Automatically turning on the light in the toilet: how to make an automatic presence sensor

How auto-on works

Automatic switching on of the light, which is also automatic switching off, works according to the following principle: a motion sensor installed inside receives a signal that arrives at a special sensor. As a result, the equipment orders the lamp to turn on. This occurs due to the fact that the object detected by the sensor emits electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves. Accordingly, the device receives a signal and starts the lighting. The operating features of this will be similar regardless of the selected type of sensor.

Sensors for installing an automatic switch in the toilet Source smogem-sami.ru

Types of sensors that can be used for installation in a toilet

There are several variants of sensors that differ in their internal structure. Despite the fact that they are all designed for the same action, they have distinctive characteristics, as well as pros and cons:

Ultrasonic. Capable of recording the movement of objects from which ultrasonic waves are reflected. This type of equipment is best used for outdoor toilets, since the sensors are capable of detecting any movable objects, including vehicles. Please note that in a house where there are pets, such an installation is not appropriate, since pets have the ability to pick up sound.
Microwave. This version of the equipment is capable of capturing precisely electromagnetic waves emitted by an object in motion. The device belongs to the active group and is capable of receiving a wave with a frequency of 5.8 Hz. During operation, it is capable of emitting a radio wave that reaches objects and returns back to the touch panel of the auto switch. This device is more expensive than the previous one, but is highly accurate and does not respond to false movements (swaying trees, falling shadows, movement of pets).
Infrared. This is the most common type of circuit breaker that can be used for toilets. The device is able to correctly read infrared radiation, and then independently analyze the intensity to determine whether there is a need to trigger the lighting. The equipment operates more accurately, with minimal risk of false positives. It is considered absolutely safe for both humans and animals.
Acoustic. It is also called noise. It begins to respond to noise of varying intensity. Has the ability to make fine-tuning detection. Most often it works in conjunction with photo relays or light-noise devices.

The automatic switch-on sensor can be checked through a socket Source encom74.ru

Compact size infrared motion sensor Source dachadecor.com

Note! An infrared type automatic light sensor is considered relevant specifically for the toilet. Suitable for placement in the bathroom inside the house and in the outdoor toilet. Considered a safe device.

How to choose a motion sensor for a toilet

Today, modern technologies used in the domestic sphere are gradually bringing us closer to the “smart home” described in science fiction stories. One of the brightest examples of technology in modern homes is a sensor that registers movements in the room and is responsible for automatically turning on the lights. Today, such devices are installed throughout the house, including even the bathroom and toilet.

In order to correctly select and install such a device with your own hands, you need to have a good understanding of the available range and the principles of its operation. This article will help you improve your knowledge on this issue.

Advantages and disadvantages of using automatic light switches

Automatic switches are a great way to make life at home easier. This is proven by several advantages:

significant savings. After all, it is not uncommon for people to forget to turn off the light when leaving the toilet, but the light bulb continues to burn. With an automatic regulator this will not happen, and light costs will be reduced;
the need to look for the switch will disappear forever, for example, if it is located in a dark corridor;
safe use. A regular switch is often touched with wet hands, which creates the risk of electrical injury;
most models do not respond to the movement of pets (otherwise, they can be easily adjusted) to the desired response intensity;
basic installation. It is installed according to a special scheme that comes complete with the sensor. Therefore, you can do it with simple instructions. The main thing is to have some skill in working with electrical equipment;
wide range of devices. You can choose different devices based on their appearance, for example, so that they do not accentuate the chosen design, there are a large number of colors.

In addition to the advantages of using auto-on, you should also consider some disadvantages:

when choosing a cheap model, remember the high frequency of false alarms;
Correct installation is required to ensure maximum grip while the object is moving;
high cost of ultra-sensitive auto switches.

Each device is convenient in its own way, so its model must be chosen wisely. How to do this will be discussed in the next section.

How to choose a motion sensor for installation in a domestic environment

When trying to equip your toilet with a smart switch, you need to decide on the device option that is ideal. To do this, please read the following points.

Purpose of the sensor. In this case, it is needed for the toilet, so you should take into account possible interference: door movement, interfering objects (decor on the wall, mirror, shelves). In the place where you plan to place the equipment, it is better to get rid of all the listed attributes.
Mounting method. Even before purchasing, you need to decide which mounting option for the automatic switch will be optimal. There are built-in and surface-mounted options.
Dimensions and power. Power refers to the intensity of perception of electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves, measured in Hz. As for the size, it all depends on the type of device (the more powerful it is, the larger its body).
View radius. Another important parameter that is worth considering. It must be correlated with the installation angle.
Number of customization levels. The sensor setting should not be too sensitive, as false alarms will always be detected.
The motion sensor to turn on the lighting in the toilet must be used correctly. Most of them are afraid of moisture, so they try not to install them directly with a high level of humidity.

How do motion sensors work in the bathroom?

