SensorSwitch Ceiling Motion Sensor PIR 360 Detection - Extended Range

In this review the SensorSwitch CMR Series Ceiling Mount Sensor is presented as a straightforward, no-nonsense ceiling motion sensor for commercial interiors. The bottom line: it is best for offices, small rooms, and utility spaces where reliable line-voltage motion control and a wide 360 detection pattern matter most. The reviewer found the unit simple to install in standard ceiling grids or junction boxes, effective at picking up walking motion within its advertised range, and a practical choice when you want one self-contained relay to automate lighting without extra power packs.

Key Features

• 360 PIR coverage: The passive infrared sensor gives complete conical detection so a single unit can monitor a small room or private office without blind spots.
• Large motion optimization: Tuned for walking detection out to about a 24 ft radial range when mounted at 9 ft height, which suits corridors and open workspaces.
• Line voltage relay: Self-contained relay operates lighting directly on line voltage so no external power pack is required for basic on/off control.
• Easy ceiling installation: Mounts to ceiling tiles, metallic grids, 3.5 in octagon boxes, or single gang boxes with included hardware for fast setup.
• Programmable time delay: Time-out is adjustable from 30 seconds to 20 minutes, allowing customization for occupancy patterns.
• Long battery life and indicator: Push-button pairing with a green LED and long battery life under default settings reduces maintenance visits.

Who It's For

The CMR sensor is ideal for facility managers, electricians, and building owners who need reliable automated lighting in offices, small conference rooms, corridors, break rooms, and garages where line-voltage control is preferred. Its 360 PIR pattern and extended range make it suitable where one unit should cover an entire private office or a portion of a larger open area.

Those who need ultra-fine sensitivity to small or very slow motions, multi-level dimming control, or wireless network integration should look elsewhere; the CMR is focused on dependable on/off occupancy detection and does not replace sensors designed specifically for high-sensitivity or integrated lighting networks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable detection for walking motion across a large conical area, useful in offices and garages.
• Simple ceiling installation works with common ceiling tiles and junction boxes.
• Self-contained line-voltage relay eliminates the need for additional power packs.
• Adjustable time delay and long battery life reduce maintenance and tuning effort.

Cons

• Sensitivity to very small or subtle motion can be mixed, so it may miss minimal activity for some users.
• Designed for single-level control only, so it is not a direct replacement for multi-level or networked lighting controls.

Specifications

Sensor type	Passive Infrared (PIR), 360 conical coverage
Coverage range	Optimized for large motion to ~24 ft radius at 9 ft mount
Mounting	Ceiling tiles, metallic grids, 3.5 in octagon or single gang boxes
Time delay	30 seconds to 20 minutes adjustable
Dimensions	4.55 in diameter, 1.55 in depth
Operating temperature	-10 C to 60 C
Warranty	5-year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The SensorSwitch CMR ceiling motion sensor is a solid, value-oriented choice for commercial and utility spaces that need dependable line-voltage occupancy control. It installs easily in standard ceilings, covers a wide 360 area with good range for walking motion, and keeps things simple with a self-contained relay and adjustable time-out, making it good value for facilities that prioritize reliable on/off automation over high-sensitivity or networked features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this sensor work in a 10 ft ceiling?
The sensor detects motion from about 7 to 15 ft ceiling height and is optimized for performance around 9 ft, so a 10 ft ceiling falls within its effective range.

Does it require a separate power pack?
No, the CMR includes a self-contained relay and is a line-voltage sensor, so no external power pack is needed for standard on/off control.

Can it pick up small hand movements?
It is tuned for larger movements like walking; some customers report mixed sensitivity to very small or subtle motions, so it may not reliably trigger for minimal movement.