Installing PIR Detectors

What should I pay attention to when installing PIR detectors?

Instructions / tips for installing PIR motion detectors.

In this blog you will get an overview of some important guidelines for installing PIR motion detectors  in your home or business environment. Ensure that a PIR motion detector responds best to the walking direction of a person.

Passive infrared detectors detect electromagnetic radiation energy (infrared) from the environment, generated by sources with temperatures that correspond to the human body. These sensors do not measure the amount of infrared radiant energy, but detect the change in infrared radiant energy (i.e., motion). Basically, everything that emits or can produce heat can be detected by the motion detector. That is good as long as you consider where you install the motion detector.

>Guidelines for installation of PIR detectors

• Mount the detector on a vibration-free wall;
• Mounting height between 2 and 2.75 meters;
• Takes into account the reflection of incident light and sunlight;
• Multiple PIRs in 1 space is possible, they do not influence each other;
• Never place a PIR with a large detection range in a small space;
• The detection range is limited by all materials that are placed in front of it;
• Always place a detector with its backside to the expected problems so that the intruder must walk straight through the detection field;
• The highest detection sensitivity is perpendicular to the detector (due to the beams);
• Place the detector where penetration is expected;
• Take into account the draft and warm air flows;
• Position the detector so that it is not accessible from outside the protected area;
• Make sure that the end of the beams / bundles end on a stable reference place;
• Never allow the beams / bundles to look into the free space, ensure a stable reference surface.

A PIR is a Passive Infrared detector. Passive, i.e. only receiving. This is in contrast to the Active Infrared detector - AIR - that is, send and receive.

NOTE
A screw must be placed at the position of the (tamper) contact plate: left, right or center then depends on the mounting / projecting (see red in image).

Example how to use PIR detectors: