Motion Sensor's

Whether you are a professional electrician, an installer, or a confident DIY enthusiast, selecting the right motion sensor is essential for automatic lighting, enhanced safety, energy savings, and reliable security. Our comprehensive selection at MCK Electrical includes everything from a standard PIR motion sensor for indoor corridors to a rugged outdoor motion sensor for driveway perimeters and retrofit garage lighting. To find exactly what you need, you can easily filter your options by IP rating, mounting style, detection angle, and preferred brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right outdoor motion sensor for my property?

When choosing an outdoor motion sensor, consider its IP rating: IP65 is ideal for fully exposed locations, while IP54 is suitable for semi-exposed sites. Look for a detection angle between 120-360° and a detection range of 8-12 metres to effectively cover driveways or gardens. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates the device's resistance to dust and water. You will also need to decide between mains-powered, battery, or solar options; battery-powered units typically last 6-24 months, depending on usage. We recommend reputable brands like Steinel, Hager, and Robus. Finally, confirm the recommended mounting height (usually 2-3 metres) and check for adjustable sensitivity to minimise false triggers.

What IP rating do I need for an outdoor motion sensor?

The required IP rating for an outdoor motion sensor depends on its location. For fully exposed areas like exterior walls, gates, and gardens, choose an IP65-rated sensor. For semi-exposed facades, IP54 is sufficient, while IP44 is suitable for sheltered spots such as covered porches. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating classifies a device's protection against dust and water. In areas subject to heavy rain or pressure washing, consider an IP66 rating or higher. Selecting the correct IP rating is crucial to prevent corrosion, electrical faults, and a shortened lifespan for your device.

Which motion sensor is best for indoor lighting?

For indoor lighting, passive infrared (PIR) sensors are the best choice due to their energy efficiency and reliability. Select a sensor with a 360° detection angle for ceiling mounting or a 120-180° angle for wall mounting. Typical indoor detection ranges are between 3-12 metres, depending on the room size. For a seamless look on finished ceilings, opt for recessed (flush) mounting, while surface mounting is ideal for retrofits. Ensure the sensor is IP20-rated and has an adjustable hold time and sensitivity to reduce false triggers in areas like corridors, bathrooms, and offices.

What is a PIR motion sensor and how does it work?

A PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor detects movement by sensing rapid changes in infrared radiation, or heat, emitted by objects like people. These sensors are 'passive' because they do not emit energy. Instead, they use a special lens to focus infrared radiation onto a detector. When a warm body moves across the sensor's field of view, the rapid change in detected heat triggers an alert. Typical detection ranges are 3-12 metres, with response times around 0.5-1.5 seconds. For optimal performance, it is important to mount them at the manufacturer's recommended height, usually 2-3 metres.

What is the difference between 180-degree and 360-degree motion sensors?

The main difference lies in their coverage area. A 180-degree sensor provides a semi-circular field of view, making it ideal for wall mounting to monitor specific areas like driveways, walkways, and doorways. A 360-degree sensor offers full circular coverage, which is best suited for ceiling mounting in the centre of a room for comprehensive detection. Typical detection ranges are 6-12 metres for 180-degree models and 3-8 metres for 360-degree ceiling units, depending on mounting height. Always select the pattern that best matches the traffic flow of the area to ensure reliable detection.

How far can a motion sensor detect movement?

The detection range of a motion sensor varies by type. Standard PIR sensors typically detect movement from 3 to 12 metres, while microwave or dual-technology sensors can reach up to 15-20 metres, making them suitable for larger areas. However, the effective distance is influenced by factors such as mounting height (2-3 metres is recommended), angle, and environmental conditions. It is important to note that manufacturers list detection ranges based on ideal conditions; real-world obstacles, wind, and temperature can reduce the effective range.

Can a motion sensor ignore pets?

Yes, many modern motion sensors feature 'pet immunity' or adjustable sensitivity to prevent false alarms caused by animals. These sensors are designed to ignore movement from pets under a specific weight threshold, commonly up to 20-25 kg. This is achieved by filtering out smaller heat sources or by using detection logic that disregards movement close to the floor. For the best results, choose a sensor that explicitly states pet immunity in its specifications and mount it at the recommended height of 2-2.5 metres with a slight downward angle.

Choosing the right IP rating for an outdoor motion sensor

When installing an outdoor motion sensor, matching the Ingress Protection (IP) rating to your specific mounting environment is crucial. If you are mounting a unit under a sheltered eave or covered porch, an IP44 motion sensor provides adequate protection. For partially exposed façades and perimeter lighting, step up to an IP54 motion sensor. If mounting on a fully exposed exterior wall, gate, or area exposed to irrigation, choose an IP65 motion sensor to ensure complete weather resistance.

Always check the product datasheets to confirm suitability. Indoor ceiling-mounted sensors typically only require an IP20 rating, but for any exterior application, choosing an insufficient IP rating for an exposed location is a common mistake that compromises durability.

Choosing a detection angle: 360° vs 180° coverage

Selecting the correct detection angle ensures your sensor captures movement exactly where you need it. For covering central spaces like indoor corridors, stairwells, or lobbies, a ceiling motion sensor with 360° coverage is the best choice for comprehensive presence detection. When you need to monitor walkways, driveways, or entrances, a wall-mounted directional 180° motion sensor (or narrower 140° to 230° options) provides targeted exterior detection.

Always confirm the manufacturer's detection diagrams when planning your coverage.
Remember that the actual detection footprint depends heavily on the lens design and your chosen mounting height.

Considerations for a PIR motion sensor for home security

A standard PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor is ideal for most lighting control applications, as it detects body heat moving across its field of view. However, for through-glass or partitioned detection, consider microwave or dual-tech alternatives. When evaluating an infrared motion sensor, look closely at the datasheet for these practical features:

Daylight sensing: For dusk-to-dawn exterior lighting, choose a motion sensor with daylight-sensing capabilities, or pair your setup with a separate photocell head or kit from our catalogue.
Pet immunity: It is important not to assume a PIR sensor ignores pets. For homes with animals, specifically look for pet immunity in the specifications, choose adjustable-sensitivity models, and ensure the correct mounting height.
LED compatibility: Always check the switching method and switching current on the datasheet to ensure load compatibility if the sensor will be switching LED drivers.

Secure your property and automate your lighting by choosing the right motion sensor for your project. Filter by IP rating, mounting, brand, and detection angle to find the perfect fit from our extensive range. We highly recommend that you view the product datasheets for specific load capabilities and detection range details before making your final choice. If you have any questions about switching compatibility or installation, our expert technical support team is on hand to provide professional guidance.