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What the Difference Between an Occupancy Sensor and a Vacancy Sensor?

Maya Lin-Takahashi • • 7 min read
What the Difference Between an Occupancy Sensor and a Vacancy Sensor?
Both types will turn off the lights when the room has been unoccupied for a set amount of time. An occupancy sensor will turn the lights ON automatically when people come into a room or area. A vacancy sensor requires someone to manually turn ON the lights when they enter the room.

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Simply so, what is difference between motion sensor and occupancy sensor?

The Occupancy sensor detects presence of people or animals in the target monitored area. The motion sensor responds to moving objects only. The difference between them is occupancy sensor produce signals whenever an object is stationary or not while motion sensor is sensitive to only moving objects.

Similarly, are occupancy sensors required by code? Codes require the occupancy sensor turn the lights off within 30 minutes of the occupant leaving the space, ensuring energy savings. Control manufacturers recommend a 15- to 20-minute time delay as a good compromise between energy savings and lamp life.

Beside this, what does a vacancy sensor do?

Vacancy sensors assume that a user will turn the lights on manually, typically via a wall switch. The vacancy sensor will then monitor the space to turn lights off if the space is then vacant for a specified length of time. But for spaces with daylight, the “automatic-off” of vacancy sensors is typically preferable.

What is the best occupancy sensor?

The Best Motion Sensor Light Switch in 2019

  • Lutron Maestro Sensor Light Switch MS-OPS2.
  • Leviton Decora OSSMD-GDW.
  • Enerlites MWOS-W Motion Sensor Switch.
  • Jasco GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Motion Sensor Switch.
  • ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch.
Related Question Answers

Do occupancy sensors have cameras?

Occupancy sensors for lighting control typically use infrared (IR), ultrasonic, tomographic motion detection, microwave sensors, or camera-based sensors (image processing). If lights are off and an occupant re-enters a space, most current systems switch lights back on when motion is detected.

How does occupancy sensor work?

Occupancy and vacancy sensors are devices that detect when a space is unoccupied and accordingly automatically turn OFF (or dim) the lights, thereby saving energy. The device may also turn the lights ON automatically upon detecting the presence of people, providing convenience and a potential security aid.
Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.