The issue of energy saving today is quite acute. In the light of periodic tariff increases, this is not surprising. Especially private courtyards, forced to spend kilowatts not only for the premises of the house, but also for lighting the local area. That is why people have to look for ways to reduce meter readings (we are talking about legal methods). In this area, motion sensors have proven themselves well. However, like any piece of equipment, they can fail, again leading to unexpected costs. Therefore, it makes sense to consider such a topic as do-it-yourself motion sensor repair.
Types of motion sensors: classification by detection method
Similar devices, depending on the type, may vary. There are 3 main detection methods:
- Ultrasound. The algorithm of work can be compared with the vital activity of bats - it is based on the principle of echolocation.
- Microwave radiation. More expensive equipment based on the principle of radar.
- Infrared sensors. The principle of operation is comparable to the operation of a thermal imager. This sensor detects changes in temperature. If a warm-blooded object appears in its area of effect, it closes or opens the circuit.
Additional functions of motion sensors
Quite often utilities install similar equipment in stairwells. However, the light switch is usually used by residents only when dusk is gathering in the entrance. Nobody thinks about opening the circuit in the morning. As a result, the motion sensor is periodically triggered throughout the day, which leads to its rapid failure. In addition, there is no question of any energy savings here. It is for such cases that the manufacturer offers motion and light sensors. Such a device will not allow the circuit to close while light falls on it. As a result, there is no need to mechanically apply voltage to the system or remove it with a switch.
However, motion and presence sensors are used not only to control the light. It makes sense to understand their areas of application.
The use of similar equipment in burglar alarm systems
In this area, sensorsmovements are quite common. In our time, almost no premises handed over under protection can do without them. Without a doubt, such sensors have a huge advantage over the circuits of the last century, which could only respond to the opening of the door or the vibration of the glass. Now, even if an intruder cuts a hole in the wall, he will not be able to move around the room - the security equipment will recognize the presence of an outsider and automatically send a signal to the remote control. At the same time, depending on the switching scheme, an audible notification may also work, and a video surveillance camera with a motion sensor will record what is happening on an external medium. What will help later in the capture of the criminal.
Video peephole with motion sensor and its options
Installed lenses, which can be found on the doors of 90% of apartments, greatly distort what is happening in the stairwell. Sometimes they do not even allow you to see the faces of the visitor. Modern video eyes are more high-tech, have a wider viewing angle and give a clear picture. They can be equipped with their own display or the ability to connect to a stand-alone monitor, TV. Recently, video eyes with a motion sensor and recording are gaining popularity. Such equipment allows not only to determine who came in the absence of the owners, but can also help in difficult situations. The occurrence of any movement in the area of the sensor will provoke the automatic start of recording a video file, which, according to these laws, can even be accepted inas evidence in court.
When using equipment with its own display and self-powered, the question of frequent replacement of batteries may arise. A video peephole with a motion sensor solves this issue. Its screen glows only if a person enters its area of action. The rest of the time, the display is in sleep mode and does not consume battery power.
Use of motion sensors for domestic purposes
Such devices are most often used in private sectors. The fact is that a motion sensor for an apartment with 2, 3 or even 4 rooms can be called useless. Why purchase and install such equipment if there are only a few steps to the switch. Although it happens that such automation is installed in the hallway. This prevents you from bumping into furniture at night or stepping on your pet in the dark.
Lights with motion sensors are very convenient for private sectors. Such modern lighting devices are often equipped with solar panels with a battery, which allows them to work completely autonomously. During the day, they accumulate energy, and with the onset of darkness, they begin to illuminate, for example, the path from the gate to the house. In this case, the lights turn on only if there is movement in their field of view.
Sensor selection criteria: what to look for
The main parameter of thisdevices - rated power. It depends on it the number and brightness of lighting devices that will be connected via a motion sensor. An important role is played by the presence of a precise setting of the response time. If this option is present, the user can easily set the required period after which the lighting will turn off.
Viewing angle is another important parameter. The choice will depend on the installation location. When pointing, for example, at a door, a cheaper 180˚ device is enough, but if you plan to mount it on the ceiling in the center of a small room, it is better to purchase a motion sensor with a viewing angle of 360˚.
