Critical Information About Motion Sensors
Burglary has evolved tremendously in the past decade, with recent figures going over the 1 million mark in home break-ins alone! As security systems become more advanced, criminals are constantly devising new ways to break into houses.
Did you know that up to 60% of home invasions are forcible entry through the front door? With all these statistics in mind, it is increasingly necessary to install more sophisticated systems. Hence the need for motion sensors.
What is a Motion Sensor?
In principle, a motion sensor is a device used to detect even the slightest movement in a restricted area. Many modern security systems, both commercial and consumer systems, come installed with motion and thermal sensors. This technology integrates into smart-home security systems, where an alert appears on your phone as soon as you have unauthorized movement.
Motion detectors are programmed to operate within a specific range. This range can be anything from your perimeter fence to extensive properties. A garden variety motion detector covers anywhere between 6 feet to 70 feet. There are three main classifications of motion sensors:
Radio Waves Sensor:Â This uses a radio frequency to detect unusual movement within your property. These detectors coordinate with night-vision security cameras and alarm systems to identify activity. Radiofrequency sensors are the most widely used in consumer security systems.
Optical sensors:Â This motion detector has a spotlight that illuminates the area where motion was detected. The perk here is it allows you to see the perpetrator. The photosensors in the spotlight follow the source of the problem as long as it is within viewing range.
Infrared:Â These detectors use thermal imaging to locate movement. They use what is commonly known as heat signatures to find and identify burglars. The advantage of an infrared sensor is that it can illuminate body heat even when the person is hiding behind an inanimate object.
Primary Uses of Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are handy for a variety of reasons. They function when searching for a stray pet or monitoring your kids’ activities. Pets can be a handful, as they usually cause many false alarms. This fact makes it difficult to differentiate between a burglar and a dog that stumbled onto your property.
Aside from monitoring your kids, motion sensors are also handy when dealing with rebellious teenagers. While this is not the intended purpose, a motion sensor can help alert you when your teenager sneaks in or out of your home without permission.
More appropriately, a motion sensor is the first line of defense when dealing with criminals and burglars. With infrared technology, a motion sensor will alert you of unauthorized entry. This technology is a deterrent for anyone with criminal intent and is one of the primary components in modern home security systems.
Other uses include switching the lights on and off when you arrive or alerting you when guests or delivery packages arrive at your front door.
For businesses, motion sensors protect from criminal activity. They can alert you when an employee tries to access the property after working hours or when someone tries to enter a restricted area. These sensors are also used to prevent vandalism, activate entry points, and grant access to personnel.
While private property is the main focus of many burglars, businesses are still vulnerable without functional security systems. Motion detectors complement surveillance and make it difficult for burglars to access restricted areas of your company.
Why You Need a Motion Sensor
Even the most effective security camera is limited to retroactive surveillance. An even bigger problem is that many outdoor security cameras are usually in plain sight. This visibility means that a dedicated criminal can easily disable a security camera system with a simple screwdriver. Motion sensors coordinate a variety of components to identify, follow and scare burglars before they can break into your home.
Motion sensors are also relatively energy efficient. They only operate when there is activity and hence do not require a lot of power. There are modern sensors that are battery-operated, which means that you still have a functioning security system even when the power goes out.
How Many Motion Sensors Do You Need?
Note that you do not need a hundred different motion sensors for your home. With a range of 70+ feet, you only need to identify key locations to get an effective security system. It depends on the size of your home. You may need to consult an expert to get the proper placement.
A good idea would be to place them where most of your valuables are or in high-traffic areas. Having too many detectors will cause constant false alarms. Remember that this equipment is also cost-intensive.
Place motion detectors on entryways and basements. Concentrate on places with valuable items. You can also look for blind spots and unlit areas on your property. Focus on areas where a burglar may find a hiding spot easily.
Verdict
Motion sensors are the future of home security. Not only do they prevent burglars from breaking into your home, but they also give you an effective way to monitor your family.
