possible to apply them everywhere and not be afraid of negative consequences. The advantages of such lamps include:
- The ability to turn on the lighting device without direct contact with it.
- Equipped with a standard base, which allows the installation of such light sources in any luminaire.
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The devices have the same characteristics as the standard models.
- The ability to realize all the functions of the motion sensor without connecting to the mains.
- Ease of installation and ease of replacing an inoperative device with a new one.
- Shines as brightly as any other light bulb.
- Due to the periodic shutdown of the light, which occurs when there is no movement, a minimum power consumption is achieved.
- Reduced financial costs for electricity.
In addition to the positive aspects of a light bulb with a motion sensor, there are also negative aspects. All of them are associated with the design features of the device.

Among the disadvantages are the following:
- Increased sensitivity of the light source, resulting in over-firing.
- Reacts not only to the movement of a person, but also of an animal, as well as an inanimate object or device (for example, a car).
- In case of strong wind and bad weather, the light bulb can burn without interruption and shutdowns.
- Requires correct location. Otherwise, the lamp may malfunction and quickly fail.
Design and principle of operation
A motion sensor built into the lamp reacts to any movement within its range. It works in the infrared range and picks up any changes in the background radiation. If a living or inanimate body radiating heat appears in the area of the device's operation, the device will work and automatically turn on the light.
As a rule, modern light sources are supplemented with a light sensor. With its help, the device is activated when the amount of natural light is reduced. Such a part is attached in the middle of the bulb, which provides it with a maximum radius of action.
The infrared device is equipped with LEDs, which are arranged in a different sequence and form bulbs of any size. The range of the device is 6 to 8 meters. This will only be sufficient if the lighting fixture is located in the correct location.

Self-installation
Installing a lamp with a sensor is a fairly simple operation that does not require special skills and abilities. Installation can be easily handled not only by an experienced electrician, but also by a beginner.
Selection rules
Before you start installing a light bulb with a sensor that reacts to movement, you need to choose and buy it correctly. To do this, you need to take into account the main characteristics of the light source and apply the option that will meet all the requirements. When choosing a lamp, consider the following parameters:
- The power of the device. This indicator may vary in different devices. It allows you to determine the degree of brightness and intensity of radiation.
- The power of light. For each specific case, one should choose one or another option. The more this parameter is set, the brighter the light output will be.
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Color temperature. This indicator allows you to choose the best color rendering option that meets the requirements of the owner of the premises. A small value will correspond to warmer shades, and a large value will correspond to colder ones.
- Scattering angle. This characteristic must be fully consistent with the design of the lighting fixture.
- Base type. Don't experiment here. It is recommended to choose the standard versions with E27 and G13 holder. This makes the llama suitable for almost all luminaires.
- Required power source. The indicator should correspond to 220 V.
- Dimensions of the device. This parameter is important when installed in a luminaire.

In addition to the characteristics of the lamp itself, it is necessary to take into account the parameters of the motion sensor. They are selected based on the requirements for the premises and the personal preferences of its owner.
Sensor parameters:
- Moving object detection range.
- The duration of the exposure until the lighting is turned off.
- The radius of the device.
Mounting a lamp with built-in sensor
Most often, the installation of a light bulb with a built-in motion sensor is performed in a lamp or any other similar device. It can be mounted indoors (on a wall, ceiling) or outdoors. The installation process is simple and consists of the following steps:
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Light bulbs and lighting fixture must be prepared for installation.
- The installation site is disconnected from the electricity. This can be done by pressing the switch located on the dashboard.
- The wiring is connected to the device.
- The device is securely attached to the selected surface.
- A light bulb with a sensor that reacts to movement is carefully screwed into it.
- The luminaire is connected to a power source and tested.
Connecting the device with an external device
If the purchased light bulb is equipped with a remote sensor, then its installation into the lighting device is performed using a different technology. It has its own characteristics that allow you to get the desired result. Installation steps:
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A place with the maximum possible viewing angle is selected.
- A lighting fixture is attached to a wall or ceiling.
- The edges of the wire are carefully stripped.
- The terminal box cover is opened and all necessary wiring is connected.
- The connection points are additionally insulated.
- At the next stage of work, the purchased lamp is connected. To do this, one end of it is attached to the zero cable, and the other to the phase.
- The contacts are wrapped with insulation and compressed tightly.
Unwanted places of use
Despite the simplicity of the design and a large number of advantages, a light bulb with a motion sensor must not be installed in certain places. Otherwise, the device may not work efficiently or be damaged. It is not recommended to install such lamps:
- Near heating or air conditioning pipes. This prohibition is due to the negative influence on the device of excessively low or high temperatures.
- In places of active movement of vehicles. The device will react to the heat coming from the engine and will constantly turn on.
- Close to trees. In strong winds, the branches will sway and may touch the light bulb.
- In areas where electromagnetic radiation is present.
Safety engineering
During the operation of any device, precautions must be strictly observed. They will help to avoid the occurrence of injuries of varying severity and maintain health. Basic safety rules:
- During the installation work, it is imperative to turn off the power supply in the apartment or house. This will help avoid electric shock and the accompanying negative consequences.
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It is necessary to study the attached instructions in detail and strictly follow the manufacturer's advice. Such a measure will reduce the likelihood of a non-standard emergency.
- Do not spill water or any other liquid on an unprotected device.
- Before connecting the device to the network, you must carefully check the integrity of its insulation and housing.
- It is not recommended to leave any foreign objects near the light bulb that will contribute to the frequent triggering of the sensor. Because of this, not only a breakdown of the device can occur, but also a strong overload. It can lead to a fire in the wiring and provoke a fire.
- It is forbidden to use lamps in networks with increased load.
A light bulb equipped with a motion sensor is a wonderful device that not only saves energy, but also reduces financial costs. With the right approach to business and following the recommendations of professionals, you can easily install the device and enjoy its work. In addition, personal safety must not be forgotten. Simple precautions can help you avoid various accidents and reduce the risk of serious injury.