Warehouse lighting often runs for 10–12 hours a day — even in empty aisles. That’s money on the table. By installing long-range corridor sensors, you can make sure lights follow the forklifts and staff as they move through the building, instead of staying on all shift long.
Whether you manage a distribution center in Johannesburg or a smaller factory space in Port Elizabeth, automating your lighting not only saves money but improves safety by ensuring aisles, loading bays, and high-rack zones are never left dark when someone is nearby.
Key Takeaways
- 30 m directional sensors cover long warehouse aisles efficiently.
- Timers keep lights on just long enough for forklifts to complete a pass.
- Supports LED high bays, floods, and industrial fittings up to 1000 W total load.
- Improves safety by removing dark spots in corners and between racks.
- Reduces power bills and extends the lifespan of expensive fittings.
- Works alongside Microwave Occupancy Sensors for wider coverage zones.
Why Use Motion Sensors in Warehouses?
Energy Efficiency
Large commercial and industrial facilities can spend up to 40% of their total electricity bill purely on lighting costs, which makes it one of the biggest contributors to monthly overhead. By installing motion sensors throughout hallways, storage areas, and lesser-used zones, lights are automatically switched on only when someone is present and turned off shortly after the space is vacated. This simple change reduces unnecessary energy waste, lowers overall consumption, and can translate into thousands of rand in annual savings — without compromising visibility where it’s actually needed.
Safety & Compliance
Workplace safety regulations, including OSHA and South African National Standards (SANS), set minimum lighting requirements for corridors, walkways, and emergency escape routes. Motion-activated corridor sensors help facilities maintain compliance by ensuring these areas are always properly illuminated whenever someone enters. At the same time, they avoid leaving lights burning continuously for hours in empty spaces, helping your operation stay energy-conscious while still meeting all legal and safety obligations.
Improved Working Conditions
Few things are more disruptive for workers than being plunged into darkness halfway down a corridor or warehouse aisle. Well-calibrated motion sensors solve this by triggering lighting well before someone reaches the space, creating a seamless and comfortable experience. This proactive illumination eliminates safety hazards such as tripping over obstacles, reduces stress caused by sudden light changes, and provides a consistent, well-lit environment that supports productivity and peace of mind.
Smart sensors ensure every aisle is lit for safety — but only when occupied.
Installation Tips for Industrial Spaces
Mount Sensors High
Install sensors at recommended heights (often 4–6 m) for long-range detection over pallet racks.
Zone by Aisle
Use one sensor per aisle or major zone so lighting follows traffic. Consider overlap at intersections.
Test with Forklifts
Adjust sensitivity to detect both pedestrians and vehicles without false triggers from machinery vibrations.
Zone-based setups can save thousands annually — and make maintenance easier.
See our full motion sensor collection including Corridor Sensors and Microwave Sensors. Related reading: Office Buildings, Schools, Hotels, Parking Areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can sensors handle forklift traffic?
Yes — they’re sensitive enough to detect both people and slow-moving vehicles.
Q2: How many sensors per warehouse?
It depends on size and aisle layout. One per aisle is common, with overlapping coverage for main intersections.
Q3: Will they work with high-bay LED fixtures?
Yes — just ensure total wattage stays within the 1000 W LED rating.
Q4: Can we override sensors during loading rush hours?
Yes — many models allow manual override or integration with existing lighting controls.
Q5: Are they rugged enough for dusty environments?
Choose models with good IP ratings (IP20–IP65) depending on dust and moisture exposure.
