Start with the electrical boundary

A PIR sensor should be selected as part of the complete lighting circuit, not as an isolated component. Record the available supply voltage, the controlled load, the required output behavior and the connector or cable arrangement before comparing sensor formats.

For low-voltage lighting, confirm whether the sensor switches the full load directly or sends a control signal to another driver or controller. This decision changes current requirements, connector selection and protection needs.

  • Input voltage range and polarity
  • Load type and maximum operating current
  • Connector, cable length and installation access
  • Required standby and switching behavior

Match the sensor format to the installation

A remote sensing head can place the lens at the edge of a cabinet or luminaire while keeping the control body concealed. An inline module may simplify assembly where sufficient internal space is available. Ceiling and wall formats require different mounting depth, cutout and detection-direction checks.

Use the physical sample to verify clearances. Product photographs and reference sheets help with planning, but the approved dimensional drawing should control any production cutout or enclosure tooling.

Define the sensing response

Detection angle and distance are only part of the requirement. Project teams should also define delay, retrigger behavior, daylight response and the expected direction of movement. A sensor that performs well in a corridor may behave differently inside a cabinet or near a ventilation outlet.

  • Target detection area and mounting height
  • Delay and continuous-trigger behavior
  • Daylight threshold or daylight-disable requirement
  • Likely heat, airflow, sunlight and obstruction conditions

Approve the complete configuration

Before production, freeze the tested combination of model, wiring, connector, housing, settings, labeling and packaging. Keep the approved sample and the final drawing under the same revision reference so purchasing, engineering and quality teams are reviewing the same product.