Which Presence Sensor Is Best for Offices, Cabins & Washrooms?
A Complete Guide for Modern Smart Workspaces
In todayâs fast-evolving workplace, lighting is no longer just about illumination. Modern offices demand lighting that is intelligent, responsive, and energy-conscious. Employees expect comfort, facility teams require automation, and organizations want systems that reduce energy consumption without compromising experience.
This is where presence sensors come into play.
Presence sensors ensure that lighting responds dynamically to actual occupancy. Whether someone is walking, sitting still in a meeting, working at a desk, or moving within a washroom stallâpresence sensors detect activity with high accuracy and activate lighting accordingly.
But the real challenge is deciding which type of presence sensor is best suited for each space in an office environment:
- Open offices
- Private cabins
- Meeting rooms
- Washrooms & enclosed spaces
- Corridors & passages
Different areas have different occupancy patterns. Therefore, the same sensor cannot work optimally everywhere.
This detailed guide breaks down the sensor types and provides clear recommendations to help you choose the right presence solution for every zone.
1. What Exactly Is a Presence Sensor?
A presence sensor is an advanced occupancy-detection device that can identify not just movement, but also micro-movementsâsmall motions such as typing, reading, breathing, turning pages, or shifting posture.
Presence sensors differ from basic motion sensors (like standard PIR) because they are:
- More sensitive
- More accurate
- Designed for human-centric environments
- Meant for areas where people may sit still for long durations
In offices, cabins or meeting rooms, people often remain still for several minutes. A regular motion sensor may falsely assume the space is empty and switch off the lights, causing inconvenience. Presence sensors eliminate this problem completely.
2. Types of Presence Sensors Used in Modern Offices
(Only the technologies relevant to your product line: Microwave Sensor, Presence Sensor & True Presence Sensor)
Modern commercial spaces use the following types of presence sensors, each offering a different level of precision.
2.1 Microwave Presence Sensors
Microwave sensors send continuous low-power microwave signals into the environment and analyze how these signals reflect back. Any motionâeven small movementsâdisrupts the reflection pattern, and the sensor triggers instantly.
Key strengths:
- Highly sensitive
- Wide detection range
- Works through glass, partitions, thin walls
- Ideal for large or semi-open spaces
- Suitable for dynamic environments like corridors, washrooms, common areas
Where Microwave Presence Sensors excel:
- Open office layouts
- Work floors
- Washroom entrances & passages
- Corridors
- Parking lobbies
- Semi-open spaces
They offer reliability, speed and coverage, making them perfect for zones with moderate or frequent movement.
2.2 Advanced Presence Sensors (Micro-Movement Detection)
These sensors are designed specifically for workspaces where occupants remain seated and exhibit minimal motion. Unlike basic motion detection, they can sense:
- Hand movements
- Keyboard activity
- Posture changes
- Subtle head or shoulder shifts
Advanced presence sensors ensure lighting wonât accidentally turn OFF during long working sessions.
Where these sensors excel:
- Workstations
- Meeting rooms
- Training rooms
- Silent rooms
- Study zones
They deliver balanced sensitivityâpowerful enough to detect occupancy, yet controlled enough to avoid false triggers.
2.3 True Presence Sensors
True Presence is the most advanced category of human detection available today.
These sensors do not depend on physical movement at all. Instead, they detect unique biological micro-signatures such as:
- Micro-vibrations from breathing
- Subtle body signatures
- Stationary presence validation
This technology ensures 100% accurate detectionâeven if someone is sitting completely still.
Key strengths:
- No movement required
- Zero false detections
- Extremely precise
- Perfect for premium enclosed spaces
- Works flawlessly in silent or private rooms
Where True Presence Sensors excel:
- Cabins
- CEO/MD rooms
- Boardrooms
- Premium office spaces
- High-comfort work zones
- Residential or hospitality suites
If the goal is never to have lights turn off while someone is still in the room, True Presence delivers unmatched accuracy.
3. What Different Office Spaces Actually Require
Each area in an office has a different activity pattern. Letâs break it down.
3.1 Open Offices & Work Floors
These areas typically involve consistent but low-intensity movementâtyping, standing up, shifting posture, walking occasionally.
Needs:
- Wide coverage
- Sensitivity to micro-movement
- Seamless detection across open spaces
Recommended Sensor:
- â Microwave Presence Sensor
- â Advanced Presence Sensor
Why?
