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Recommendations for PIR switch.

WIAWSNB
WIAWSNB Posts: 1,525 Forumite
1,000 Posts Name Dropper
To light up our driveway in these dark months.
I already have one fitted, and it controls two lights on the front of our garage - I just want to replace it with one that works properly.
This one fails to respond unless you are close to it, but at the same time gives lots of false triggers, so annoying in that way too.
It's mounted just under the apex of the garage roof, so around 20' high? It needs to capture a distance of, say, 30'. 
The garage front is at right angles to the driveway entrance, so I thought the PIR position would be ideal - ie it'll capture cars and pedestrians moving across it's detection area? But, it was pants from day one.
Ideally, the new PIR will have the ability to shield the lens, say in case pavement pedestrians are also caught - such a thing?
Cheers.

Comments

  • rob7475
    rob7475 Posts: 968 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I've never found a PIR that's totally reliable. I used to have the lights at the front of my house connected to a PIR but it was always hit and miss. 

    Last year, I changed the old lights for lamp holders that allowed me to fit my own GU10 bulbs. I then fitted smart Gu10 LED bulbs that automatically come on at sunset and go off at sunrise.

    I know it's not answered your question but might be something to think about
  • ic
    ic Posts: 3,476 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    PIRs shouldn't be mounted that high - they work much better mounted low.  In my own case I found it better to have a couple along my driveway (it ran down the side of the house) covering patches - a single sensor mounted at the back either picked up everything (including passing traffic on the main road), or nothing.  You are right though, it should work well picking up movement crossing the sensor rather than towards.

    as an example: https://www.free-instruction-manuals.com/pdf/pa_2451676.pdf - max height is 2.5m, just over 8 foot.
  • bjorn_toby_wilde
    bjorn_toby_wilde Posts: 622 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I fitted a Robus 180 PIR a few years ago and it’s been faultless. As above though, it’s only about 8 feet high.

    I positioned it right at the corner of the house because the previous built in PIR on a bulkhead light wouldn’t pick anybody up if they were walking straight towards it.  The light didn’t come on until you were nearly at the front door.
  • WIAWSNB
    WIAWSNB Posts: 1,525 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Thanks, both.
    I could have it timed, but ideally want it responding to actual folk and cars, as times of return to the house can vary a lot, and it would obviously add a bit of overnight security too. 
    I did wonder, IC. They are such ugly things, tho', that I didn't want it obviously on the face of my garage, hence choosing a location where it isn't noticed - and it's also protected from the elements by the overhang. I did think it would be the best scanning position, too, but may have got that wrong... If I need to move it, so be it. :smile:
    Cheers.
  • WIAWSNB
    WIAWSNB Posts: 1,525 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited Today at 12:13PM
    I fitted a Robus 180 PIR a few years ago and it’s been faultless. As above though, it’s only about 8 feet high.

    I positioned it right at the corner of the house because the previous built in PIR on a bulkhead light wouldn’t pick anybody up if they were walking straight towards it.  The light didn’t come on until you were nearly at the front door.
    Thanks - I'll check out that make :smile:
    (And it comes with a detection limiting shield :smiley:)

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