The future of intelligent building automation begins with trust in technology. With sensNORM, STEINEL relies on a testing procedure that creates transparency where uncertainty previously prevailed. The quality seal guarantees that you are working with sensors whose performance values are objectively recorded and reliably comparable.

Why sensNORM? Until a few years ago, it was difficult for planners, installers and builders to objectively compare motion and presence detectors from different manufacturers. Each supplier used its own measurement methods, which hardly ever corresponded in practice. The result: uncertainty in selection and operation, and often additional costs due to faulty planning. To address this problem, leading manufacturers – including STEINEL – joined forces in 2014 to form the sensNORM association. The aim was to develop a common, standardised measurement procedure that would create absolute transparency. Today, this procedure has not only been incorporated into the international standard IEC 63180, but also forms the basis for independent testing in the sensLAB of the Swiss metrology institute METAS.



Measurement setup and evaluation

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At the heart of sensNORM is a precise measurement methodology. Motion and presence detectors are tested under controlled conditions in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Human-like dummy models are used to simulate movements in the room. Whether a person enters the room, moves sideways or makes a small hand movement at their workplace: everything is realistically simulated and recorded using the latest measurement technology.

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The data is used to create recording diagrams that accurately show how sensitive and reliable a sensor is. These results are not only documented, but also digitally processed and made machine-readable – so that they can be seamlessly integrated into planning and design software such as Relux or DIALux. The result: sensor technology whose performance data is no longer a matter of manufacturer specifications, but is based on hard, comparable facts.

Monitor with planning software
sensNORM & SensCalc – the benchmark for precision and efficiency
Plan in accordance with standards. Save energy.

In 2014, leading manufacturers of motion and presence detectors founded the sensNORM association to define a uniform measurement procedure for PIR sensors. This was incorporated into the international standard IEC 63180 in 2020. The sensNORM label goes beyond the IEC requirements: it stands for stricter testing procedures, higher reliability and greater protection against false alarms. For planners and installers, this means tested comparability and guaranteed quality. Discover SensCalc – the free online planning tool from RElux for PIR sensors. Calculate the energy efficiency and amortisation of your sensor installation with certified data according to IEC 63180 and sensNORM 2022.

To the SensCalc calculator

For electrical planners, sensNORM means one thing above all else: safety. Working with standardised and tested data allows them to calculate their projects more precisely and implement them reliably. Comparisons between different products can be made at the touch of a button, as all measurements are taken according to the same criteria. In addition, the risk of costly planning errors is significantly reduced. Instead of relying on theoretical data, planners can base their work on values that have been verified in an independent laboratory. The integration of the data into common software tools makes the planning process faster and more convenient. And last but not least, the "sensNORM Certified" seal ensures trust – among clients, builders and partners alike.


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Transparency & comparability

With sensNORM, you finally get clear facts. All sensors are tested according to uniform criteria, making their performance values objectively comparable. What used to be difficult to understand can now be assessed at a glance – regardless of the manufacturer and free from interpretation.

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planning reliability

When data is reliable, planning becomes secure. sensNORM ensures that the determined detection ranges and sensitivities correspond to the actual conditions in the project. For you as a planner, this means less uncertainty, less risk and a solid basis for calculating projects precisely and implementing them successfully.

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Integration into planning software

The verified data is provided digitally and can be integrated directly into common tools such as BIM, Relux or DIALux. This allows objective measurement results to be seamlessly incorporated into your planning – from the initial design to the final execution. This saves time, reduces sources of error and makes the entire process significantly more efficient.

outlook

sensNORM is not a rigid system, but rather a standard that is continuously being developed. The current test specification is available in Edition 3.0, but work is already underway to expand it to include other sensor technologies – from ultrasound to high-frequency solutions. The connection to digital construction processes such as BIM is also being continuously improved so that planners will have even easier and more comprehensive access to tested sensor data in the future.


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For STEINEL, sensNORM is a clear commitment: we want to not only accompany the future of intelligent building automation, but also actively shape it – with transparency, objectivity and innovation.

Thomas Möller, Head of Innovation/Product Management & Strategic Marketing
Link to sensnorm.com