Repair of motion sensors to turn on the light with your own hands
The first thing to do if the equipment fails is to completely disconnect it from the power supply. It is best to do this not from the switch (it is not known whether it was installed correctly), but from the introductory machine. Only after the home master has made sure that there is no voltage on the contacts, you can remove the device and start looking for a breakdown.
Such work has many nuances and requires at least a superficial knowledge of electrical engineering, and sometimes electronics. Therefore, if the device is expensive, and the owner is not sure that he can restore it, it is better to contact the repairman. Lamps with motion sensors are the main source of income for such specialists. Indeed, in our time, people quite often order them from China, which implies a high risk of purchasing low-quality goods. Often these lights don't work.longer than a month.
Some repair tips for beginners
If the home master first encountered a motion sensor failure, you should pay attention to some nuances. The algorithm of actions should be as follows:
- Before dismantling, be sure to turn off the power.
- A visual inspection is made for damage, cracks, after which the device is opened.
- The printed circuit board and connecting elements are carefully examined. If there is visible damage, burnt wires or tracks, they should be soldered.
- Using a multimeter, all visible capacitors, transistors and resistors are checked. They often fail due to power surges. As such, there is no protection against such a problem in motion sensors.
- The microcircuit cannot be checked, so if you suspect that the reason is in it, you will have to purchase a new one.
The main task is to determine whether it is worth it to repair the motion sensor with your own hands or whether it is cheaper and faster to purchase a new one. The cost of such devices on the market today is low, so more often masters tend to the second option.
Video tutorial on self-repair of motion sensors
In order to make it easier for the reader to understand how to fix a failed automatic lighting control device, a rather informative video is presented below.
Device setuplight control automation
Before you start repairing the motion sensor with your own hands, you should try to set it up - perhaps the problem is not as deep as it seems at first glance. The device controls are usually located on the rear panel. There can be 2 or 3 of them. Each is responsible for a specific sensor function:
- TIME - delay time adjustment. After the object has left the coverage area of the device, it may take from 5 seconds before the circuit opens. up to 15 minutes, depending on user settings.
- DAY LIGHT - this knob sets the automatic rebuilding of the motion sensor to the “on / off” mode. depending on the degree of illumination. If you turn it all the way to the crescent icon, then it will not work during the daytime. When turned in the opposite direction (sun sign), the device will function around the clock (set when connected to a security alarm).
- SENS - sensitivity adjustment. At maximum settings, the sensor works even on mice. With minimal settings - only for the obvious movement of a person.
What you need to know for the correct use of such automation
In order to repair motion sensors with your own hands as little as possible, you must follow some rules for their operation and the manufacturer's recommendations. The main nuances relate to the placement of the device. They should be discussed in more detail.
The plastic case of the motion sensor, like its lens,are quite brittle material. Therefore, devices should be placed in places protected from mechanical impact. If the device is installed outdoors, it is necessary to cover it from direct sunlight and precipitation with a visor or canopy. Such protection is often required when installing a video surveillance camera with a motion sensor. Indoors, you need to pay attention so that incandescent lamps do not fall into the coverage area of \u200b\u200bthe device. The fact is that the spiral in them does not cool down instantly. The IR sensors may recognize the residual temperature as human presence and trigger again.
You should not connect CFLs to such devices. Due to their design features, frequent switching on and off of such lighting devices leads to their rapid failure - the electronic ballast (electronic ballast) cannot cope with such a load.
Motion sensors, at the output of which thyristor or triac elements are installed, do not always work correctly with LED lamps. Therefore, when purchasing, it is better to consult the seller on this issue, but it is better to carefully study the technical documentation.
Summing up
Installation of equipment such as a motion sensor significantly reduces energy consumption and increases the life of lighting fixtures. It is this fact, coupled with the low average cost of such devices, that has become the reason for such a wide distribution of sensors.movement. However, improper operation of the device can lead to the fact that all savings will be reduced to zero - frequent replacement of automation devices can hit the pocket sensitively, despite the low price. So, there is only one conclusion - you should purchase high-quality products and follow all the installation rules and manufacturer's recommendations for operation. Only then can you be sure that the motion sensor will last for a long time without repair or replacement.
