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PIR LED Lamp – Switching LED Lamp on Human Detection

Last Updated on by 119 Comments

The following PIR LED lamp circuit was designed by me for one of the followers of this blog Mr.Deepak upon his request.

The circuit is a LED driver which responds to ambient light as well as to the presence of a human, person or intruder, and varies its illumination accordingly, let's know more.

Technical Specifications

"I was looking to drive 20 LEDs of 0.06 watts.
So total Output voltage is 12-17 volts and total current is 0.08 amps
to drive 4 strings of 5 LEDs each
each led is 3.4 volts and 20 mA.
Can you help with this?
Also I would like to have an ambient sensor to switch on and off and a proximity sensor to switch to full brightness if some one approaches and to switch to half or 30% brightness after 30 seconds.
I need this for commercial use. I need a simple cost effective circuit. I have been following the blog and am sure that you know the subject. Please get back to me."

Simulation and Working

The following circuit designed by me hopefully should perform the  functions that's demanded in the above request.

The PIR based sensor will detect the presence of a human by sensing the occupant's body heat and convert it into an electrical triggering pulse which will in turn switch ON an integrated LED lamp module, the lamp will remain illuminated only for so long as the occupant stays in the premise and would shut off as soon the person leaves the area.

Let's try to understand the PIR based LED lamp circuit functioning from the following points:



The IC 555 is configured as a comparator, the LDR and R8 values are compared for generating an appropriate output.

As long as there's enough light over the LDR, pin#2 of the IC remains high and this keeps the output pin#3 of the IC high as well.

The high output at pin#3 keeps the transistor and the LED switched ON, until the ambient light falls below a predetermined value set by P1.

This means during night or in the absence of light the LEDs too get switched OFF.

The upper section is a proximity sensor circuit. The transistors T2 and T3 are configured as high gain amplifier and is able to sense even minute voltages from the PIR sensor.

In the presence of any human or animal in the specified vicinity, the PIR becomes active and triggers T3, which in turn switches ON T2.

T2 instantly shorts R1, such that the supply voltage reaches the LEDs directly instead of via R1.

This situation brightens up the LED illumination, indicating the presence of a passer by (as stated in the request).

The capacitor C1, ensures the LED brightness stays alive for many seconds, even after the PIR is deactivated.

Parts List

R1 = 100 Ohms,
R2,R4 = 100K,
R3,R5, R6 = 10K,
R7 (at IC 555 pin2) = 2M2,
R7 at PIR positive = 10K
R8 = 2M2,
C1 = 470uF/25V
LED resistors = 100 Ohms each,
T1, T3 = BC547,
T2 = BC557,
D1 = 4.7V zener
LDR = any standard type.
PIR sensor = any standard type.
IC1 = 555

Simple PIR Controlled LED Lamp Circuit

The following circuit shows a simple motion sensor which activates the connected LEDs in response to the presence of humans within the specified area.

The LEDs remain switched ON even after the IR source has disappeared from the premise due to the introduction of C1.

The time for which the LEDs remain ON is determined by the product of R4 and C1, which is directly proportional to the time period.

This simplified version of the above circuit was requested by one of the interested readers of this blog.

Parts List for the above circuit:

R4, R5, R6 = 10k
C1 = 100uF/25V
T2 = BC557
T3 = BC547
LED resistors = 100 ohms
D1 = 4.7V zener

Darkness Activated PIR Circuit

The following circuit can be used for automatically detecting human presence, and activating the lights during night time.






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Comments

  1. Hi Swagatam,
    The PIR sensor described in this circuit is a module or is it a 3 pin device similar to a transístor?
    Best Regards.
    Nélio Abreu

    Reply

  2. The circuit I have used is the following, and it does not respond to anything:

    https://flic.kr/p/24J3C2k

    Reply

  3. Hi again Swag,

    I’m still having issues getting the PIRs to work at all. I am trying your second schematic and have built it without the zener as I am using a 5v power supply. The PIR is a RE200B on its own with a 100K resistor connecting the out and – pins. I have built it without the panel of LEDs, only using one.

    The trouble is, I have a bag of about 10 RE200B sensors, and they ALL have the same issue, so I think it is not the sensors but how they are connected. Reading with my multimeter from the OUT pin and negative, I am always getting around 0.8v, this barely changes when I move my hand close to the sensor.

    Is the PIR in your diagram a RE200B or a ready made unit such as a HC SR501?

    Do you have the 100K resistor across the OUT and – pins?

    It doesn’t seem to matter what I do, testing the PIRs by connecting any PIR with + connected to the pin closest the metal tab on the unit, the – connected to the pin that is not insulated from the PIR body and the OUT connected to the middle pin, I do not get results.

