PIR maximun operating voltage ?

[Clad In Shadows]

According to the info, the PIR sensor has an operating voltage of 3.3-5V .
I am working on a door access project that works on 12V and was wondering if the PIR sensor could handle 12V ?

[livinlowe]

I'm going to say definitely not. The spec sheet only says 3-5V. Looks like you'll have to step down your voltage with a regulator. I would go 5V.

[Clad In Shadows]

The reason I asked is because I saw similar sensors online and even though it says 3.3-5V ,
it also shows "Operating voltage range: DC 4.5-20V"

[livinlowe]

The reason I asked is because I saw similar sensors online and even though it says 3.3-5V ,
it also shows "Operating voltage range: DC 4.5-20V"

The spec sheet on parallax shows operating voltage as 3-5v. That's all I can go by (rather than personal experience)

[JackMan]

Are you using an EFX-TEK controller for this?

[JonnyMac]

If you're using the Parallax PIR that we carry you do not want to plug anything above 5V into it -- will definitely let out the smoke. There are commercial PIR units that operate at 12V. Most use an open-collector output which we can connect to any of our controllers.

[Clad In Shadows]

Ok , thank you guys for the info.

I AM talking about a Parallax PIR sensor.
It will be used with a door access system's power supply.
I just wanted to make sure I won't ruin the sensor.

[JackMan]

If you're using the Parallax PIR that we carry you do not want to plug 5V into it -- will definitely let out the smoke.

I think there's a voltage typo above?

[JonnyMac]

Whoops... what I meant was ANYTHING ABOVE 5v.

Thanks for the catch. I'll fix that post.

[JonnyMac]

In the FWIW category... relying only on forums is a mistake. Jack caught my typo and, hopefully, Chad won't plug 12V into the Parallax PIR.

Tip: Always consult the manufacturer data sheet for specifics about a device. Parallax provides that here:
-- https://www.parallax.com/sites/default/files/downloads/555-28027-PIR-Sensor-Product-Guide-v2.3.pdf

I will make sure that [updated] link is on our product web site as well.

[Clad In Shadows]

Thanks for rectifying that.
As far as the data sheet goes , I didn't look at it .
I found PIR's online that look exactly like the Parallax ones but can run on 4.5-20V , so that's why I asked before I was gonna hook it up.

[JonnyMac]

As far as the data sheet goes , I didn't look at it .

ALWAYS read the data sheet! In fact, make it a habit to get the data sheet or and any available documentation for any part you think you're going to use. I have a folder on my system called Tech Docs that is subdivided by manufacturer. Any time I'm considering a part for a project or design, I download the docs and store them there so I have them to refer to when I need them.

[JackMan]

Yep, not reading documentation before use is probably the #1 cause of electronics releasing the magic smoke. In fact, it usually pays to read it twice!  :o