As we said above, in the bathroom the lighting is divided into several functional areas: shower or bath, washing and washing. You can control the lighting in each of them.

For example, when you take a shower, a motion and noise sensor will not turn off the lights in that area. The lights in the changing area will then turn on; when you leave the room, the lights will automatically go off.

If you decide to do laundry, the work light will also turn on only in this area. The remaining areas can be decorated with decorative LED lighting. This will not cost much and will create a cozy atmosphere in the bathroom.

Lovers of SPA treatments who store a large number of cosmetics in their bathroom cabinets can install small sensors in their storage areas. Lighting inside cabinets and bedside tables will make it easy to find the necessary jars and not lose them in the dark corners of the furniture.

The sensors will not work continuously. Like ceiling models, they will react to movement and turn on the light when you open the door. Control of the general lighting of the bathroom should be both automatic and manual.

Basics of installing sensors to turn on lighting

To make the correct installation, you must use special instructions, which you can read in more detail below. Moreover, you need to be guided by a special connection diagram.

One of the schematic options for motion sensors Source svetilnik220.ru

Further connection should be carried out only in accordance with the recommendations for the equipment from the manufacturer and be guided by the following rules.

When performing fastening, you need to carefully ensure that all conductors are switched correctly: phase to phase, zero to zero, grounding to grounding.
If the cable consists of three cores, then it must be laid through the shield for safety reasons.
Installation of conductors should be carried out only in special terminals; in no case should they be rewinded together due to the risk of a short circuit.
It is necessary to select a location for fixing the alarm to automatically turn on the lighting for the toilet so that sunlight does not enter the device.
Be sure to avoid installation in places where electrical appliances are installed and operating nearby: fireplace, air conditioner, microwave, and others.
The automatic device must be installed on a surface that will not be subject to vibrations: for example, when doors slam.
When connecting electricity to the network, it is important to avoid surges in the rated current; if this does occur, it is better to install a stabilizer.

After installation, you also need to configure the device correctly.

Recommendations for setting up an ultrasonic sensor

Setting up an ultrasonic type sensor often involves the ability to adjust the duration of the response cycle. That is, the time during which the light will be turned on.

Types of motion sensors for automatic lighting that are suitable for installation inside the house Source elegantss.ru

Most models from the mid-price segment have a control button on the body, with which you can set the period for turning on the lighting.

Quick setup guide

This tool works without special settings, since it is capable of independently emitting sound waves that are reflected from objects. If they notice a moving object, then the frequency of the wave changes, and the lighting starts accordingly.

The noise motion sensor for lighting is configured using regulators on the body Source uk-parkovaya.ru

All that is needed for the installation to operate correctly is to apply voltage and connect the neutral conductor.

Microwave sensor

A microwave motion sensor, like an ultrasonic one, belongs to the group of active devices. In this case, the sensor perceives an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 5.8 GHz. As a result, such a device is a mini-radar station.

During its operation, the sensor emits a radio wave, which, reflected from all surfaces, returns to the device. Based on the received signal, the device records changes. If they took place, the device activates the light. Very often, this type of sensor, like ultrasonic, is used as an element of security systems. But for the toilet, of course, such opportunities will be superfluous. The advantages of using microwave sensors in the toilet include the following:

small dimensions;
have a large range of action. For certain types of settings, this parameter can be decreased or increased;
high precision in work.

But there are also disadvantages:

high price;
greater specialization for outdoor work;
false positives are possible;
undesirable presence of people or animals in close proximity to the device (this cannot be avoided in the toilet). This is due to the fact that the microwave radiation that the sensor has is harmful to human health.

Thus, microwave devices are also not suitable for use in the toilet.

Setting up the sound sensor

The automatic light switch in the toilet, organized using an acoustic sensor, is traditionally adjusted to an indicator of 40-50 dB. This is precisely the power of the sound coming from an ordinary clap of hands. In order to make this setting, you need to use the multifunction switch located on the switch body.

To configure the infrared motion sensor, you can use the controls on the bottom of the case Source volk1.ru

Motion sensors with any mechanism can be connected to an electrical circuit with a switch Source couo.ru

Sound sensor - how to set it up, advantages and disadvantages

Automatic turning on of the light in the toilet can be achieved using a sensor that responds to a sound of a certain magnitude. Most often, this parameter fluctuates between 40-50 dB - this is exactly the sound level of an ordinary clap of the hands of an adult.

Setting up a sensor of this kind is usually quite simple - everything needed for this is located on the body. Most often there are two multi-position switches in the form of buttons or wheels. Using one of them, you can adjust the required clap volume, in the presence of which switching is carried out.

Using the second, you can change the duration of one switching period, after which the device will open the power contacts that supply voltage to the lighting fixtures. Today there are a large number of different modifications of sensors of this kind, all of them differ in the way they are installed and configured.

The most important advantage of sensors of this type is the ability to use them as switches. Some models have not only a clap switch function, but also a clap switch feature. Thus, you can turn off the light with one movement of your hand.