# Lighting presence detector plan mark

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-presence-detector-lighting
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: PIR-L
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Presence detector for lighting
IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

Plan mark for a ceiling or wall sensor that switches lighting automatically according to occupancy.

## In plain English

### What does Lighting presence detector plan mark mean?

Lighting presence detectors switch or dim luminaires according to occupancy, usually by passive infrared or microwave sensing. Plans show a small circle or square with a detection mark, often with the coverage radius drawn so designers can check the area is covered.

### A simple example

The plan should also show whether the detector operates in presence mode (automatic on and off) or absence mode (manual on, automatic off) and whether it includes a daylight sensor. These settings strongly affect energy performance and are often stated in a lighting control schedule.

### What the drawings help you do

This lighting sensor is distinct from an intruder alarm motion detector even when the sensing principle is the same. The two belong to different systems with different wiring and standards.

### This particular reference

Plan mark for a ceiling or wall sensor that switches lighting automatically according to occupancy. An intruder motion detector reports to an alarm panel; a lighting presence detector controls luminaires.

### Terms

- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Radiation qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-EABC81B4-549D-49C9-A0F5-086DD204A689.htm)


## What it represents

Lighting presence detectors switch or dim luminaires according to occupancy, usually by passive infrared or microwave sensing. Plans show a small circle or square with a detection mark, often with the coverage radius drawn so designers can check the area is covered.
The plan should also show whether the detector operates in presence mode (automatic on and off) or absence mode (manual on, automatic off) and whether it includes a daylight sensor. These settings strongly affect energy performance and are often stated in a lighting control schedule.
This lighting sensor is distinct from an intruder alarm motion detector even when the sensing principle is the same. The two belong to different systems with different wiring and standards.

## How to read it

- Check the coverage pattern against the room geometry.
- Confirm whether the sensor controls a switching relay, a DALI group or a local load directly.

## Information to show or reference

- State presence or absence mode.
- Show coverage radius.
- Link the controlled luminaire groups.

## Important distinction

An intruder motion detector reports to an alarm panel; a lighting presence detector controls luminaires.

## Facts

- Sensing: Passive infrared, microwave or dual technology
- System: Lighting control, not security
- Exact standard graphic: Not reproduced here; confirm the form against IEC 60617 and the project legend

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC graphical symbol context; independently drawn here.
- [Autodesk IEC-60617 preview: Radiation qualifiers](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-EABC81B4-549D-49C9-A0F5-086DD204A689.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented radiation qualifiers relevant to infrared sensing marks.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.