Motion Sensors

Improve your security with motion detectors

Protecting a home and its valuables can be a big job. Motion detectors may be installed around a home as well as its interior to help guard against invasion. Motion sensors work in several ways. Some, like ultrasonic sensors and microwave sensors, measure reflections off of objects, whereas pyroelectric infrared sensors (PIR) simply scan for body heat. Many motion detectors may be calibrated to dismiss readings of under 80 pounds to eliminate false readings due to children and pets.

An ultrasonic sensor uses a frequency of 30 kHz, which is inaudible to most humans although it may be bothersome for pets. The system works much like echoes of a radar or sonar. Unfortunately, the sound of jingling keys or even the ring of phones might be enough to set off these sensors. This type of sensor is not used in home security as often as it used to be because of these limitations.

Photoelectric sensors use light beams and light cells to detect movement in an area. If the beam of light is broken, the home alarm is sounded. Many of these beams may be in place and even crisscrossed to provide maximum protection.

Glass break detectors are referred to as perimeter devices. If a burglar attempts to break a window to gain entrance, the detector will sound. Dual-technology devices now allow false alarms like sneezes, bird noises and lightning to be filtered out. Whereas single-technology devices needed only the sound of glass breaking and wood splintering to alarm, the dual-technology devices require a thump before glass breaking to sound.

Another avenue toward protecting a home is to install magnetic sensors in doorways and windows. When one of these entries into a home is breached, the sensor alerts police, a monitoring company or the home’s occupants. Magnetic sensors should be placed discreetly so as to not draw suspicion.

Why Are Motion Sensors Important to Home Security?

  • Motion detectors act literally like eyes and ears guarding a home, because no one can be in all places at one time.
  • With increased technology, the number of false alarms is minimal, making motion sensors even more reliable and accurate.

Things to Consider Before Installing Motion Sensors

  • What are the high-risk areas? Basement windows, garages and patio doors are popular burglar entry points.
  • Does the home have many windows? One glass break detector in a room with many windows can do the job of many magnetic sensors placed in each window.

The Best Brands of Motion Sensors

  • Trademark Global PIR Motion Sensor
  • Chamberlain Wireless Alert System
  • EML Technologies Motion Sensor Lights