What is the difference between a vacancy sensor and an occupancy sensor ? - PartsXP

Vacancy Sensors and Occupancy Sensors both are commonly referred to as motion sensors or motion detectors. Both these are switch sensors designed for detecting motion and turns the lights OFF when an area is unoccupied. Moreover, the device also turns ON the lights depending upon the presence of people. To know more differences between a vacancy sensor and an occupancy sensor, have a look at this blog post.

Know more specifications of Occupancy Sensor here PartsXP

These devices save your energy bills. Generally, we will forget to switch off the lights when went out. Then buildings may waste electricity and create extra electrical bills. There is no need for light when the room is empty. So, to avoid those types of situations, you can use vacancy or occupancy sensors. These are convenient and easy solutions to eliminate wasted energy in your house or building.

If you have sensors for lighting in your building, then no need to worry about forgetting to switch off when walkout from that area. The devices are also configured to light on automatically when someone enters the room. In this way, you can cut down your bills simply.

These sensors also are known as passive infrared motion sensors and it’s a great technology to save energy and keep your area secure. Here, we are taking a closer look at the smart occupancy sensor and vacancy sensor.

What is the difference between a vacancy sensor and an occupancy sensor?

An occupancy sensor turns the lights ON automatically when it detects motion within the viewing range. Also, turns the lights or motors OFF after a certain period when the room is empty and motion is no longer detected.  Vacancy Sensors will automatically turn OFF the light after a set period when motion is no longer detected and the space is vacant.

If you add a layer of user control to vacancy sensors, it can provide additional efficiency. Are you thinking about this like how is it possible? Yes, it is possible by simply allowing the people to turn on lights when they need it. Usually, in the day time with sunlight, you don't need lights in the room. So, there is no necessity of lights ON whenever someone enters a room. So, better to use this choice and save energy costs.

Best vacancy sensors for your home Here PartsXP

The major difference in the placement of sensors: The occupancy sensor can be placed by the doorway, which means that placed next to the glass partitions or sidelights which have a clear view of a corridor. The vacancy sensor better to be placed at the corner. Occupancy devices are mainly reserved for use in storage areas and washrooms to turn lights ON when someone goes. Moreover, these are the same sensor units in a different setting.

Occupancy Sensors

Now, we are looking at the occupancy sensors concept. The sensors are an "auto-on" device that switches light ON in a room when the sensor is triggered by a person. Among others, the sensor could be an infrared, ultrasonic, or dual-tech (both). Now imagine a standard office fit-out, class A. Many glass partitions or sidelights (next to office doors) used to optimize the daylight during working hours.

Because if a private office has an occupancy sensor, as they're passing by, anyone outside in the corridor will move the sensor. Generally, what happening with the occupancy sensor switch is that someone trips the sensors when they just walking outside of it. After around 30 minutes, an occupancy sensor would turn off the lights, but it will normally continue to get tripped.

Vacancy Sensors

The vacancy sensor is a manual-on device. The lights will in off mode in the offices until someone enters into that office and buttons a manual and wall-mounted switch. Now, the light is switched on when they required and again turn off at a certain time if it detects any movement or heat in the room.

As per the US Department of Energy, commercial buildings use an average of 38 percent of electricity only. Using vacancy/ occupancy sensors is a key factor while saving lighting energy.

Applications for Occupancy/ Vacancy Sensors

The sensors are ideally suited for you to install in various places such as

• Smaller and enclosed spaces.
• Larger areas using zoned/ networked or individual luminaire control.
• Areas that operate on an unpredictable schedule.
• Intermittently occupied spaces that are, left unoccupied for two or more hours per day.
• Use in corridors, stairwells, and similar areas where the lighting should remain ON all day but are frequently vacant (light reduction).
• Ideal applications include classrooms, offices, copy rooms, conference rooms, warehouse aisles, restrooms, storage areas, break rooms, filing areas, and many others.

Have you wondering about these devices and want to use them in your home/ building also? Then, quickly visit our PartsXP store. PartsXP offers a wide selection of vacancy and occupancy sensors for both residential as well as commercial applications. Our motion sensors will enhance your convenience, provide smart energy-saving solutions, and security for indoor and outdoor uses.

Final Words:

Hope you got the difference between a vacancy sensor and an occupancy sensor. These sensors will help you more while saving energy bills. No need for manual control with extra time when you are in a busy schedule. So, it's left for you to install in your building.

About the Author

Haritha

Haritha is a Content Writer at PartsXP. She has a great understanding of today's marketing strategies that yield strong results and always happy to create valuable content & share her thoughts.

She was good at writing content for E-Commerce websites related to Electrical Parts, Appliance Parts, Food Service Parts, HVAC Parts, etc.

You can see some her contributions at PartsFPS.com, PartsAPS.com, PartsIPS.com