{"title":"Motion sensor light bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst check the socket base already in place, then the installation location: these two points decide the model before the light colour. A motion sensor light bulb turns the room on as you pass and switches itself off after an adjustable delay, with no switch to hunt for in the dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#fonctionnement\"\u003eHow does a motion sensor light bulb work?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#choisir\"\u003eWhich motion sensor light bulb should you choose?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ou-ne-pas-installer\"\u003eWhere should you not install a motion sensor?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#reglages\"\u003eWhat are the 3 settings on a motion sensor lamp?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#reste-allumee\"\u003eWhy does the motion sensor lamp stay on?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#parallele\"\u003eWiring 3 bulbs in parallel: how do you do it?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#lumiere\"\u003eWhich light for a motion sensor light bulb?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"fonctionnement\"\u003eHow does a motion sensor light bulb work?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bulb contains a passive infrared sensor that picks up a warm body moving within its field, then switches the LED on for an adjustable duration. With no movement, it switches itself off. Some models add a dusk sensor so they only work when it is dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLED motion sensor light bulb: the sensor housed in the globe\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules-led-1\"\u003eLED bulb\u003c\/a\u003e, the sensor sits at the top of the globe, sometimes in a small side window. The LED lights instantly, without the warm-up of a halogen, which matters when you cross a staircase with your hands full. The shape of the globe determines the detection field: a wide globe sees further than a compact model squeezed into a wall light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePassive infrared sensor: what it really detects and what it ignores\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sensor reacts to sideways movement in front of it. A person sitting still eventually stops being seen, and the lamp cuts out. It passes poorly through glass, and high ambient heat reduces its range. These limits explain most failed settings, far more than the quality of the bulb. To compare the available technologies, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules\"\u003ethe bulb collection\u003c\/a\u003e groups models by use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"choisir\"\u003eWhich motion sensor light bulb should you choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection has 3 models. The choice comes down to the installation location, indoor or outdoor, and whether or not there is a dusk sensor. A model intended for outdoor use must be stated as such on its product page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIndoor motion sensor light bulb: hallway, staircase, cellar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndoors, point the globe towards the walkway and not towards a window. In a narrow hallway, a compact model is enough. In a stairwell, aim at the first step: the light must arrive before your foot. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-culot-e27\"\u003elarge E27 base bulb\u003c\/a\u003e covers most ceiling lights and pendants, while a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-e14\"\u003eslim E14 socket\u003c\/a\u003e fits small wall lights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor motion sensor light bulb: entrance, garage, covered terrace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutside, look for the outdoor rating and the protection index on the product page, and shelter the lamp from direct rain. A spotlight in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-gu10\"\u003eGU10 socket\u003c\/a\u003e fits well under a canopy. For a corner with no electrical supply, a wireless battery-powered motion sensor lamp saves running a cable, at the cost of regular recharging. In all cases, avoid dazzling the street.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eAvailable bases and the light fittings concerned\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBase\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLight fittings concerned\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to check\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eE27\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCeiling lights, pendants, wall lights, floor lamps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe socket diameter and the space around the globe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eE14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall ceiling lights, wall lights, bedside lamps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe bulk of the sensor in a small space\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGU10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecessed or track spotlights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThat a sensor version actually exists in this base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG9, G4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChandeliers, small wall lights, low-voltage spotlights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhether a sensor version exists in this format\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnsure about the socket? Unscrew the bulb in place and read the marking: the base reference is printed on it. The rest of the catalogue is in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules\"\u003eall our bulbs in one place\u003c\/a\u003e, including the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autres-culots-ampoules-g4-g9-etc-1\"\u003esmall G4 and G9 bases\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ou-ne-pas-installer\"\u003eWhere should you not install a motion sensor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid rooms where you stay almost still for long periods: living room, study, bedroom. The lamp would switch off while you read or work. Also avoid aiming at a heat source, a picture window or a street passage that triggers the sensor with no real presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiving room and study:\u003c\/strong\u003e you stay seated there, and the sensor cuts out after a few minutes. See instead the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-pour-salon\"\u003ebulbs for lighting a living room\u003c\/a\u003e, without a sensor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBedroom:\u003c\/strong\u003e switching on at the slightest movement wakes you. