Other Types of Sensors

Other Types of Sensors

Door and window sensors should not be your sole line-of-defense in your home security system. A shatter sensor detects the sound of a window breaking, alerting your alarm system in the process.

Likewise, it detects strong vibrations that a regular window sensor might not pick up on. Motion sensors often rely on infrared energy detection. As someone moves through a room, the sensor detects the changes in infrared energy and activates an alarm. It works from a distance, whereas door and window sensors solely work for the door or window they’re attached to.

Count the number of doors and windows in your home when planning for a home security system. Include the garage door as well. While reducing the number of sensors you need saves money in the short term, a single unsecured or unmonitored door renders your entire security system useless. Shop around when looking for a new system or when replacing your existing sensors to make sure you get the best deal possible. Ask about any special discounts currently available.

A dealer is likely to cut you a price break if you ask for one because the home security industry is so competitive and he wants your business.

Motion Sensors

A motion sensor (or motion detector) is the linchpin of your security system, because it's the main device that detects when someone is in your home when they shouldn't be. A motion sensor uses one or multiple technologies to detect movement in an area. If a sensor is tripped, a signal is sent to your security system's control panel, which connects to your monitoring canter, alerting you and the monitoring centre to a potential threat in your home.

The following guide will answer all your questions about motion sensors: the different types, proper placement, and how to use them.

The Role of Motion Sensors in Your Home Security

The main purpose of motion detection is to sense an intruder and send an alert to your control panel, which alerts your monitoring center. Sensors work when you are not home, or when you tell the system you are not there. Some security systems can be programmed to record events via a security camera when motion is detected. Motion sensors stand guard, ready to react to various situations, such as movement in your living room, windows or doors being opened or closed, or a broken window. Motion sensors can:

• Alert you in the event that your teen breaks curfew
• Trigger a doorbell when someone approaches the front door
• Alert you when kids enter restricted areas in the home, like the basement, workout room, or medicine cabinet
• Save energy by using motion sensor lighting in unoccupied spaces
• Notify you if pets enter areas where they're not supposed to be

Types of Motion Sensors

Passive Infrared (PIR).- Detects body heat (infrared energy). Passive infrared sensors are the most widely used motion in home security systems. When your system is armed, your motion sensors are activated. Once the sensor warms up, it can detect heat and movement in the surrounding areas, creating a protective "grid." If a moving object blocks too many grid zones and the infrared energy levels change rapidly, the sensors are tripped.

MircoWave (MW).-

  Sends out microwave pulses and measures the reflection off a moving object. They cover a larger area than infrared sensors, but they are vulnerable to electrical interference and are more expensive.

Dual Technology Motion Sensors.-

  Motion sensors can have combined features in an attempt to reduce false alarms. For example, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor could be combined with a microwave sensor. Since each operates in different areas of the spectrum, and one is passive and one is active, Dual Technology motion sensors are not as likely as other types to cause false alarms, because in order for the alarm to be triggered, both sensors have to be tripped. However, this does not mean that they never cause false alarms.