What is a Sensor?
A sensor is a sensor. It senses things, and that’s what they do. The Philips Hue motion sensor does this very well- it detects motion and can turn on your Philips Hue lights when it does, providing a convenient and easy way to light up your home without having to get up off the couch. You can also use this motion sensor to turn lights on or off when you are away from home, so it looks like somebody’s there if burglars come by. Philips hue motion sensors are using state-of-the-art sensors embedded in the device. The best part about these new state-of-the-art motion sensors do not require professional installation and are so simple that anyone can install motion sensors.
A motion detector like the Phillips Hue version is often used in most home security systems. It is not unheard of to have multiple infrared sensors used in a security system. Most motion detectors rely on motion sensors which tell the motion detectors that there is motion in a room. The motion sensors rely on infrared or ultrasonic waves to detect motion.
Philips Hue Motion Sensor
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a passive infrared (PIR technology) sensor (MSRP $39.99), which is intended for indoor use, this sensor detects motion and will turn on your Hue smart lights when it detects movement and turn them off after a predetermined period of inactivity, according to the manufacturer. You can control up to three rooms that are illuminated by Hue lighting with this small, battery-powered sensor, which can be installed in minutes and is battery-operated. The Hue Bridge is required for use, and it can only control Hue lights directly. However, you can program it to work with other devices connected to your Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant smart home ecosystem, allowing it to perform functions other than simply controlling light bulbs. Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a state-of-the-art active sensors.
Small yet Powerful
The Philips Hue motion sensor is small but very powerful. This sensor can control up to three rooms that are illuminated by Hue lighting, and it can be installed in minutes. The Hue Bridge is required for use, but you can program it to work with other devices connected to your Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, or Google Assistant smart home ecosystem.
In the shape of a square, the Hue Motion Sensor is made of white plastic. It measures 2.1 by 2.1 by 1.1 inches (HWD) and weighs only 0.14 pounds. An oval motion detector lens, an ambient light sensor, and an LED status indicator are located on the front of the device. The LED status indicator blinks orange during setup, green when the sensor has been identified, emits a short orange flash when the battery is low and emits a long red flash when it has lost its connection with the bridge, among other things. A reset button and a round mounting base are located on the back of the device.
Installation
Installation is simple as the Phillips Hue Motion Sensor to a wall or placing it on a flat surface using the included mounting screw. The motion detectors use two preinstalled AAA batteries, which should last for about two years between replacements according to Philips. This device will now sense any motion, but it won’t work as motion detectors since the lights are turned on. To set this up so that it works with your existing lights
Hue Bridge
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor requires the Hue Bridge for operation. The Motion detector uses Zigbee to communicate, which means it must be paired to a Hue Bridge in order to function. The motion sensor’s battery status is reported via Zigbee messages sent through the Hue Bridge.
Philip Hue Ecosystem
The sensor works with the same Hue mobile app for Android and iOS that is used by all Hue devices. The home screen includes control panels for all of the rooms in your home that use Hue lighting, but it does not include the sensor. Instead, use the Settings icon at the bottom of the screen and navigate to the Accessory Setup screen. The motion sensor panel, which includes an on/off switch and the sensor’s name, is located here. Tap the panel to assign the sensor to specific lights in a room (up to three rooms can be selected) or to control all of your Hue lights.
The Day Behavior setting can be set to work during a specific time period during the day. If the sensor detects sufficient light, it will not activate your lights. You can also set a time period for the sensor to turn on your lights in the Night Behavior setting. Both settings allow you to choose the color or white temperature that the light will use when activated, and you can set each light to turn off automatically after a certain amount of time or to return to its original state and color. You can adjust daylight sensitivity (the amount of light required to activate your Hue lights) and motion sensitivity in the advanced settings (the amount of motion needed to trigger the sensor).
Smart and fast motion detection
The Philips Hue motion sensor is designed to detect motion quickly and accurately. It has wide-angle motion detection, so it can easily pick up motion from all around the room. Additionally, it has a fast response time, so you won’t have to wait long for your lights to turn on once the sensor detects motion.
Setting up the Philips Hue Motion sensor is actually really simple. All you have to do is plug it into a 2-prong outlet, and then start up the Philips Hue app. From the main screen, you can set up the device through the accessory setup screen. Within a few seconds, the device will be ready to use!
This motion detector from Philips Hue is a great way to add automation to your home. It will add convenience and security whenever you need it, so feel free to automate all of your lights with this motion-activated smart accessory!
