KNX Presence Detectors: Siemens WIDE Series VS Schneider SpaceLogic

Presence detection is at the core of modern smart building automation. Two of the most trusted names in KNX based presence sensing are Siemens and Schneider Electric, each offering a distinct lineup with different strengths. This article provides a technical breakdown of both product families and a side-by-side comparison to help engineers, integrators, and procurement teams make informed decisions.

The Siemens WIDE series is a ceiling-mounted, passive infrared (PIR) presence detector family designed for commercial and office environments. All models share a compact form factor of 120 × 41 × 120 mm or 120 × 120 × 41 mm (WxHxD), and support both standard white and Black variants for architectural flexibility.

All models in the WIDE family — from UP 258D31 to UP 258D53 — use passive infrared technology with a horizontal 360° detection angle. The detection coverage reaches:

• Presence detection: up to 64 m²
• Motion detection: up to 400 m²

This dual-range capability means UP 258D31 and its siblings can serve both fine-grained occupancy control and broad motion sweep in larger open-plan areas.

UP 258D31 is the entry-level model focusing on core presence detection with temperature feedback. Moving up, UP 258D41 adds relative humidity sensing — ideal for HVAC integration. At the top of the range, UP 258D51 and UP 258D53 combine all environmental sensors, including CO ‚ monitoring, making them suitable for demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) in high-density spaces such as conference rooms and classrooms.

All WIDE models communicate natively over KNX, supporting group object-based control for lighting on/off and dimming, constant light control (daylight harvesting), HVAC setpoint adjustment via temperature/humidity/CO ‚ values, and scene activation. UP 258D51 and UP 258D53 are particularly powerful, feeding CO ‚ data directly to ventilation controllers without separate environmental sensors.

Schneider's SpaceLogic lineup takes a different approach — rather than a single universal ceiling unit, it offers purpose-built models for specific installation scenarios: standard rooms, high-bay spaces, long corridors, and compact flush mount applications.

MTN6300-0019 is the baseline model, offering a 360° detection zone with a 9-metre detection radius at standard ceiling height. MTN6300-0019 features two digital inputs (DI), allowing integration with window contacts or manual override buttons. MTN6304-0019 is engineered specifically for high-bay environments — warehouses, atria, and industrial halls — where ceiling heights exceed standard office norms. MTN6305-0019 and MTN6355-0019 address long corridor detection using a narrow, elongated lens pattern. MTN6303-0019 is the miniaturized flush-mount variant for small meeting rooms or toilet cubicles.

Siemens WIDE series excels in environmental data richness. UP 258D51 and UP 258D53 are among the few KNX presence detectors that natively integrate PIR, temperature, humidity, AND CO ‚ into a single ceiling unit — dramatically reducing installation cost and wiring complexity when environmental monitoring is required.

Schneider SpaceLogic excels in installation flexibility and specialization. By offering dedicated corridor variants (MTN6305-0019 / MTN6355-0019) and high-bay versions (MTN6304-0019 / MTN6354-0019), the SpaceLogic family covers architectural scenarios that the Siemens WIDE series does not address. The dual digital inputs on MTN6300-0019 also add integration versatility without extra hardware.

• Choose UP 258D41 / UP 258D51 / UP 258D53: multi parameter environmental sensing in standard commercial ceilings, HVAC-integrated smart offices or classrooms.
• Choose MTN6304-0019 / MTN6305-0019: high-bay industrial settings or long corridor layouts requiring application-specific detection patterns.
• Choose MTN6303-0019: compact flush-mount installations in small spaces.
• Choose UP 258D31 / UP 258D33: cost-effective entry point for standard office presence-only applications.

Both product lines are fully KNX-certified and integrate seamlessly into any KNX building automation ecosystem.