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-pour-chambre\"\u003eBedroom bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e are controlled by the switch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn front of a radiator or a chimney flue:\u003c\/strong\u003e the heat is read as a moving body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFacing a window or a ventilation outlet:\u003c\/strong\u003e reflections and draughts trigger the sensor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNear a window overlooking the street:\u003c\/strong\u003e passers-by become a permanent trigger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor these rooms, a conventional light fitting remains more comfortable. Browsing \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall our light fittings\u003c\/a\u003e helps you choose a model suited to the room rather than forcing a passage detection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"reglages\"\u003eWhat are the 3 settings on a motion sensor lamp?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree settings appear on almost every model: the time delay, which sets how long the light stays on after detection, the sensitivity, which sets the sensor range, and the brightness threshold, which decides whether the lamp works only at night or at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do you set a motion sensor so it switches on day and night?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisable the dusk sensor, or push the brightness threshold to maximum: the lamp then reacts in broad daylight. This is the setting to use in a cellar or a windowless garage, where darkness never really comes. Remember to switch back to night mode before placing the same bulb outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShort or long time delay depending on the room\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShort in a hallway crossed in a few seconds, longer in a garage where you manoeuvre with your hands full. Each new passage restarts the countdown: the lamp stays on as long as someone moves in front of the sensor. Permanent mode, for its part, keeps it on continuously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich setting for which room\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRoom or use\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat the lamp should do\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTime delay to aim for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint to watch\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStaircase, hallway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSwitch on before the first step\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort to medium, long enough to cross\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAim at the staircase, not the front door\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutdoor entrance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight an arrival then switch off\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck the outdoor rating on the product page\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarage, cellar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStay on during the manoeuvre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDo not aim at the street or the neighbour's door\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUtility room, WC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFollow a brief passage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDo not leave the room in the dark while occupied\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDressing room, storage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight when your hands are busy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePoint the sensor towards the entrance of the area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"reste-allumee\"\u003eWhy does the motion sensor lamp stay on?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lamp that stays on often comes from a time delay set too long, a sensor that sees a heat source or a detector stuck in permanent mode. If it switches on in broad daylight, the brightness threshold is badly set or day and night mode is activated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does my motion sensor switch on in broad daylight?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dusk sensor is probably disabled, or its threshold pushed to maximum, which makes the lamp active at any time. A low grazing light hitting the lens produces the same effect. Put the setting back to the night position, then observe for a full day before concluding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePhantom detection: heat, insects, reflections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA radiator, a window pane, a ventilation outlet or a small animal is enough to trigger it. On an outdoor lamp, cobwebs and dust on the lens create false detections: a clean often solves the problem. To isolate the cause, mask the lens and see whether the lamp finally switches off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"parallele\"\u003eWiring 3 bulbs in parallel: how do you do it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWiring several bulbs in parallel means connecting each socket to the same supply point: all the live wires together, all the neutrals together. Each receives the same voltage and switches on independently. The built-in sensor of each bulb then works separately, with no common control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeries wiring, where the sockets follow one another, is reserved for other uses: the voltage is shared and the lamps dim. In parallel, each socket starts from the same point, with proper identification of live and neutral and correct tightening in the terminal block. Cut the power before any work, and entrust the connection at the consumer unit to a professional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother option: a separate sensor that controls the whole circuit, rather than three sensor bulbs that each switch on as you pass. The latter arrangement suits rooms with several entrances. