Question 1

What is the difference between PIR and microwave occupancy sensors?

Accepted Answer

PIR (passive infrared) sensors like the Jarvis A314P detect body heat movement — they work best in open spaces with clear line-of-sight between the sensor and occupants (warehouses, parking garages, open offices). Microwave sensors like the Jarvis A317M emit microwave pulses and detect reflected motion — they can sense through lightweight obstructions (cubicle partitions, shelving) and are better for enclosed offices, restrooms, and spaces where line-of-sight is blocked. PIR has zero false triggers from HVAC airflow; microwave may require sensitivity adjustment near air vents.

Question 2

Which sensor lens do I need — low bay or high bay?

Accepted Answer

The Jarvis A314PLB (low bay lens) is designed for 8–20 foot mounting heights with a 48-foot diameter detection zone — use it for parking garages, low-ceiling warehouses, stairwells, and storage areas. The Jarvis A314PHB (high bay lens) is designed for 8–50 foot mounting heights with a 60-foot diameter detection zone — use it for warehouses, manufacturing floors, and gymnasiums with high ceilings. Both mount into a standard 1/2-inch NPT knockout on the fixture housing.

Question 3

Can I add an occupancy sensor to an existing Jarvis fixture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The A314P PIR sensors mount into any 1/2-inch NPT knockout on Jarvis indoor fixtures (high bays, vapor tights, parking garage lights). The A317M microwave sensor attaches magnetically or with adhesive strips to the inside of troffers, panels, and retrofit kits — no knockout required. Both sensors output a 0-10V signal, so the fixture must have a 0-10V dimming driver (all current Jarvis indoor fixtures include this). For Z10-ready fixtures, the S-Z10-SPM snaps into the dedicated Z10 port.

Question 4

Do occupancy sensors meet building energy code requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jarvis PhotoMotion™ occupancy sensors meet ASHRAE 90.1-2019, IECC 2021, and California Title 24 requirements for automatic shut-off controls in commercial spaces. ASHRAE 90.1 requires occupancy-based controls in most enclosed spaces including offices, conference rooms, restrooms, storage rooms, warehouses, and parking garages. The sensors provide both occupancy-based switching (on/off) and partial-off dimming (standby at 10–30%), satisfying both mandatory shut-off and optional dimming provisions.

Question 5

How do I program Jarvis occupancy sensors?

Accepted Answer

Jarvis PhotoMotion™ sensors ship with factory-default settings that work for most applications. For custom programming, the A315 handheld remote adjusts six parameters: detection range sensitivity, hold time (how long the light stays at full brightness after last motion detected), hold brightness, daylight sensor threshold, standby brightness (dim level when unoccupied), and standby time (how long before full off after standby). One A315 remote programs all PhotoMotion sensors on a project. For Z10 sensors, the A315-Z10-V1 variant is required.

Question 6

What is daylight harvesting and which sensors support it?

Accepted Answer

Daylight harvesting automatically reduces artificial light output when sufficient natural light is present — for example, dimming fixtures near skylights or windows during daytime. All Jarvis PhotoMotion™ sensors (A314P, A317M, Z10 series) include an integrated daylight photosensor. The daylight threshold is adjustable via the A315 programming remote. In spaces with significant daylighting, combining occupancy sensing with daylight harvesting can reduce lighting energy by 60–80% compared to always-on operation.

Question 7

What energy savings do occupancy sensors provide?

Accepted Answer

Energy savings depend on space occupancy patterns. Typical results: warehouses with intermittent aisle traffic see 40–60% energy reduction with bi-level occupancy dimming. Private offices see 25–50% reduction. Restrooms and break rooms see 50–75% reduction. Conference rooms see 40–65% reduction. Parking garages see 40–60% reduction. These figures assume standby dimming at 20–30% output. Adding daylight harvesting in spaces with natural light contribution can increase total savings to 60–80%.

Question 8

Can I use the A317M microwave sensor in a troffer retrofit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The A317M is specifically designed for troffer and panel fixtures, including retrofit kits like the Jarvis JSK magnetic strip kit and JTRFRK troffer retrofit. The sensor attaches via included magnets or adhesive strips inside the fixture housing — no knockout or wiring modification. It provides microwave occupancy detection and daylight harvesting via 0-10V dimming output. The fixture must have a 0-10V dimming driver (all current Jarvis troffers, panels, and retrofit kits include this).

Application	Recommended Sensor	Detection Type	Mounting Height	Coverage
Warehouse / high bay (20–50 ft)	A314PHB (high bay lens)	PIR	8–50 ft	60 ft diameter / 360°
Low bay / garage / stairwell (8–20 ft)	A314PLB (low bay lens)	PIR	8–20 ft	48 ft diameter / 360°
Office troffer / panel (retrofit add-on)	A317M (magnetic mount)	Microwave	8–15 ft	Tunable via remote
Any Z10-ready fixture (networked)	S-Z10-SPM	PIR + daylight	Per fixture spec	Per fixture spec

Indoor Light Occupancy and Daylight Harvesting Sensors

PhotoMotionTM Z10 PIR Sensor

Z10 PhotoMotion™ Custom Programming Remote Control

PIR Motion Sensor 120-277V Indoor Side Mount PhotoMotion™

Which indoor sensor fits your application?

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