Where should I put the sensor? How much area is covered? How many sensors do I need?
We are often asked questions like “Where should I put the sensor?” or “How much area does it cover?” The short answer is “it depends on your use environment.”
First, let’s address coverage area. MOCREO sensors or in fact, any thermometer or hygrometer, measures the condition of a single point. However, when considering how many sensors you may need and the best way to place them in a given area, it’s important to determine your goal and the general properties and conditions of the space. Depending on these factors, you may find that one sensor is sufficient to meet the needs of an entire warehouse or you may need to install a sensor on every shelf!
The number of sensors required to effectively measure conditions within a specific area depends on the level of variability within that area. If the conditions are relatively consistent, a single sensor or a small number of sensors may suffice. However, if there are factors present that cause significant fluctuations, such as heat sources, moisture, or air movement, a larger number of sensors may be necessary to accurately capture the information you need.
When determining sensor placement, it is helpful to consider the specific objectives of your measurement. For example, if the goal is to assess the comfort level in a pet’s living space, a sensor placed near the pet’s sleeping area would likely be sufficient.
When monitoring for potential moisture issues in a basement, it may be useful to identify the areas that tend to be the most damp and place the sensor accordingly, so that you can take action as soon as a problem arises. Alternatively, you may want to use multiple sensors in different locations to gain an understanding of the root cause of the moisture issues.
When monitoring temperature in a refrigerator, you may want to place the sensor in the area where the most perishable food is stored, or in the area that tends to be the warmest, such as the top of the door or the location furthest from the air vent. Alternatively, if you are interested in studying temperature variations in different areas, you may want to use multiple sensors and record the data in a spreadsheet for further analysis.
Ultimately, the possibilities for using the devices are vast and the adaptability of the devices encourages experimentation. The best approach is to begin with an educated guess and then let your curiosity and instincts guide you as you explore the full range of their capabilities.
How to install the Sensor:
After identifying the location where you want to install the sensor, the next step is to determine the best method of mounting it. Some sensors come with a small circular adhesive disc, while others may require you to find your own adhesive solution. Another option that works well is using 3M Command Strips, they are easy to remove without damaging the sensor or the surface it is mounted on.
When mounting the sensor, it is important to take into account that attaching it directly to a surface can result in thermal coupling between the surface and the sensor. For example, if the sensor is mounted on a wall that gets heated by the sun, it might give a higher temperature reading than the actual ambient air temperature. In general this isn’t a major problem if there isn’t a big difference in temperature between the surface and air. However, for more accurate readings, it’s advisable to suspend the sensor using a short piece of string or a small zip tie through the sensor’s mounting hole to avoid thermal coupling and allow airflow around it.
For the most accurate readings, it’s essential to mount the sensor in a location that is protected from direct sunlight or other infrared radiation sources such as strong artificial lights or a fireplace. If the sensor case is exposed to these sources, the temperature measurements will be affected.