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-220v\"\u003e220 V models\u003c\/a\u003e install on the standard domestic supply, without a transformer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"lumiere\"\u003eWhich light for a motion sensor light bulb?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a hallway or a staircase, a warm white around 2700 K gives a light close to halogen, less harsh on waking. A 3000 K, more neutral, suits an entrance or a garage. The result also depends on the diffuser and the colour of the wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarm white 2700 K or 3000 K: which atmosphere for a hallway?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2700 K warms a passage used in the evening and at night, without the waiting-room effect of a light that is too white. 3000 K, crisper, helps you read a lock or find a tool in a technical room. Compare \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-2700k\"\u003ea 2700 K light\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-3000k\"\u003ea more neutral white at 3000 K\u003c\/a\u003e depending on the room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAmber glass and filament: what you have to accept\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-coloris-ambre\"\u003eamber glass\u003c\/a\u003e globe or a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-a-filament\"\u003efilament look\u003c\/a\u003e softens the light and improves the appearance of a visible wall light. On the other hand, the stop-start switching of a sensor lamp puts this decor on show repeatedly: reserve it for passage areas, where the effect is visible without getting in the way. It remains to check compatibility if a dimmer controls the circuit, with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-a-variateur\"\u003edimmer-compatible bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOrdering from Designix\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePayment is secure, delivery is tracked and returns are provided for if the model does not match the socket. Designix customer service answers questions about base and settings before you order. Check the base, indoor or outdoor use and the mounting method: three pieces of information that save a round trip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between a presence sensor and a motion sensor?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA motion sensor reacts to movement: if the person stays still, it cuts out. A presence sensor also detects a still person, through variations in heat or micro-movement, and keeps the light on during occupancy. In bulbs, the most common technology is motion, suited to passages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat are the drawbacks of a motion sensor?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt switches off when no one moves, which is awkward for reading or still work. It can trigger on a heat source, a reflection or a passage outside. Finally, each bulb has its own detection field: in a large room, several light points are sometimes needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhy does my motion sensor switch on in broad daylight?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dusk sensor is probably disabled or its threshold is pushed to maximum, which makes the lamp active at any time. Some models also have a deliberate day and night mode. Put the setting back to the night position or lower the threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIndoor motion sensor lamp, which rooms should you favour?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePassage areas: hallway, staircase, entrance, cellar, utility room, dressing room. You stay there briefly and often have your hands full. For a living room, prefer a conventional switch or a bulb without a sensor, more comfortable for long occupancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo you need a special bulb for a light fitting with a built-in sensor?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the fitting already has its sensor, the bulb does not need one: a standard LED bulb with the right base is enough. The sensor bulb is useful when the fitting does not have one, or to add detection without touching the installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"Motion sensor light bulbs: choosing and setting them right\",\"description\":\"Motion sensor light bulbs: how the sensor works, which base to choose, how to set the time delay and sensitivity, and where to place the lamp.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Bulbs\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Motion sensor light bulbs: choosing and setting them right\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between a presence sensor and a motion sensor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A motion sensor reacts to movement: if the person stays still, it cuts out. A presence sensor also detects a still person, through variations in heat or micro-movement, and keeps the light on during occupancy. In bulbs, the most common technology is motion, suited to passages.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the drawbacks of a motion sensor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It switches off when no one moves, which is awkward for reading or still work. It can trigger on a heat source, a reflection or a passage outside. Finally, each bulb has its own detection field: in a large room, several light points are sometimes needed.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why does the motion sensor lamp stay on?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"First check the time delay, often set too long. Then look at whether the sensor is aimed at a heat source, a window pane or a place of passage. A detector in permanent mode also stays on continuously: switch it back to automatic mode.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why does my motion sensor switch on in broad daylight?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The dusk sensor is probably disabled or its threshold is pushed to maximum, which makes the lamp active at any time. Some models also have a deliberate day and night mode. Put the setting back to the night position or lower the threshold.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where should you not install a motion sensor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In a living room, a study or a bedroom, where you stay still: the light would switch off during the activity. Also avoid aiming at a radiator, a window or the street. 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