frequently asked questions

Motion sensors detect movement of objects and people. There are different types of motion sensors based on the detection object and detection methods. 2 types of motion sensors / detectors that are widely used to detect the presence/absence of people are PIR and microwave motion sensors.

Motion sensors/PIR sensors detect presence of a person by detecting the persons movement within the detection zone. With the help of control logic and relay mechanism lights and appliances can be switched "ON" or "OFF" when detection occurs. In other words, lights come on only when a person is present in the effective area – like a toilet / bathroom. This saves energy, as when the person leaves the lights are switched "OFF" automatically.

Motion sensors/PIR sensors get activated on sensing human presence based on motion or thermal radiation in case of PIR sensors. This when coupled with control circuitry and actuation mechanism like a relay – lights and appliances can be controlled and switched "ON" or "OFF" only when the person is in the area of detection. This give a dual benefit of (a) automation, (b) energy / power savings, (c) Ensure senior citizens safety by ensuring they do not have to reach out to a light switch.

Occupancy sensors detects the continuous presence of a person/persons within the detection zone. Occupancy sensors are based on thermal radiation or ultrasound or visual image processing or CO / CO2 monitoring, people counting (going in vs going out), etc. They may also employ a combination of two or more detection methods.

Occupancy sensors detects the continuous presence of a person/persons within the detection zone. If nobody is detected in the room (detection zone) control circuitry can will switch ‘OFF’ all lights, devices, air conditioner, fans, and other connected appliances. This saves a lot of energy and shaves down electricity bills.

Motion sensors as the name suggest detect motion within the field of view in case of PIR. If there is no motion, there is no detection. For example, it cannot detect a sleeping person as there will be not movement. Occupancy sensors on the other hand detects the continuous presence of a person/persons within the detection zone. As such motion detection sensors are useful for short duration application which involve intermittent (in seconds) motion detection, like in toilets or bathrooms, pathways, hotel or building corridors. Occupancy sensors are more suited for long duration (in hours) like bedrooms, living rooms, office cubicles, hotel rooms, etc.

No. Motion sensors as the name suggest detect motion within the field of view in case of PIR. If motion is not detected, the control circuitry will switch ‘OFF’ lights and appliances after the programmed timeout.

Some cheap occupancy sensors employ this method. But they are not true occupancy sensors. The higher timeout will keep lights and appliance ‘ON’ for the full timeout even if the room is empty wasting energy. Also, if there is no movement during the entire timeout as in case of a person sleeping, the control circuitry will switch of fans / air conditioner making the person get up in a sweat.

Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors use a pair of pyroelectric elements (or quad elements for higher sensitivity) to detect heat energy in the surrounding environment. These two sensors sit beside each other, and when the signal differential between the two sensors changes for example when a person enters the room, the sensor will trigger a detection signal.

Whenever the PIR motion sensor detects movement, it triggers the control circuitry which in turn actuates a relay or contactor switching on the connected light or appliance. Once the person leaves the detection area and no more motion is detected - a timeout is triggered. When timeout occurs, the control circuit disengages the relay and lights switch "OFF" (for example 10sec after last motion detection – lights will switch "OFF")

PIR motion sensor works on movement detection. It is not possible for a person to be moving continuously. The timeout works as a time buffer between movement detection. For example, if a timeout of 10 seconds is used, the person has the allowance of 10 seconds to be motion less. If motion is detected within the 10 seconds timeout is reset to 10 seconds and the cycle continues until no movement is detected within the timeout, in which case the control circuitry disengages the relay and switches ‘OFF’ the connected lights and appliances.

Timeouts are application specific and they depend on the estimation of how long a person in the detection zone will stay still or not move. It may need a little trial and error to get the optimum timeout. For example, if the PIR switch is used in an elevator. The timeout should be set considering the maximum time it takes for going from bottom to top. That is the maximum time the person can remain still.

In case a timeout occurs due to no movement and relays are disengaged, the person on realizing the lights or exhaust fan are "OFF" will most probably do some movement and the PIR sensor will detect the motion restarting the lights.

bioVibez motion sensor switch is just not only meant to control lights but also other appliances like exhaust fans in case of toilets. Lights need to be controlled with motion and also the ambient light. If there is enough daylight the LUX sensor on bioVibez will disengage the channel relay on which LUX sensing is enabled and keep lights "OFF" even when there is motion. But in case of exhaust fan its use not dependent on the amount of ambient light and needs to be on a separate channel with LUX sensing disabled.

Refer the model specific setup manual to set the ‘DIP switches’ for the timeout delay required. For WiFi config models timeouts can be set using a phone or PC. Refer to device specific manual for more details.

Refer the model specific setup manual to set the ‘DIP switches’ for enabling/disabling LUX sensing for a channel. For WiFi config models LUX sensing can be enabled/disabled using a phone or PC. Refer to device specific manual for more details.

2nd Gen - bioVibez PIR/LUX sensor onwards and WiFi config have this feature. Refer the model specific setup manual to set the ‘DIP switches’ for enabling/disabling PIR motion sensing on a channel. For WiFi config models PIR motion sensing can be enabled/disabled using a phone or PC. Refer to device specific manual for more details.

Refer the model specific setup manual to set the ‘DIP switches’ for setting LUX levels. Note this setting applies for both channels.
For WiFi config models LUX level can be set for both channels independently using a phone or PC. Refer to device specific manual for more details.

Yes, outputs of more than one bioVibez PIR/LUX sensor can be connected in parallel. Care has to be taken to make sure the phase and neutral wires match. For example for a multi entry/exit point corridor or lobby where it is not possible to cover all entry points with a single sensor, bioVibez PIR/LUX sensors can be installed at each entry/exit and outputs drawn parallel to a common light.

Yes, one of the channel outputs can be connected to a standalone alarm/hooter. LUX sensing should be disabled. The setup will need to be armed and disarmed manually.

There is delay of ~2 seconds from first detection to channel output activation.

PIR sensors detect movement on basis infra-red radiation difference between its pyroelectric elements. A false detection can happen if the sensor is placed directly in front of an air conditioner or too close to a fan. The flowing air can register different temperatures on the pyroelectric elements causing false detection. The sensor should be placed away from any possible strong draft of air.

The channel-2/relay-2 modes set the operation behaviour for channel-2. If parallel mode (default) is selected both channel-1 and channel-2 outputs are triggered together on PIR detection. For sequential mode – channel-2 output is triggered after channel-1 timeout. Sequential mode is useful where channel-2 should not be triggered during the time the person is in detection zone, but after channel-1 times out. Refer to device manual for more details.

The motion detection angle is around 120 degrees. The range is ~4m (~13ft)

All bioVibez product come with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase, unless mentioned otherwise. (See the product manual for more information)

bioVibez product warranty covers against any electrical/electronic/manufacturing defect. (See the product manual for more information)

Please take the bioVibez product to the authorised dealer from where it was purchased along with the bill/invoice and it will be replaced immediately if damaged and in stock. In case it was an online purchase, please contact customer care.

Please refer bioVibez product manual.