Presence detector

KINASGARD® presence detectors reliably detect motion and presence indoors, outdoors, and for ceiling mounting. Thanks to the patented lens system and a high-quality infrared sensor, they register even the smallest movements from distances of up to 10 meters. With an opening angle of 110° and a detection range of 360°, the devices detect changes in the infrared radiation emitted by people and objects.
Depending on the version, a potential-free changeover contact for 24 V, brightness signals of 0–10 V or 4–20 mA, as well as combined measuring variables for temperature and relative humidity are available.

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10 products
  • Bewegungsmelder Deckeneinbau mit Anschlusskabel und separatem Steuergerät
    Movement

    Motion detector recessed ceiling

    KINASGARD® DBWF-C

    1401-6130-1000-006

    $129.63

  • Raumbewegungsfühler mit geschlossenem Gehäuse und sichtbarem Bewegungssensor
    Movement

    Room movement sensor

    KINASGARD® RBWF-W

    1401-41A0-4000-000

    $135.70

  • Außen-Bewegungsfühler mit geschlossenem Gehäuse in Frontalansicht
    Movement

    Outdoor motion sensor

    KINASGARD® ABWF-W

    1401-1110-4000-000

    $161.85

  • Bewegungsmelder Deckeneinbau in Gesamtansicht mit Anschlusskopf
    Movement

    Motion detector recessed ceiling

    KINASGARD® DBWF-W

    1401-6120-3000-000

    $173.38

  • Raum-Bewegungsfühler / Präsenzmelder und Lichtfühler mit geschlossenem Gehäuse in Frontalansicht
    Light Movement

    Room motion sensor / presence detector and light sensor

    KINASGARD® RBWF-LF-I

    1401-41A1-3200-000

    $205.75

  • Raum-Bewegungsfühler / Präsenzmelder und Lichtfühler mit geschlossenem Gehäuse
    Light Movement

    Room motion sensor / presence detector and light sensor

    KINASGARD® RBWF-LF-U

    1401-41A1-1100-000

    $205.75

  • Außen-Bewegungsfühler und Lichtfühler mit geschlossenem Gehäuse in Frontalansicht
    Light Movement

    Outdoor motion sensor and light sensor

    KINASGARD® ABWF-LF-I

    1401-1111-3200-000

    $218.61

  • Außen-Bewegungsfühler und Lichtfühler mit geschlossenem Gehäuse in Frontalansicht
    Light Movement

    Outdoor motion sensor and light sensor

    KINASGARD® ABWF-LF-U

    1401-1111-2100-000

    $218.61

  • Feuchte- und Temperaturfühler mit Montagefedern
    Light Movement

    Motion detector, light sensor, humidity and temperature sensor

    KINASGARD® DBWF-LF-FTF-W

    1401-6114-3100-000

    $294.01

  • Raum-Bewegungsfühler bzw. Präsenzmelder mit geschlossenem Gehäuse
    New
    Movement

    Room motion sensor or presence detector

    KINASGARD® FSBWF-W

    1401-5120-3000-162

    $306.33

Presence detectors for needs-based building automation

A presence detector is a sensor that detects the smallest movements in the monitored area and uses this to determine the presence of people. In building automation, this signal can be used to switch lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation or monitoring functions as required.

KINASGARD® presence detectors have been developed for different installation locations and control signals. In addition to pure motion and presence signals, there are versions with light sensors and multi-sensors that also record temperature and relative humidity. This allows the product selection to be adapted to the actual intended use and the existing building management system.

Contents

Presence detectors or motion detectors – what’s the difference? Which presence detector suits your application? What should you pay attention to when choosing a presence detector? Planning and installation of presence detectors The Right Solution for Your Project

How does a motion detector work?

Many motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) sensors. The sensor itself does not emit any radiation but detects changes in the existing infrared or thermal radiation within its detection area. When a person moves through multiple detection zones, a signal with varying timing is generated, which the detector evaluates.

The KINASGARD® models use a lens system to divide the monitored area into individual zones. Depending on the device model, this allows even small movements to be detected. The specific range, field of view, mounting height, and required temperature difference are always specified in the respective data sheet.

Important: A PIR presence detector does not recognize a person’s identity nor does it measure absolute “presence.” It reacts to changes in the thermal image. If a person remains completely motionless, detection may not occur. For sedentary activities, a finer detection structure and appropriate positioning are therefore particularly important.

Presence detectors or motion detectors – what’s the difference?

Presence and motion detectors can be based on the same basic PIR principle. The main difference lies in the sensitivity, the design of the detection area and the typical use: A presence detector is intended for small movements and long-occupied rooms, a motion detector is primarily intended for significant movement in passageways or outdoor areas.

Presence detector

  • Also detects small movements, for example at the desk
  • Suitable for offices, meeting rooms and classrooms
  • Often mounted on the ceiling
  • Depending on the model, it can also record the brightness
  • Ideal for rooms that are occupied for longer periods

Motion detector

  • Above all, detects larger, walking movements
  • Suitable for hallways, entrances, warehouses and outdoor areas
  • Often mounted on walls, ceilings or facades
  • Triggers a defined function when movement is detected
  • Ideal for passage areas

In short: A presence detector is usually useful for quiet, long-occupied rooms. A motion detector is often sufficient for passageways and outdoor areas.

The designation alone does not determine suitability. Always check the detection range, sensor technology, installation location, protection class, supply voltage and output of the specific device.

