Essential Home Automation Sensor Types and Functions

Types of Sensors

Digital sensors work with signals that take two possible values (1 or 0). An example might be a switch or button located on a conventional installation, which allows you to open or close an electrical circuit.

Analogue sensors send a signal within a range of values. This type of sensor can perform different actions depending on the value sent.

Sensors Used in Home Automation

Manually Operated Sensors

Manually operated sensors, such as buttons and switches, are commonly used in conventional electrical installations. They disrupt and allow the passage of current in an electrical circuit with a manual action (switch, toggle, or push button). Other types of manually operated sensors behave electrically as switches or buttons; however, their external performance and functionality suit specific applications. Some sensors of this type include buttons used for raising and lowering blinds and shutters, or key switches for safety applications (blind or awning button, key switch).

Magnetic Sensors

Magnetic sensors are used to detect the opening and closing of doors and windows. Their operation is simple: a contact is opened or closed depending on the proximity of a permanent magnet (magnetic proximity switch).

Smoke and Fire Detectors

Smoke or fire detectors are used in automated systems that require fire safety. Installation requires as many detectors as necessary to ensure the protected area remains safe (smoke or fire detector).

Gas Detectors

Gas detectors are used for detecting gas leaks in residential installations. Depending on the type of target gas (light or heavy), the device should be installed on the part that is higher if the gas is light, or at the bottom if it is heavy (gas detector in general).

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The installation of carbon monoxide detectors is needed in places with a high risk of gas concentration.

Flood Detectors

Flood detectors are installed in rooms at risk of flooding, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, cellars, or places where there are pipes and water intakes (flood detector, temperature sensor flood).

Presence Detectors

Presence detectors are devices that trigger an electronic circuit when changes in radiation levels occur in the presence of a person or animal (PIR detector).

Light Sensors

Light sensors detect the level of light in the interior or exterior of a home. They are used to control different circuits depending on ambient light (PIR detector).

Wind Sensors

A wind sensor is a meteorological sensor used to measure wind speed. Their capture system is based on the movement of a small dynamo with a rotating impeller. One of the main applications is the automatic retraction of awnings as a function of wind speed (anemometer with digital or analog output).

Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors or thermostats allow you to manage electrical circuits based on temperature levels (thermostat).