---
title: "What Is Occupancy sensor? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "An occupancy sensor switches lights on when it detects people in a space and turns them off after a set time with no motion."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/occupancy-sensor
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# Occupancy sensor

An occupancy sensor switches lights on when it detects people in a space and turns them off after a set time with no motion.

ENERGY STAR says smart lights with built-in sensors turn lights on only when someone is present in a room and keep them off otherwise. Wall switch sensors do the same for a whole room. PNNL notes that outdoor use has been limited because older HID lamps were hard to switch on and off.

Sensors pair well with [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led) lighting that can turn on instantly. They are common in offices, storerooms and restrooms. A sensor can also work like a [smart switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-switch). See [commercial electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/commercial-electrician).

[Daniel Electric can helpCommercial electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/commercial-electrician)

## Related terms

-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)
-   [Smart switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-switch)
-   [Photocell](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/photocell)
-   [Dimmer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimmer-switch)

## Sources

1.  [ENERGY STAR: Smart Lighting](https://www.energystar.gov/products/smart_home_tips/smart_lighting)
2.  [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Exterior Lighting Scoping Study](https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/pnnl-20579.pdf)

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