UT1.

CHARACTERIZATION
AND DETERMINATION OF
AUTOMATION SYSTEMS AND
DEVICES

INF_2 Sensors

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1. INTRODUCTION

Sensors: collecting information to be controlled and send to the centralized control device, or directly
to the actuator device, in the case of a distributed distribution.

They measure a physical phenomenon and convert it into an electrical magnitude (Intensity or voltage).

Depending on the type of signal generated, they can be:

• Digital.
• Analog.
Digital: They are activated when a certain threshold is exceeded, previously programmed or selected. They only
have two possible output states (ON-OFF, 0-1). Examples: Switch, temperature threshold sensors, wind threshold
sensors, humidity, smoke, water or gas leak, etc.

A digital signal of binary type only recognizes two different values that are 1 and 0.

Digital signal

✓ Signal status "1" → There is voltage → Activated 100%

Signal status "1"
Value
✓ Signal status "0" → No voltage → Off.
Signal status "0"
0
Time

Analog: They perform the measurement of the physical parameter in a range of values (voltage or
intensity).
These values can be of several types:

✓ Intensity values (0 ... 10 mA, 4...20 mA).

✓ Voltage values (0 ... 10 V).
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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.1. Manual drive: Sensors that are manually operated.

• Interruptors, identical to those used in conventional electrical installations.

• Pushbuttons have greater versatility, they allow to distinguish long and short pulsations, and the
operation that triggers can be programmed → often used in home automation installations.

• Other sensors of more specific functions or characteristics, such as pushbuttons for blinds or awnings.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.2. Thermostat. Responsible for measuring the temperature in a certain location and sending the
corresponding signal. We can control any heating mechanism that has an electric trigger.

Installation conditions:

• Install away from direct heat sources (radiators).

• It must be sheltered from drafts (corriente de aire) and other phenomena (direct solar radiation or the
presence of appliances that emit heat).

• Should be located in the northern area, away from the heat of the sun, ventilation grilles, etc.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.3. Magnetic detectors (Reed Relay).

Two contact electrodes made by ferromagnetic material in a hermetic capsule are

influenced by an external magnetic field generated by a magnet. They are attracted
against each other causing the activation of contact.

Different types of encapsulations depending on the shape it has and the materials
with which it is built. Exterior application, gates or bars (verjas), armored doors
(puertas blindadas), interior application for doors and windows…

2-wire magnetic sensor Magnetic contact at door

RF magnetic sensor
Heavy or Industrial magnetic contact for gates or garage
doors

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.4. Gas detectors.

Are used to detect leaks thus avoiding the risk of explosion.

They must always be installed in a vertical position, at a distance not exceeding 1.5 m from the device to be
monitored (heater, gas cooker, etc.).
Avoid the influence by other agents (heat sources, drafts or obstacles that make it difficult to stop).

Detector location:
• Natural gas (methane). Density lower than air. About 30 cm from the ceiling.
• Butane and propane. Density greater than air. About 30 cm from the ground.

Detector of natural gas, butane and propane Plug-in autonomous gas detector 7
2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.5. CO2 (carbon monoxide) detectors

Carbon monoxide gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and poisonous. Is a product of the incomplete
combustion of organic fuels (coal, oil, wood, fuel). It is present in exhaust motor vehicles and tobacco smoke.

The location of the detector shall be between 1.5 and 1.9 m from ground level.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.6. Smoke Detectors.

To provide fire safety. Both the smoke and heat produced by a fire rise to the ceiling; once there they propagate
radially.

Detector location:
It must be installed centered on the roof of the room at a minimum distance of 50 cm from any obstacle.
One should be placed per stay.

There are two types:

• Ionic, detect invisible toxic gases.

• Optical, they react to an increase in air opacity caused by smoke.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.7. Flood detectors.

To detect possible water leaks; they must be installed in direct contact with the ground, in areas where
there can be no false alarms,

Usually the probe (sonda) is connected to a detector that receives an electrical signal from the probe and
activates an audible alarm, sends a signal or a telegram to another point of the installation (solenoid valve).

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.8. Presence and movement sensors (Volumetric).

Are used for the detection of people (animals).

They are classified into two types of applications:

• Safety. Detect the presence of an intruder. They are usually configured not to detect pets.

• Lighting automation. They usually have a luminosity detector to deactivate their operation during the day.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.9. Luminosity sensors (twilight).

Detect the level of light inside or outside the house. They can be used to operate various mechanisms
or devices. Turn lights on or off, raise or lower blinds or awnings.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS
2.10. Anemometers.

• To measure wind speed.

• The most used is that of bowls, composed of three or four bowls arranged symmetrically around a vertical axis.

• The wind produces the axis to rotate at a speed proportional to that of the wind.

• Sometimes the anemometer comes equipped with a weather vane (veleta) to always be oriented in the

direction of the wind.

• One of the main home automation applications is the automatic collection of awnings (toldos) when the wind

speed exceeds a certain threshold.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS

2.11. Photoelectric Cell.

❑ To detect the presence or absence of an object using only light, without any contact with the object.

❑ They are often used to detect the passage of a person, a vehicle, opening or closing of a door, barrier, etc.

❑ There are 3, 4 and 5 wire photocells at 24 V DC and 230 V AC

• Barrier System
• Reflex System
• Proximity System

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS 2.11. Photoelectric Cell.

• Barrier System Sender and receiver are separate.

Characteristics:
• The detention of opaque and reflective materials (boxes, cartons, etc.) .

Object • Long range (up to 60 m).

• Good resistance to harsh environments (dust, dirt, etc.).

• Accurate positioning and stopping of small objects

Emitter Receptor

Inconvenience:
• Need for exact alignment. They cannot be used for insulating materials.

• 2 Objects to wire.

• The object to be detected must be opaque.

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 2. TYPES OF SENSORS 2.11. Photoelectric Cell.

• Reflex System Transmitter and receiver in the same box

Characteristics:

• Medium range (up to 15 m).

Object • 1 detector only for wiring.

• Visible red light emission.

Emitter
• Accurate and color-independent detection of the object.
Receptor
• The range can increase if we increase the size of the detector.

Inconvenience:

• Precise alignment must be performed.

• The object must be opaque and larger than the reflector.

• It cannot be used for: stopping smooth and reflective objects.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS 2.11. Photoelectric Cell.

• Proximity System

Also called reflection on an object, in which sender and receiver are in the same box.

Object

Object

Emitter
Emitter
Receptor
Receptor

The emitter throws a beam of light, the beam rays are lost in space if there is no object, but when there is an object, the surface of
this produces a reflection of light, part of which falls on the receiver and thus changes the output signal of the photocell.

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2. TYPES OF SENSORS 2.11. Photoelectric Cell.

• Rain sensor.

Changes its value according to rainfall precipitation. There are two main types of rain sensors.

✓ The first is a device that accumulates water and is connected to an automatic irrigation system that
causes the system to shut down in case of rain.
✓ The second is a device that is used to activate mechanisms such as raising blinds and awnings,
closing skylights or activating a simple rain alarm.

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SENSOR SYMBOLS

Manual Drive Detectors

SYMBOL MULTIFILAR UNIFILAR SYMBOL MULTIFILAR UNIFILAR SYMBOL MULTIFILAR UNIFILAR SYMBOL MULTIFILAR UNIFILAR

Switch Switch
Magnetic
sensor Thermostat

Key Switch
Button

Water
Gas detector Detector

Smoke Presence and

detector Movement

Crepuscular Anemometer

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