Occupancy Sensors & Motion Sensor Switches

Lumera Electric stocks occupancy sensors, vacancy sensors, and motion sensor switches for commercial and residential lighting control. Choose PIR, ultrasonic, or dual-technology detection in ceiling-mount and wall-switch form factors, rated for 120V and 277V, from Enerlites, Leviton, and Lutron. Auto-on occupancy and manual-on vacancy models support energy codes, with trade pricing and bulk-quote support.

Occupancy Sensors & Motion Sensor Switches

What's the difference between an occupancy and a vacancy sensor?

An occupancy sensor turns lights on automatically when it detects motion and off after the room empties. A vacancy sensor turns lights on manually at the switch and off automatically. Vacancy (manual-on) sensors meet stricter energy codes like California Title 24 by preventing unnecessary activation.

  • Occupancy — auto-on, auto-off — hands-free control for hallways, restrooms, and shared offices
  • Vacancy — manual-on, auto-off — code-compliant savings for private offices and classrooms

How does an occupancy sensor detect motion?

Occupancy sensors use three detection methods. PIR (passive infrared) senses body heat in a direct line of sight. Ultrasonic emits sound waves that detect motion around obstructions. Dual-technology combines both to cut false triggers in open or partitioned rooms.

  • PIR (passive infrared) — line-of-sight heat detection — open rooms, hallways, and small offices
  • Ultrasonic — sound-wave motion detection — restrooms, corridors, and partitioned spaces
  • Dual-technology — PIR plus ultrasonic — large or obstructed rooms needing fewer false triggers

Ceiling sensor or wall-switch sensor — which do I need?

Mounting matches room size. Ceiling-mount sensors give 360-degree coverage up to about 2,000 square feet for large open areas. Wall-switch sensors replace a standard switch in the wall box and suit single rooms up to roughly 400 square feet, with no added wiring.

Do motion sensor switches need a neutral wire?

Most modern motion sensor switches require a neutral wire to power their electronics. Older switch-loop boxes without a neutral need a sensor rated for no-neutral (2-wire) operation. Check the wall box for a bundled neutral before ordering, especially in pre-2011 homes.

What voltage do commercial occupancy sensors use?

Voltage matches the building's lighting circuit. Residential and light-commercial sensors run on 120V. Commercial and industrial lighting often runs on 277V, so the sensor must match. Dual-voltage (120/277V) sensors fit both, while low-voltage models pair with a power pack on 0-10V dimming systems.

Building a full control layer? Pair sensors with compatible Dimmers for dimmable circuits, or browse the complete Lighting Controls range for timers, relays, and smart controls.