    Am I missing something?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Nathan, if you are not getting a varying output from your PIR that simply means the devices may be all faulty. You must first validate the working on your meter, because the transistors in the circuit will respond exactly as your meter responds, so unless the output is verified with a meter you cannot proceed with any circuit integration.

      If your PIRs are OK then the meter has to be faulty or may be the testing procedure, the fault will need to be determined before connecting it to any circuit.

      The specification of the PIR does not matter all PiRs will behave in the same manner.

      Reply

      • I would recommend buying a brand new PIR and get it tested right in the shop itself with a meter, and then bring it home for the remaining procedures

        Reply

        • please test by connecting as shown below while testing with meter

          https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/pir-sense.png

          Reply

          • Hi Swag,

            I have tried some experiments on HC SR505 and HC SR501 units, measuring the voltage on the RE 200B itself with my multimeter from the source and ground pins. Moving my hand in front caused the modules to trigger and light the LED I had between the GND and OUT pins. However there was little to no change in voltage on the PIR in any case. How is this working on the module, as it reacts with almost no change in the voltage from the PIR itself? This has been the same with those RE 200Bs I have tested on the breadboard, same voltage from the source pin (around 0.5-0.6v).

            Also, the delay times in HC SR501 is about 2 seconds minimum. Can I reduce it to 0.5 seconds or less?

            Thanks!

            Nathan

            Reply

            • Hi Nathan, According to one of the datasheets of a similar kind of PIR, the output is supposed to be around 3.5V in response to human presence. Not sure why your sensor is not working without an attached circuit. You can see the datasheet below:

              https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/D204B-PIR.pdf

              The delay time can be perhaps adjusted by checking which capacitor inside the module is responsible for this, and then replacing it with a smaller one, however I am not entirely sure about this tweak.

          • Thanks,

            I tested the PIR while it was attached to the HC SR505 and HC SR501 for the results I mentioned above.

            Reply

            • So perhaps that is why it is giving incorrect results, you may have to remove and check the sensor separately.

          • I did remove the PIRs from the circuits and tested them for the same result, that was the issue all along. I’m not getting different results either on circuit or off circuit, and the results are not as they are supposed to be…

            Reply

            • I have published the datasheet of the device, you can have a look at the details and try to figure out the possible issue and see if you can solve it.

              https://www.homemade-circuits.com/pir-sensor-datasheet-pinout-specification-working/

  4. Hello Norman. with transistors the illumination thresholds can never be sharp, you can try a 555 IC instead as shown in the above article, or use another transistor as shown in the following design, this will help reduce the slow glow effect:

    https://homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/simple-led-automatic-daynight-lamp.html

    Reply

  5. Hi Swagatam,
    I would like to design a PIR activated night light. I am using a PIR sensor, a LDR along with a transistor. I have included a resistor in the output from the PIR to the base of the transistor. The LDR ties the base of the transistor to ground. The size of this resistor increases the amount of darkness before lighting the led. This of course reduces the signal to the base of the transistor which causes the transistor not to fully saturate and the led glows dimly. My problem is I only want the night light to activate when it is totally dark and I want it to provide full power at that point. Right now it starts to glow dimly and gets brighter when the room gets darker. Is there a device like a transistor, FET or other device that will switch to full power completely when receiving a small signal. I don't know how to include a copy of my circuit into this comment. I hope you can follow my reasoning. Thanks!

    Reply

  6. Can we use this circuit using 6 vol 4.5ah battery supply? Some modification as light illuminating for 11 hour with intensity reduce after 5,hour? Circuit also same function as per your blog.

    Reply

    • yes that's possible, you can try the second last circuit and integrate a 4060 timer with a relay such that its relay contacts swaps a resistor in series with the LED to reduce the LED intensity after a predetermined delay period

      Reply

    • you can make the second last circuit separately and the 4060 timer circuit with relay separately.

      power the 4060 circuit from T2 collector, but the relay coil from direct 12V supply

      connect LED assembly through the relay contacts. center pole to T2 collector, N/C…N/O to the LED positives. N/C directly connected while N/O through a resistor.

      the value will need to calculated with some trial and error.

      Reply

  8. Hi Swagatam,

    To circuit no. 2 (The Simplified version) I have a question regarding remaining the LEDs ON.
    I have tried changing the capacitor to bigger ones in order to keep the LEDs on for a longer time period without success.
    I have only 1 LED connected to the collector of T2 for test.

    When the positive voltage drops from the PIR the LED turns off.

    How do I keep the LED on for 30 seconds or more?

