SensorSwitch Ceiling Motion Sensor PIR CMR 360 - Small Motion Detect

In this review of the SensorSwitch CMR Series ceiling motion sensor, the reviewer finds a dependable, no-frills occupancy sensor well suited to commercial interiors where reliable automated lighting matters. The biggest reason to buy is its focused ability to detect small, subtle movements across a full 360 conical pattern, which makes it effective in private offices and small rooms without needing extra sensors. Installation is straightforward for a line voltage device, and the programmable time delay and long battery life for settings memory give the unit practical everyday usability.

Key Features

• 360 PIR coverage: A full conical 360 detection pattern provides even coverage for a single small room or private office when mounted on the ceiling.
• Small motion sensitivity: Optimized to sense small hand and subtle movements within a 12 ft radial range when mounted at 9 ft height, improving responsiveness in low-activity spaces.
• Line voltage operation: Self-contained relay works on line voltage so no external power pack is required, simplifying integration with existing lighting circuits.
• Easy installation: Compatible with ceiling tiles, metallic grids, 3.5 in octagon boxes, or single gang boxes and ships with mounting hardware for fast ceiling mounting.
• Adjustable time delay: Time delay from 30 seconds to 20 minutes lets installers tune occupancy lighting to match space usage and save energy.
• Long service and indicators: Push-button pairing, a green LED indicator, and a ten-year battery life for settings memory reduce maintenance and configuration trips.

Who It's For

The SensorSwitch CMR is aimed at facilities managers, electricians, and building owners looking for a compact, ceiling-mounted occupancy sensor for offices, small retail rooms, conference rooms, or other commercial interior spaces. It is particularly useful where detecting small or subtle motion is important - for example, in private offices or areas where people remain mostly stationary but still need lighting that responds to motion.

Those who should look elsewhere include projects that require multi-level switching, networked controls, or ultra-long range detection beyond the stated 12 ft radial small-motion range. For exterior use or very high ceilings above 15 ft, a different sensor designed for those conditions would be a better choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable 360 degree PIR detection that covers a small room without extra devices.
• Self-contained line voltage relay eliminates the need for additional power packs or modules.
• Flexible installation options for common ceiling types and included mounting hardware.
• Programmable delay and ten-year memory battery reduce maintenance and tuning work.

Cons

• Range is optimized for small motions to about 12 ft at 9 ft mounting height, so it is not suitable for large open areas or very high ceilings.
• No multi-level control or network integration on this model, limiting advanced control scenarios.

Specifications

Brand	Lithonia Lighting
Sensor type	Passive Infrared (PIR), 360 conical coverage
Detection range	Optimized for small motion to 12 ft radial at 9 ft mount
Mounting	Ceiling tiles, metallic grids, 3.5 in octagon or single gang boxes
Time delay	Adjustable 30 seconds to 20 minutes
Dimensions	4.55 in diameter, 1.55 in deep
Certifications & warranty	CSA certified US/Canada; 5-year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The SensorSwitch CMR ceiling motion sensor is a practical, value-oriented choice for commercial interiors that need dependable occupancy sensing without complex controls. Its 360 PIR detection and small-motion sensitivity make it ideal for private offices and small rooms, while line voltage operation and easy mounting keep installation simple. Choose this sensor when you need a straightforward, low-maintenance occupancy solution rather than advanced networked features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this sensor be used with standard ceiling tiles?
Yes. The CMR is compatible with ceiling tiles and metallic grids and includes mounting hardware for those installations.

What ceiling height does it support?
It detects motion from approximately 8 to 15 ft ceiling height, with small-motion sensitivity optimized at 9 ft mounting height and a 12 ft radial range.

Does it require an external power pack?
No. The sensor has a self-contained relay and operates on line voltage without a separate power pack.