• • • LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS • • • Lighting in Motion: How microwave
sensors transform lighting installations Offering precise control, heightened energy efficiency and enhanced security, microwave sensors are a core element of modern lighting installations; transforming the way homes, businesses and public buildings are illuminated
n this article we caught up with Chris Anderson, Technical Manager at Ansell Lighting, who explains more about this dynamic technology, its numerous advantages and practical applications.
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Microwave sensors are an advanced technology used in modern lighting systems to enhance energy efficiency and provide effortless control. Using microwave signals to detect motion, the use of sensors ensure illumination is provided when needed, adapting dynamically to the presence of people and activities within a space. Hugely popular across a variety of residential and commercial settings, microwave sensors are becoming a go-to solution for those looking to optimise their lighting systems, helping to ensure energy is used only where and when it is required helping to minimise energy bills.
A valuable addition to lighting systems of all sizes, microwave sensors have revolutionised the way lighting can be operated and managed, reacting instantly to motion to improve functionality and performance. But how do microwave sensors and the technology they incorporate work? Detecting movement using a principle known as the ‘Doppler Effect’, microwave sensors continuously emit low-level microwave signals across a designated space or ‘detection area’ once installed. These signals bounce off objects and then return to the sensor which continuously
analyses the reflections for any changes in signal pattern caused by movement. When changes are detected, the sensor triggers the lighting system to activate, providing illumination when it is needed. The use of such technology within a lighting system has many advantages. One of the most significant benefits of using microwave sensors is that they can help to improve energy use and lower bills. By ensuring lights are only on when needed, microwave sensors help in reducing energy consumption and optimising electricity bills, contributing to sustainable practices and cost savings.
Another benefit is that they are also highly sensitive and can detect movement through obstacles such as walls and glass. This makes them much more effective than traditional infrared sensors in certain environments such as offices
with partitioned spaces, warehouses with stacked goods or retail stores with glass displays. Microwave sensors also have a broad detection range, making them suitable for larger areas where comprehensive coverage is essential. Warehouses, large open plan offices and gardens would all benefit from such technology, enhancing the levels of illumination provided.
They are also a great criminal deterrent and can be easily integrated into security systems. Illuminating when unauthorised movement is detected in restricted areas, they enhance safety measures and provide proactive security monitoring, bolstering overall protection and peace of mind.
Suitable for use in a wide range of applications, microwave sensors are often used in residential settings to automate lighting in hallways, garages and outdoor spaces, enhancing convenience and safety. In commercial spaces such as offices, warehouses and retail stores, microwave sensor lighting is particularly useful in less frequently used areas like stairwells, restrooms and storage rooms where lighting is not continuously required. Similarly, in large industrial facilities, the incorporation of microwave sensors is often used to provide lighting in inactive areas, improving overall energy management.
When it comes to the installation and configuration of microwave sensors, placement, sensitivity and integration are all important considerations. Microwave sensors should be installed at a height where they can effectively cover the desired detection area. Metals, air currents and soundwaves can all cause false triggers so placement near ceiling fans, heating vents, direct sunlight and heavy machinery should be avoided. Microwave sensors should never be installed in metal casings or in close proximity to metal products.
Many microwave sensors will have sensitivity settings that allow customisation based on the environment and application requirements. Higher sensitivity is ideal for larger spaces, while lower sensitivity can be used in smaller or more controlled environments. Remember to adjust the settings upon installation to match the specific needs of the area.
Integration is also crucial to maximise the effectiveness of microwave sensors. Ensuring that the microwave sensor is compatible with the existing lighting system and other automation technologies will ensure seamless operation. Hugely versatile, microwave sensors are an ideal solution for projects where sustainability and operational efficiency are key. Their use is shaping the design of modern lighting systems, promising improved functionality and more dynamic control.
14 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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