ADT Aurora, Illinois

The Ins and Outs of Motion Detector Alarms

A motion detector alarm or motion sensor is an integral part in a well-planned home security system. This is the main component in deciphering when someone is present in an area of the home where they should not be. A motion sensor can comprise of a loud noise, a light that turns on, or a silent alarm that is sent to a security company or to the owner’s smartphone to notify them of an intruder. Motion detector alarms can be triggered if someone opens a door, window, or walks near the alarm to set it off. The need to purchase a motion detector alarm can stem from a variety of reasons. Most commonly a homeowner or renter wants to be warned if someone is in their home when they should not be. Sometimes a homeowner wants one to know if their teenagers are attempting to leave the home late at night or if they are breaking their curfew. Motion detectors can be set up in the home, at the front door, outside near the back doors, or near the garage to warn when cars are coming and leaving the driveway. The types of systems available are known to be incredibly easy to customize to fit unique needs and the different types of homes.

|Types of Motion Detectors|
There are various types of motion detector alarms that all serve different purposes.
These include infrared, microwave, dual technology, ultrasonic, and vibration
– Infrared detects the body heat of an intruder standing or moving near the sensor. These are very common types of detectors, but they do not cover a large area.
– Microwave detectors send out microwave pulses and when they receive back the pulses differently, meaning that there is someone in the way, the alarm is triggered. These cover a much wider area than an infrared.
-Dual technology often uses infrared and microwave detectors to reduce the chances of having a false alarm triggered. Commercial security systems often use this type.
– Ultrasonic alarms are very similar to microwave ones, just that they send out ultrasonic pulses.
– Vibration alarms are the cheapest and easiest to make but are considered to be the most faulty and unreliable.

Some motion security and home security systems require professional installation. Others provide directions and the means to install them yourselves, as the homeowner. Either way, there are some tricks to setting up an effective motion sensor system. A poorly set up or designed system will not alert people properly of intruders and can result in many annoying false triggers. Motion security systems can receive false alarm triggers from electrical failures, animals, power surges, lightning, sunlight, and foliage. Any manner of things that can affect the area surrounding the motion detector.

|Setting up a Motion Sensor|
Any infrared sensor should be kept a good distance away from any heating or cooling vents which could affect it’s monitoring technology. Even direct sunlight can trigger the alarm if the heat rises enough.
To make the most effective security system, place sensors at “choke points” in the home, or areas that an intruder would have to pass through, like a stairwell or hallway. Also, keep in mind of where an intruder would want to go in your home to find valuables, and then place a sensor where they would walk by.
Sensors generally work best when an intruder would walk parallel the sensor, not towards it. Remember to think of this when placing your alarms in hallways.

|Motion Detector Alarms on the Market|
There are many options for motion detectors, motion light sensors, and motion activated cameras available for purchase today. Local security companies as well as home improvement stores often carry a variety of options. Listed below are a selection of top reviewed motion sensors that offer different security options and demonstrate a range of price points.

– Ecolink Z- Wave Motion Detector
This monitor is a battery powered unit that is perfect for use in homes. It is an infrared motion detector that is suited for homes with pets as it can discriminate between human and pet signatures to avoid false triggers. This is a great option for someone who wants a reliable unit for a specific zone in their home, but has no interest in wiring it in permanently.

-Ademco Honeywell Aurora
This is a small sized infrared unit that can monitor large areas while maintaining accuracy. This is a wired unit, but is designed to keep power consumption low. This unit does distinguish pet signatures, but only if the pet is under 40 lbs.

– First Alert
This brand offers an infrared motion sensor that mounts into a light socket to be easily disguised. It automatically turns on and off when someone enters a room. Installation is very easy and it has a strong light bulb that switches on as motion is sensed. This is an affordable option of a light sensor with a 12 foot radius.

-Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor
This is a smartphone compatible motion sensor unit. It can be easily programmed to respond to a variety of actions. Meaning if the motion sensor is triggered at a certain time of day, it can turn on the lights, send a text message alarm, or beep out a warning. It does require a smart-hub to be able to connect to the wireless internet and be compatible with the home’s technology, but many prefer this to add to their home security network.