Which presence detector is right for your application?

  • For indoor use

    Recommended model: Room presence sensors
    Suitable for: Offices, workplaces, and business premises
    Available functions: Motion and presence; depending on the model, brightness may also be included

    View room presence sensors

  • For outdoor use

    Suitable model: ABWF product family
    Suitable for: Entrances, outdoor areas, and industrial environments
    Available functions: Motion, presence, and optional ambient light
    Important: Check the model’s protection rating and environmental conditions

    View outdoor presence sensors

  • For ceiling mounting

    Suitable model: DBWF-C or DBWF-W
    Suitable for: Suspended ceilings in offices, hallways, and commercial spaces
    Available functions: Motion and presence via potential-free changeover contacts

    View models for ceiling mounting

  • With light sensor

    Suitable model: RBWF-LF or ABWF-LF
    Suitable for: Lighting, blind, and sunshade controls
    Available signals: 0–10 V or 4–20 mA, depending on the variant

    View presence detectors with light sensors

  • With multiple measurement parameters

    Suitable model: DBWF-LF-FTF-W
    Detects: Presence, brightness, temperature, and relative humidity
    Suitable for: Combined building automation tasks

    View multisensors

  • For flush-mount boxes

    Compatible model: FSBWF-W
    Installation: Flush-mount box with a diameter of 55 mm
    Output: Changeover contact or relay for 24 V

    View flush-mount presence detectors

What should you pay attention to when choosing a presence detector?

  1. Determine the location of use: Indoor, outdoor, wet room, industrial environment or false ceilings place different requirements on the housing and type of protection.
  2. Define capture task: Should walking movement or even small movements while sitting be detected? Check the detection area specified for presence and movement.
  3. Determine the type of installation: Room housing, ceiling mounting, ceiling installation or 55 mm flush-mounted box must suit the structural situation.
  4. Check supply voltage: The detector must be electrically compatible with the existing system. 24V and 230V devices are not easily interchangeable.
  5. Select output: A relay or potential-free contact can be suitable for a binary occupancy signal. Depending on the variant, 0-10 V or 4-20 mA are available for measured values ​​such as brightness.
  6. Take additional measurements into account: Light, temperature and relative humidity can be combined in one multisensor and reduce separate devices.
  7. Compare data sheet: Range, mounting height, opening angle, stopping time, temperature range, protection class and permissible switching load are product-specific.

What does “potential-free contact” mean for a presence detector?

A potential-free contact transmits a switching state without directly electrically connecting the circuits of the sensor and the connected controller. In building automation, the “motion/presence detected” signal can be transferred to a digital input. Permissible voltage, current and load type must match the detector data sheet.

Planning and installation of presence detectors

The best choice of device is of little help if the relevant area is not reliably recorded. Plan the location using the specific model's acquisition diagram. With PIR technology, the direction of movement, installation height, room geometry and possible heat sources influence the result.

For sedentary work, the workplace should be in the designated presence area. Partitions, high furniture or fixtures can limit fields of vision. Outdoors, weather, sunlight and rapidly changing temperature conditions must also be taken into account.

The electrical installation may only be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's documents and the applicable electrical engineering requirements. After installation, the actual detection area in the room should be checked and the follow-up time should be adjusted to the usage.

Choose the right solution for your project

Do you need a simple presence contact, an outdoor detector, a recessed ceiling sensor or a combined detection of presence and brightness?

Compare those available KINASGARD® variants according to installation location, output and measured variables. Support you if you have special requirements S+S Regeltechnik also with technical advice and customer-specific solutions.

Compare presence detectors

FAQ

What is the difference between presence detectors and motion detectors?

A presence detector is designed for small movements and rooms that are occupied for a longer period of time, such as when working at a desk. A motion detector usually reacts to significant movement and is often used in hallways, entrances or outdoor areas. The specific suitability depends on the sensor technology, detection field and device parameters.

Can a presence detector detect a person sitting completely still?

A PIR presence detector reacts to changes in infrared or thermal radiation. Without any movement, the thermal image can change too little to trigger a new signal. Fine-resolution optics, the correct position and an appropriate follow-up time improve detection during sedentary activities.

Are there presence detectors for outdoor use?

Yes. What is crucial is a type of protection and housing design that is suitable for the location of use. The S+S range includes outdoor motion sensors and presence detectors from the ABWF family, including versions with IP65 and optional brightness detection. The permissible ambient conditions can be found in the respective product data sheet.

Where should a presence detector be installed?

The position depends on the room geometry, mounting height and the detection diagram of the device. Ceiling models are often arranged centrally above the relevant living area. Workstations should be in the designated attendance area. Partitions, furniture, heat sources and ventilation outlets must be taken into account when planning.

Do I need a presence detector with 230 V or 24 V?

This depends on the existing control and the planned load. 230 V detectors are often used directly in light switching installations. 24 V variants and potential-free contacts are often suitable for building automation or low-voltage inputs. Supply and output must always be checked together using the circuit diagram.

When does a presence detector with a light sensor make sense?

An additional light sensor makes sense if the automation needs to take into account the illuminance in addition to the occupancy. Depending on the model, a 0-10 V or 4-20 mA signal can be used for daylight-dependent light, blinds or sun protection functions. Measuring range and output must match the control.

We also manufacture individually

Do you have special requirements? As a manufacturer with our own production facilities in Germany, we are also able to produce products outside of the standard range at any time.

 Contact us

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