    Thank you in advance,
    Henrik

    Reply

    • Hi Henrik, you can do it with the following simple modification:

      replace R5 with a high value capacitor, replace R6 with a high value resistor, and possibly replace T2 with a Darlington transistor such as TIP127…that's all this will allow you to get the specified results….by suitably selecting the high value capacitor/resistor values

      Reply

  9. Hi SM,

    I am new to electronics.. i would like to make a PIR based LED light. i have the following PIR sensor, .300ma leds, 1 ohm resistors, 5 V power supply. Please suggest a circuit.

    Reply

    • Hi Chandan you can try the second circuit from above article…

      use TIP32C for T2 if your LED is rated at 300mA

      use 5V as supply and use a 3 ohm 2 watt resistor in series with the LED

      Reply

  11. Hi Swagatam,
    Can you please explain how the 3rd circuit works? If I want the lights to turn off in 1 min after the person leaves the area, how should I modify the circuit?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Anthony, in the third circuit the 555 stage responds and lights up the LEDs in response to the PIR stage output and ambient light conditions(night time)

      you can replace the existing 555 with a 555 monostable for achieving the required delays.

      Reply

  12. hi swagatam,
    PIR sensor and amplifier placed a long distance approx 80 ft from LED or buzzer , will signal be send to long distance with low voltage (5-12v) and low current(20mA)?

    Reply

  13. Hi swagatam, I am completely new to electronics and I am going to try and build a version of this circuit using 9 LEDs 3 rows of 3 and have R8 value of 2K. I wish to power the circuit with solar panels. I read your above info regarding using a voltage regulator but can you tell me what one would be used and how it operates please? I have found a 1A positive fixed one but I am not sure what I'd do with it.
    Thanks in advance
    Jamie

    Reply

    • Hi Jamie,

      the voltage regulator could be a 7812 IC which is very easy to connect, it has three leads….with the printed side of the IC facing you, the left lead will connect with the solar panel positive, the center lead with solar panel negative and the right side lead will connect with your circuit's positive. The circuit negative can be finally connected with the center lead of the 7812 that is the negative of the panel.

      R8 in the 555 stage should be very high, above 200k in order to detect darkness level correctly.

      Reply

    • Hello Nelio, you can directly replace the LED bank connections with the relay coil, make sure to add a freewheeling diode across the relay coil….anode going to the ground lead of the relay coil, cathode to transistor collector side..

      Also T2 may be replaced with a BC557 transistor, a 2N2907 will also do

      Reply

    • if the PIR is rated at 12V then the zener may not be required otherwise the PIR could get damaged.

      the 470uF is for producing a delay-OFF effect, it' not a crucial element in the circuit.

      Reply

  17. sir i try to make the second circuit i used HC-SR501 PYROELECTRIC INFRARED PIR MOTION SENSOR DETECTOR MODULE if i connect one led to out put pin is working for sen if i connected to the circuit i like to make pir sensor to on/off relay kindly asst me thank you

    Reply

  18. Hai, I made the third circuit and some problems in that. The circuit is working as "If there is ambient light in the room means, the output at the pin3 of IC1 is low. and if the room is dark means the output at pin3 of IC1 is always high". Means The output at the pin3 should go high when the room is dark and if anyone moves infront of the PIR. But the pin3 of the IC1 is high when the room gets dark itself. The PIR is not working in the circuit itseems. I checked the PIR seperately and its working good. Dont know where is the problem.
    And I added a monostable circuit by connecting the pin3 of the IC1 to pin2 of the monostable circuit. Here also a problem. If the pin3 of the IC1 goes low means the monostable circuit IC is getting very hot and fried. Pls give me solution…

    Reply

    • If the PIR does not respond T2 will not conduct and the IC555 will not get any supply so how can its pin3 become high in darkness???

      Separate the stages completely and check them individually

      T2 should conduct only when PIR detects a human presence otherwise not.

      Pin2 of the monostable will have a very high resistance so how can the other 555 become hot???

      You might have done something wrong in the connections… check it properly or make the design step wise.

      Reply

    • Hai, now the circuit is working good. The problem was with the conections.so when the PIR detects a motion, the output from the pin3 of IC1 is positive high. And thn i made a monostable circuit. The pin2 of the monostable needs negative to activate a relay when pin2 is triggered. so can I connect a BC547 at the pin3 of IC1 by base to pin3 via 10k, emitter to negative and collector to pin2 of monostable circuit?? pls check the diagram imgur.com/USXpBSA
      And one doubt, the LDR is slightly getting hot when light is falling on the LDR. Is that normal or connection prob??