Benefits of motion sensor lighting
This type of sensor is one of the most important sensors in the smart home because it can detect any type of motion or brightness in the house. The motion detectors inform the user about useful features such as lighting, energy savings, and home alarm systems.
In addition, motion sensors for lighting can be configured to work both during the day and night, which means you can save a lot of money on the energy bill by using motion-activated lighting instead of traditional lights that burn all day while there is no motion.
Motion sensors for lighting are also an important security feature, especially if motion detection is configured to be activated only during the night. This way, motion is detected if there are any intruders trying to break into your house!
Some of the information for the Nerds:
Different types of motion sensors
There are different types of motion sensors available on the market, and each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The two most common types are PIR sensor (passive infrared) and IR (infrared) motion sensors.
Passive infrared sensor (Pir Sensor)
The PIR motion sensors sense motion and turn lights on or off when there is motion detected. It can also be used in conjunction with some smart features that work with the Phillip Hue bridge, such as turning all of your lights off once you leave the house or returning them to their original state if motion is no longer detected after a determined amount of time.
PIR motion sensors work by detecting body heat, so they can be used to detect motion in both dark and light environments. They are also relatively affordable and easy to install. However, they can be susceptible to false positives or even triggering a false alarm if there is a lot of movement in the environment (e.g., if there is a dog or cat running around).
IR Motion Sensors
IR motion sensors work by detecting changes in the surrounding environment, so they can be used to detect motion in both dark and light environments. Unlike PIR motion sensors, they are not susceptible to false positives. This is because IR motion sensors only turn on their motion detection when motion is detected, thus, eliminating any motion that has already happened. Also unlike PIR motion sensors, the motion sensor must be able to “see” the motion in order for it to be detected. This means that motion can be detected behind walls, but motion cannot be detected around corners.
Microwave Sensors
The Microwave sensor uses microwave motion sensors to detect motion. However, this type of motion sensor can be susceptible to false positives because they are not very accurate when motion is detected. They are mainly used in industrial settings, such as warehouses or airports, for motion detection.
Accelerometer motion sensors
The motion sensor uses this type of motion sensor to detect motion in the form of vibrations. It can be attached to an object and turned on once it has been set up with a specific threshold value. For example, you can attach the motion sensor to a door and configure it to turn on if there is a vibration that is stronger than a specific number of decibels (dB).
Accelerometer motion sensors are very accurate because they detect motion in one direction rather than through heat waves. This makes them ideal for use with doors or windows and motion detection. However, they can be susceptible to false positives if there is a lot of movement in the environment.
Inertial motion sensors
The motion sensor uses this type of motion sensor to detect motion by using micro-electro-mechanical systems technology (MEMS).
Specifications
- Sensor type -> Passive infrared (PIR) for movement and daylight sensor for light levels.
- Battery type -> 2 x AAA (They are included)
- Battery Life -> 2 years of typical use
- Detection Area -> 100° wide detection area
- Detection Distance -> up to 5 meters
- Connection type -> Zigbee Mesh
- Warranty -> 2 years
- Dimensions -> 62mm height x 62mm width x 28mm deep
- Weight -> 80 Grams
- Product Identifiers -> Philips Hue Motion Sensor APR (product name); 929001260763 (Philips 12NC); 8718696769881 (barcode).
PROS and CONS
PRO
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- Easy of use
- Ease of installation
- Control of three rooms
- Works with most smart appliances including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant
Cons
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- Requires a Philips Hue Bridge
- Uses batteries that need to be replaced.
Final Ranking
Philips Hue Motion Sensor ease of use and ease of installation nets a 4.5/5.0 Rating
In Conclusion
It is always hard to find the best motion sensors on the market and with wireless motion sensors saturating the market, many motion sensors can be confusing. The motion sensor that’s right for you will depend on your needs, but these are some of the options to consider if motion detection is something you’re looking for in your smart home. Passive infrared motion sensor and active motion sensor are also two motion sensors that you can choose from.
If you’re looking for a motion sensor to help automate your home lighting, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor wireless is a great option. This sensor can be used to turn on your Philips Hue lights when it detects motion, providing a convenient and easy way to light up your home without having to get up off the couch. You can also use this sensor to turn lights on or off when you are away from home, so it looks like somebody’s there if burglars come by. The Phillips Hue Motion Sensor is versatile enough to help all kinds of people- students who want an easy way to find their way around the house at night, parents who just want sufficient lighting for their children’s rooms, etc. So if you’re in the market for a motion sensor, consider the Philips Hue motion sensor for its convenience and ease of use.
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