Do Wireless Motion Sensors have Batteries?

Yes, wireless motion sensors have batteries. All wireless sensors use batteries to communicate with the panel. Wireless motion sensors also require power for basic operation. However, hardwired sensors do not require batteries, as they can use power that is provided from the panel.

One of the basic functions of wireless sensors is to send wireless communication signals to the panel. This requires some type of power. For wireless sensors, batteries represent the perfect solution because there will be no power wires running from the sensor to the wall outlet. With that in mind, wired sensors do not need batteries since they can just send signals through its wires that are connected directly with the panel.

But wireless motion sensors need battery power for more than just communicating with the panel. The typical motion sensor works using passive infrared (PIR) technology. This involves scanning the area for its levels of infrared energy. If motion is present, then a change in infrared energy will occur. The sensor will recognize this change and alert the system. This type of action requires power in order to be completed. And in the case of wireless motion sensors, this power comes from batteries.

When the battery for the wireless motion sensor becomes low, the sensor will transmit a low battery warning to the alarm system. This warning will be displayed on the panel so that the user knows about the trouble. The user should then replace the battery for the device as soon as possible. Most wireless motion sensors have a battery life of about three to five years.

But hardwired motion do not require batteries. Although they function in the same manner as wireless motion sensors, they can draw power from the panel for this type of operation. That is why most hardwired motions use four different wires for connecting with the panel. Two of these wires are for power, and two are used for communicating with the panel when motion has been detected within the area.