      Reply

    • OK, fine.
      The BC547 connection with the ICs is correct in the shown diagram

      The LDR should not become even warm. What have you used for R8?? If R8 is very low, LDR will start getting hot. use 1M for R8

      Reply

  19. Dear Swagatam,

    I have an other option of using either 1,2 or 3 string on direct supply without R1 and rest all strings through T2. This will just just keep 1,2 or 3 string when no human is detected and switch on other strings when human is detected.

    Reply

    • Dear kkaranjia,

      you can try the second circuit, simply add a TIP122 base through 10k resistor with the collector of T3, connect the LEDs across its collector and positive….emitter will connect with the ground.

      Reply

  20. Dear Mr. Swagatam.

    In your 1st circuit diag when the leds are powered via R! they just work at lower voltage but no power is saved as it is consumed by the resistor, so this design can be modified a little to actually save power.

    Also i have one question. Just by interchanging the positions of LDR and R8 can this circuit switch on when it is dark n switch off when there is light?

    Reply

    • Dear kkaranjia, you can replace R1 with 3nos 1N4007 series diodes for saving energy.

      yes interchanging LDR and R8 will reverse the response, please see the last diagram.

      Reply

  21. Thankyou… I did as u said. Check whether this is correct…
    imgur.com/fDespFa

    So this will restart the timer of the monostable every time when the PIR detects the motion. Am i correct??

    Reply

  22. After including the monostable circuit to the above and setting the capacitor and resistor for obtaing 50 seconds. Suppose if I walk through the PIR means the monostable circuit start counting for 1-50 seconds. Suppose if I walk thorugh the same PIR at 35th second means will the counting start from 1-50 or not?? If not means how to modify the circuit for restarting timer??

    Reply

  24. what is the value for the T1, T2, T3 , C1 for the third circuit diagram?? U mentioned different values in two parts list. And R1 is missing in third circuit. Do I need R7 resistor which is connected with the PIR?? Bcoz i am giving the power supply as 5 v only know. so I am confused. I am giving the power supply as 5v. so do i need to reduce values for all the resistors?? If possible means can u pls tell me the whole parts list for the third circuit diagram??

    Reply

    • the parts of the last circuit are same as the first one.

      R1 is provided for a different application need, please read the circuit description for the first design

      Reply

    • ok thankyou. Am using power supply as 5v , so is that R7 at PIR is required?? and Do i need to decrease the values of all the resistors and capacitor??

      Reply

    • no R7/D1 won't be required if the supply is regulated to 5V….the same circuit should work for 5V also, no changes would be required.

      Reply

    • ok. how to manually ON the relay to ON the light?? Is that possible by connecting spdt switch?? Like, switch UP means censor, centre means total OFF, down means manually ON the light. If possible means how to connect?

      Reply

    • Hai, One doubt. As I want the relay to be in active state for 60 seconds if the PIR detects the motion, U suggested me to include a monostable circuit for that. But U mentioned in the article that "The time for which the LEDs remain ON is determined by the product of R4 and C1". This wil keep the LED bank ON for 51 sec. Instead of LED bank and removing R3,T1, if I connect a relay directly to the pin3 means ,the relay wil be in ON state for 51 sec. So still do I need a monostable circuit??

      Reply

    • Hi, please show me with a diagram so that it becomes clearer to understand.

      A 555 monostable will give much accurate and well defined timing response, so it's recommended.

      Reply

    • I got a new PIR sensor. It is mentioned that the operating voltage is 4.5-20v. so If i use this PIR in ur circuit means do I need D1 and R7 at PIR??
      And Can I connect the 12v relay directly to the pin3 of IC by removing R3 and T1 ??

      Reply

    • I added a monostable circuit in the bottom left side.Though I am using monostable circuit, do I need the 470uf capacitor and 100k resistor at the PIR??

      Reply

    • 470uF may be reduced to 10uF/25V or any other lower value, R4 is a must and cannot be removed but 100k is not critical, other values will also work

      Reply

  25. Hai, I am modifying the third circuit as follows:-
    I am giving input power supply as 5 volt dc , replacing LED bank with 5 volt relay, R8 as 100k preset.
    Then if a person pass through the sensor means the relay should be ON state for 60 seconds.Then it should get OFF. what I have to modify for that?
    And if there is ambient light means , If I pass thorugh the sensor means the relay should not get ON. The relay should be in OFF state only. what I have to modify for that??

