What Motion Sensors Add to Your Home Security System
With a growing crime rate in many cities, installing a home security system is your best bet to keeping your family and valuables safe while you are away. A burglary in your home not only leaves a financial dent but also inflicts trauma on your family members for the longest time. Most security systems components work on the principle of securing the entry points to your home. Motion sensors are one of these components in many home security systems. Here is what you need to know about them:
What are motion sensors, and how do they work?
Motion sensors are incorporated in most security applications today, and in the home security system, it is the main device that detects moving objects. Motion sensors are also of use in other appliances such as automated lighting and home control. The main function of motion sensors is to detect intruders to your home. These gadgets utilize multiple technologies to detect motion and send signals to your security systems control panel once a sensor is tripped, warning you of an intruder.
Types of Motion Sensors
There are a variety of motion sensors, all of which have their ups and downs, namely:
- Passive Infrared (PIR)
The Passive Infrared (PIR) is typically what you might have come across when you enter an office building. These sensors are small white gadgets tucked away in the top corner of rooms. PIRs contain pyroelectric sensors that utilized infrared technology to detect movement. PIRs are economical and energy-efficient and are a very durable solution, making them the go-to option for most homeowners as well as business owners.
- Ultrasonic Sensors
The ultra-sonic sensor protects entry points by listening for glass and metal sounds. These sensors are mostly used to detect burglary in stores that have a glass display. Ultra-sonic sensors are more sensitive than PIRs, making them prone to fake alarms. They are also relatively expensive to install.
- Microwave Sensors
Microwave sensors, as the name suggests, detect motion by measuring the amount of microwave radiation reflected off moving objects. They work by sending out radio frequency waves and listening for a frequency shift. A shift in frequency activates the detector, which then sends a signal to the control center. Microwave sensors have the advantage of covering a large area than PIRs but suffer from electronic interference. Like ultrasonic sensors, these are also expensive to install.
In addition to surveillance cameras, motion sensors are a powerful security that you should consider for a holistic security system. Motion sensors create an invisible mesh around your home, protecting you and your loved ones.
Share