Battery-Powered Office Sensor Installation Guide for Camera-Free Occupancy

Recommended sensor placement by space type

Placement recommendations by common office space types to maximize detection and minimize false readings.

Open-plan offices

• Mount to ceilings near the center of each pod or cluster.
• Avoid placing directly over printers, coffee stations, or HVAC diffusers.
• Provide overlapping coverage so movement between desks is captured.

Private offices

• One sensor per room, mounted centrally on the ceiling or high on a wall facing the main desk.

Conference rooms

• Ceiling mount near the room center to capture multiple occupants and meeting dynamics.
• If the room is very long, consider two sensors for consistent detection.

Corridors and entrances

• Wall-mounted sensors at exit/entry heights to count traffic flow.
• Align orientation to face incoming traffic and reduce cross-traffic false positives.

Restrooms and sensitive areas

• Use only occupancy-state sensors if allowed by policy; avoid counting individuals. Ensure sensors are camera-free and privacy-compliant.

Mounting heights: typical ceiling mounts are 8–12 ft (2.5–3.5 m); wall mounts are usually 6–8 ft (1.8–2.5 m) depending on door heights and sightlines.

Step-by-step installation (battery-powered units)

Follow these steps for consistent, safe installation of battery-powered sensors.

• 1. Unpack and inspect: Check the unit, mounting bracket, batteries (or battery compartment), and hardware.
• 2. Choose mounting location: Confirm it matches your site survey and keeps the sensor away from direct airflow and strong heat sources.
• 3. Prepare the surface: Clean mounting area and mark drill points using the bracket.
• 4. Mount bracket and sensor: Drill anchors or install screws, attach the bracket, and snap or screw the sensor into place.
• 5. Insert batteries and power up: Install batteries following polarity markings. Some sensors have a pull tab—remove it to activate.
• 6. Orient and secure: Tilt/rotate the housing to align with the target coverage area and tighten any adjustment screws.
• 7. Perform an initial wake/pair: Bring the sensor online via the gateway, mobile app, or provisioning tool. Follow vendor pairing steps.
• 8. Label and log: Record sensor ID, location, installation date, and battery serials for maintenance.

Keep installations tidy: conceal wiring only where allowed, and use tamper-resistant fasteners in public spaces if required.

Commissioning and verification

Verify connectivity, sensitivity, and real-world performance before handing over the system.

• Connectivity checks: Ensure the sensor appears in the management portal and reports signal strength to the gateway.
• Calibration and thresholds: Adjust sensitivity and reporting intervals in the portal if available. Many systems auto-calibrate after initial run-in.
• Walk test: Perform motion tests in different parts of the coverage area and observe occupancy events in the dashboard.
• Multi-person validation: Simulate typical room loads (meeting scenarios) to verify the sensor scales and persists occupancy.
• Logging: Capture screenshots or logs of successful tests for future reference.

If accuracy seems low, re-evaluate placement and environmental interference before changing sensitivity.

Battery management and optimization

Best practices to maximize battery life and reduce maintenance frequency.

• Choose the right battery type: Use the manufacturer-recommended chemistry and brand for consistent performance.
• Optimize reporting intervals: Longer reporting intervals reduce battery use; adjust granularity according to use-case needs.
• Use motion-triggered wake: Configure sensors to remain in low-power sleep and only transmit on detected activity when possible.
• Schedule firmware updates: Apply updates during planned maintenance windows; some updates can reduce power consumption.
• Monitor battery health: Use the management dashboard to track battery percentage and receive low-battery alerts.
• Replacement and disposal: Follow local regulations for battery disposal and recycle where available. Replace batteries proactively before critical events.

Typical battery life varies by model and settings; plan preventive replacement cycles based on early deployment telemetry.

Common troubleshooting

Common issues and quick checks to resolve them during installs and commissioning.

• No device found during pairing: Confirm batteries are installed and the device is powered. Check gateway proximity and radio interference.
• Intermittent occupancy events: Check for airflow, direct sunlight, or reflective surfaces causing false triggers. Reorient sensor.
• Low counts in crowded rooms: Review mounting height and angle; consider adding an additional sensor for overlapping coverage.
• Rapid battery drain: Check reporting interval and firmware version. Ensure the sensor isn’t in constant wake from a heat source.
• Poor network connectivity: Verify gateway placement and environmental obstructions; add repeaters or mesh gateways as needed.

Document each issue and resolution for future installs.

Maintenance and lifecycle

Routine activities to keep sensors reliable over their operational life.

• Quarterly checks: Inspect mounting hardware, clean lenses with a dry cloth, and review battery status in the portal.
• Firmware and security: Keep firmware current to benefit from performance and security fixes.
• Recalibration: Re-run commissioning tests after significant layout changes (furniture moves, renovations).
• End-of-life planning: Track sensor age and plan replacements based on battery life and technological improvements.

Plan maintenance cycles and replacements based on telemetry and operational priorities.

Next steps and resources

Actions to validate and scale a pilot deployment, plus FAQs and vendor resources.

• Complete a small pilot in a representative floor to validate placement, battery life, and analytics.
• Use your management portal to iterate on reporting intervals and sensitivity settings.
• For product-specific installation guides, datasheets, or support, consult Butlr (https://butlr.com) or your vendor representative.

Quick FAQs

• Will these sensors identify individuals? No. Thermal, camera-free sensors detect presence and movement, not personal identity.
• How often should batteries be replaced? Replacement depends on settings and usage; monitor battery telemetry and plan replacements proactively.
• Can sensors work without a gateway? Some models may support direct cloud connectivity, but most battery sensors use a local gateway to conserve power. Check product specs.
• How do I improve accuracy in large rooms? Add multiple sensors with overlapping coverage and verify placement with walk tests.

Following these steps ensures a reliable, privacy-respecting occupancy sensing deployment that enhances space utilization, comfort, and operational efficiency.