When it comes to positioning Motion Sensors it's critical to follow some do’s and don'ts to ensure maximum coverage as well as accurate operation.
Do's
The ideal location for a sensor is in the corner of a room. This allows maximum coverage to ensure nothing is missed. Ideally, choke points such as entrances and hallways should be covered and if the Motion Sensor is visible from a window then all the better, a visual deterrent is always a good idea.
The illustration below gives an idea of where to place the sensor:
When mounted at 2.25m from the floor, your sensor detects movement in the same room up to 20m away.
Please leave at least a minimum 5cm gap between the top of the sensor and the ceiling
Don'ts
Don’t just concentrate on downstairs for Motion Sensors, think about the upstairs too as a burglar could gain access to the second floor.
You should avoid heat sources such as air heaters and radiators as this will reduce the effectiveness of the sensor. If you’re planning on using a Motion Sensor in the conservatory then again consideration should be given to heat especially in the summer months. Avoid steam or moisture in rooms such as bathrooms. This will reduce the effectiveness of the sensor and could potentially lead to false alarms.
Try to avoid obstacles in the direct line of sight of the sensor too. For example; tall furniture, low hanging light shades, doors that are propped open for an extended period of time or your staircase if you have pets.
In the example below, the light shade directly in front of the sensor will limit the sensors field of vision. As such, please avoid this.
Low ceilings
If you are unable to mount a sensor at the suggested 2.25m from the floor due to low ceilings, please mount it 5cm from the ceiling. The reduced height may slightly reduce the range that the sensor can detect movement from (usually up to 20m from the sensor) but the reduction should be minimal.