Microwave sensors provide large coverage, while advanced presence sensors prevent accidental switch-off during seated work.
3.2 Cabins / Manager Rooms
Cabins are closed spaces where occupants may sit still for long periods during calls, meetings, or deep work sessions.
Needs:
- Very high accuracy
- No accidental switch-off
- Optimized detection for closed spaces
Recommended Sensor:
- â True Presence Sensor
Why?
It detects human presence without needing movement and ensures the lights stay ON as long as someone is in the room.
3.3 Meeting & Conference Rooms
People often sit still for long periods while watching presentations or discussing. This is where regular motion sensors fail.
Needs:
- Accurate micro-movement detection
- High sensitivity
- Combined daylight integration
Recommended Sensor:
- â Advanced Presence Sensor
- â Presence Sensor with Lux Control
Why?
They prevent blackout moments during meetings and help automate lighting based on occupancy + available daylight.
3.4 Washrooms / Restrooms
Washrooms have unique challenges: partitions, enclosed cubicles, low movement inside stalls, and the need for absolute hygiene.
Needs:
- High-accuracy detection through partitions
- Touchless automation
- Avoiding false triggers
- Fast response
Recommended Sensor:
- â Microwave Presence Sensor
Why?
Microwave sensors detect movement behind doors or partitions and respond faster than most technologies. Ideal for:
- Common washroom areas
- Handwash zones
- Entrance lobbies
- Cubicles
They provide a safe, hygienic, and energy-efficient experience.
3.5 Corridors, Passages & Transitional Areas
These areas require fast response and wide coverage.
Needs:
- Quick detection
- Wide-angle coverage
- Stability even with air movement
Recommended Sensor:
- â Microwave Presence Sensor
Why?
They detect movement instantly and ensure no dark spots in active passages.
4. Essential Features to Look For in a Presence Sensor
Presence sensors vary greatly in capability. Here are the features that matter most:
4.1 Micro-Movement Accuracy
Critical for workstations and meeting rooms. Ensures lighting remains stable even when people sit still.
4.2 Adjustable Detection Range
Allows customization for:
- Small cabins
- Mid-sized meeting rooms
- Large work floors
- Washrooms
Fine-tuning range ensures detection is reliable without any unwanted triggering.
4.3 Time Delay & Dimming Settings
Smooth transitions improve comfort and minimize energy waste.
Examples:
- 30-second hold time in washrooms
- 5â10 minute hold time in meeting rooms
- Step dimming for open offices
4.4 Lux-Based Daylight Control
Integrates natural light effectively by switching or dimming lights based on available daylight.
4.5 False Trigger Prevention
Important near:
- Glass partitions
- Vibrating machines
- AC vents
- Reflective surfaces
Good sensors incorporate intelligent filtering.
4.6 Smart System Compatibility
Modern sensors must support integration with:
- CCMS
- Smart lighting networks
- IoT-based dashboards
- Wireless gateways
- BMS systems
Automation becomes more powerful with connected data.
5. Best Sensor Type for Each Area (Clear, Final Recommendations)
| Area | Recommended Sensor Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open Offices | Microwave or Advanced Presence Sensor | Large coverage + micro-movement accuracy |
| Cabins | True Presence Sensor | Zero false-off; detects without movement |
| Meeting Rooms | Advanced Presence Sensor + Lux Sensing | Suitable for long stationary sessions |
| Washrooms | Microwave Presence Sensor | Works through partitions, fast detection |
| Corridors | Microwave | Wide area detection & fast response |
| Reception / Lobby | Microwave + Lux | Dynamic movement + daylight integration |
6. Installation Best Practices
To ensure accurate performance:
- â Mount sensors at optimal height (usually 2.5mâ4m)
- â Avoid placing directly opposite HVAC vents
- â For cabins, choose ceiling center
- â For washrooms, position near entrances & cubicles
- â Calibrate sensitivity & time delay after installation
Conclusion
Choosing the right presence sensor is essential for improving comfort, reducing energy costs, and enhancing the overall user experience in modern workplaces. Every space behaves differently, and the correct sensor has a direct impact on performance.
In simple terms:
- Use True Presence Sensors for cabins and premium rooms.
- Use Advanced Presence Sensors for meeting rooms and open offices.
- Use Microwave Sensors for washrooms, corridors, and high-traffic areas.
The future of lighting is smart, responsive, and human-centric. With the right presence sensor setup, offices can achieve better automation, stronger energy efficiency, and an elevated workspace experience.
