Everything Presence One (EP1)
Everything Presence One (EP1)
Not sure if EP1 is right for you? Check out EP1 vs EPL: Which Sensor is Right for You? for a detailed comparison.
Quick Start (Home Assistant)
Follow the step-by-step guide to integrate your device with Home Assistant. Set up your EP1 device in Home Assistant
FAQs
What's the difference between PIR, mmWave, and Occupancy?
The EP1 has three presence-related sensors that work together:
Sensor | Technology | Best For |
|---|---|---|
PIR | Infrared heat detection | Fast initial motion detection |
mmWave | Radar | Detecting stationary people (sitting, sleeping) |
Occupancy | Combines PIR + mmWave | General room occupancy - use this for most automations |
Recommendation: Use the Occupancy sensor for automations. It combines both technologies for the best balance of speed and accuracy.
Will the EP1 detect moving animals or objects?
Yes, the EP1 detects any moving object, including pets, fans, or even shifting blinds. See How to Tune Your EP1 Sensor for tips on reducing unwanted triggers.
My sensor is giving false detections!
In most cases, the sensor is accurately detecting movement—just much smaller movements than expected. Common causes include:
Ceiling fans or HVAC vents
Reflective surfaces (mirrors, glass)
Detecting through thin walls
Poor quality power supply
Check out the How to Tune Your EP1 Sensor page and Troubleshooting for solutions.
Why does my sensor detect through walls?
mmWave radar can penetrate thin walls, plasterboard, and some doors. This is a property of the technology, not a fault.
Solutions:
Reduce Max Distance so detection stops before reaching the wall
Reposition the sensor to aim away from thin walls
Use Trigger Distance as a secondary threshold
What's the recommended off latency?
It depends on the room:
Room Type | Recommended Off Latency |
|---|---|
Hallway | 30-60 seconds |
Bathroom | 60-120 seconds |
Living room | 120-300 seconds |
Office/desk | 300-600 seconds |
Bedroom | 300+ seconds |
Longer off latency prevents lights turning off while you're still present but sitting quietly.
Can I use multiple EP1s in one room?
Yes, but with considerations:
Multiple EP1s work well together and can cover different areas
You can combine their occupancy states in Home Assistant
For very large rooms, multiple sensors provide better coverage than one
Can the sensor detect the direction of motion or zones?
No, the EP1 provides a detected or not detected status and does not track motion direction or specific zones. For zone-based detection, consider the Everything Presence Lite (EPL).
However, you can use the Zone Configurator with your EP1 to visualize environmental data (temperature, humidity, light), view presence status, and monitor your room with features like the comfort index and daily statistics.
What power supply should I use?
Use a quality USB power supply rated for at least 1A. Poor or noisy power supplies can cause:
WiFi connectivity issues
Erratic mmWave readings
False positives or negatives
Avoid cheap, no-brand adapters. Reputable brands like Anker or the official Raspberry Pi power supplies work well.
Can I 3D print my own case?
Yes! You can download the official 3D-printable case files here.
How do I check which mmWave sensor I have?
The EP1 has shipped with two different mmWave sensors:
SEN0609 (current): More features, 25m range
SEN0395 (legacy): Simpler, 8m range
Check your entities in Home Assistant - SEN0609 users will see "Trigger Sensitivity" and "Sustain Sensitivity" controls. See the Hardware Overview for full details.
Related Resources
Zone Configurator - Visual dashboard for environmental monitoring and presence status
Glossary of Terms - Explanations of common terminology
Technical Entity Reference - Complete list of all entities
Best Practices: Room-by-Room Setup Guide - Recommended settings for different rooms
About Additional Components in Devices Purchased Before November 28, 2024
If you purchased your device before November 28, 2024, it may include additional components that require assembly. The specific components you received depend on the version of the device you purchased.
For example, if you purchased the board-only version, you will need to supply your own mmWave sensor and PIR sensor.
To check which components are included with your device, refer to the product details provided at the time of purchase.