Motion Sensor Installation

Consider with following factors when selecting and installing motion sensors:

Factor	Consideration
Room/space size and shape	Ceiling/mounting height Compare motion sensor range to ceiling height (if mounted on the ceiling) Consider motion sensor coverage area based on mounting height Location of walls, doors, windows and drapes HF motion sensors may detect motion through windows, doors, drapes and drywall Consider potential mounting positions based on walls, doors, windows and drapes Compare motion sensor range to room size (if mounted on the wall) --------------------------------------------------------
Objects in room/space	Location of shelves, book cases, file cabinets, large equipment or other large objects PIR motion sensors need ‘line of sight’, so any obstruction may prevent the motion sensor from detecting movement Location of partition/desk/workspace Consider orientation with regards to walls, partitions and other obstacles PIR motion sensors need ‘line of sight’, so any obstruction may prevent the motion sensor from detecting movement HF motion sensors can see through drywall, cubicle partitioning and glass --------------------------------------------------------
Occupants	Location/s of occupant activity and non-activity PIR motion sensors need ‘line of sight’, so ensure that motion sensors are mounted with good visibility of areas of occupant activity Type of movements occupants make – large (such as walking) vs small (such as typing) PIR motion sensors are better at sensing small motion at close range, so ensure appropriate mounting distance from areas of movement --------------------------------------------------------
Mounting location/s	Location/s available for motion sensor mounting HF motion sensors can be mounted inside ceiling panels, wooden or plastic boxes and cabinets PIR motion sensors require ‘line of sight’ to detect motion, so cannot be mounted inside or behind anything --------------------------------------------------------
Environment factors affecting motion sensors	Location of climate control devices  and airflow PIR motion sensors rely on changes in temperature to detect motion, so mounting motion sensors near draughts, or cooling or heating devices/vents can create false readings High levels of vibration HF motion sensors detect motion through changes in vibration, so use in areas with high levels of vibration can create false readings If a motion sensor is mounted on an object that vibrates or has movement (like a lamp post or pole) it can create false readings Extreme temperature conditions PIR motion sensors rely on changes in temperature to detect motion, so use in areas of extreme temperature will decrease their effectiveness. Specialised low temperature PIR sensors should be used. --------------------------------------------------------
Device(s) load	Cumulative load of all devices to be added per single motion sensor The total load (Watt) of all devices to be added to each motion sensor must be compared to the motion sensor’s maximum load specification Take the power factor of the connected device in consideration when determining the load --------------------------------------------------------

Also see:
Motion Sensor Technology and Selection
Motion Sensor Settings
Motion Sensor Best Practices