    Reply

    • Hi, you will require a monostable circuit using IC 555, R3 and T1 won't be required since you are using a relay.
      Connect the monostable pin2 with pin3 of IC1 and connect the relay directly either across pin3/positive or pin3/negative of the monostable.
      Set the monostable timing capacitor/resistor for acquiring 60 seconds

      Reply

  26. Hai, here is the diagram..
    imgur.com/rLfrnRh
    check wheather the PIR and diode placement is correct. And then can I give a input of 5v instead of 12v?? And I like to replace a 5v relay instead of LED bank. Is that possible?? shall i replace 10k preset instead of R8?? so i can adjust the sensitivity of the LDR.

    Reply

    • yes that's fine.

      you can use 5V for the entire circuit or only for the PIR while using the 12V for the remaining circuit so that a 12V relay can be used.

      replace R8 with a 100k preset.

      Reply

  27. Hello sir, Could you tell me how to connect another PIR sensor in the circuit?? So if I walk across any one of the PIR means the light should iluminate. And according to the datasheet of PIR sensor, the input voltage for PIR should be 3.3 – 5v DC. But u connected the PIR with 12v. Will it wont fry the PIR module??

    Reply

    • Hello, yes you are right it must connected through a 7805 IC, I'll make the changes soon.

      connect the two PIR (+) and (-) in parallel and terminate their output pins through individual 1N4148 diodes….anode of the diodes will do to the outputs while the common cathodes of the diodes can be connected to the above circuit (to R4)

      Reply

  28. Hai, how to connect another PIR sensor in the above circuit??
    Bcoz I need a circuit like this :- circuit should contain two PIR sensors and one LDR sensor. The LEDs always should be in OFF state only. If a person cross any one of the PIR sensors means the LEDs should iluminate for 60 seconds and then it should OFF. During day time, if a person cross any one of the PIR sensors means the LEDs should not iluminate. How to control this with LDR??
    And how to add a manual switch to the circuit to turn ON the LEDs manually??
    Pls help… Am trying to make a circuit for my house staircase..

    Reply

    • Hi, you can connect another PIR parallel to the existing one, just put diodes at the output pins of each PIR.

      The 555 is placed exactly for the same that is for daytime inactivation of the LEDs, in the second diagram.

      for 60 second delay, you will have to incorporate a 555 monostable…i will tell you about it more after you finish the above stages.

      Reply

  30. Hii Swagatam,
    I implemented your circuit with LDR & 555 IC, but my LED's are not glowing (Day & night both).
    SImple PIR sensor circuit is properly working.
    But when i connect IC & LDR circuit as shown above i am not getting high signal at Pin 3.
    LDR resistance is around 1.5K in day time & 20K in night time.

    Reply

    • Hi Robin,
      the value of R8 must be lower than the LDR value at night, only then the LEDs will light up.

      you may replace R8 with a 10k preset and set it accordingly.

      Reply

  31. can you help to make the circuit using bc 547 for lamp load testing on generator. it means I have to make on the load successively and then make it off one by one within certain time interval.

    Reply

  33. "The high output at pin#3 keeps the transistor and the LED switched ON, until the ambient light falls below a predetermined value set by P1."

    Where is P1?

    Why would anybody just want the LED's to just come on during the day?

    Reply

    • I recently changed the diagram, R8 has taken the place of P1 whose value does not need to be varied now.

      The circuit is intended to be used in closed rooms during day time when its occupied by people and to be switched off automatically after dark when probably the place is closed.

      The circuit just needs to be understood and tweaked as per individual preferences.

      Reply

    • Hi SM, after a lot of googling I found these IR transmitter and receiver sections .

      www.pcbheaven.com/circuitpages/Long_Range_IR_Beam_Break_Detector/

      Can you please simplify above circuits so that it works the other way round i.e it detects the IR beam not break of IR beam and it could be attached PIR's position . Also I found above circuit would detect IR break and remains on till shutting its powersupply so can you please simplify it remain on for certain period of time . Thank you

      Reply

    • Hi, did you type the keywords exactly as I suggested you?

      because you can very easily get the required circuits by those keywords.

      anyway here's the link which you may try:

      www.eeweb.com/blog/extreme_circuits/infrared-proximity-detector-alarm

      Reply

  35. Dear Swagatam,

    I want to add more LED strips (around 1 amp current draw) to the above circuit and i also want the circuit to be activated at night (dark) . So can you please provide the circuit .

    Reply

  37. this stuff is really cool. thanks for taking the time to upload these circuits. can bc557 be bc547. i have a few bc547 transistors laying around but couldnt find any bc557 in my electronics tool box. if it must be bc557 i will have to purchase a few of these. thanks in advance.

    g.

    Reply

  39. Dear SM,
    can you design a simple light switching ON device only when it senses a person and switches off after a preset time ,30Sec or 60Sec as the case may be

    Reply

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