A motion detector is a device designed to detect movement within a specific range. Motion detectors are usually components of a security system. When they detect motion, they communicate to the security system, which alerts the premises owner.
Motion detectors have many uses, including notifying about a potential intruder, detecting entry into restricted areas, and saving energy by lighting up a place only when necessary.
Motion detectors activate an alarm when they sense some peculiar movement. Modern motion sensors can even send signals to the owner’s smartphone, notifying them of any intrusion or suspicious activity. These motion sensors can even be linked to security cameras to verify the movement accurately.
Most experts advise mounting motion detectors in areas that are used as passageways. They also recommend placing the sensors away from direct sunlight and HVAC vents to avoid false signals.
Home Motion Sensors for Security
There are three types of motion detectors: passive infrared motion detectors, active ultrasonic motion detectors, and dual technology motion detectors.
Active ultrasonic motion detectors work by releasing sound waves at a higher frequency than normal human hearing. These radiated ultrasonic waves return to the motion detector after bouncing off objects within a specified range. These motion detectors allow the user to modify the sensitivity; hence, things far off won’t trigger the activity of the motion detector. These sensors will trigger the alarm notifying you of unusual activity in your compound.
On the other hand, passive infrared motion detectors operate by detecting changes in temperature in a specified range. Living things emit some heat; hence, these sensors work by detecting a sudden surge of temperature. These detectors are configured to ignore minor temperature changes and focus on sudden and unusual temperature changes.
Dual technology motion detectors combine several methods of detecting movement. These sensors couple the use of a microwave doppler radar and a passive infrared detector (PIR). The microwave doppler radar transmits microwave signals, and any nearby object reflects these signals. Any variation in the reflected signal pattern indicates movement; hence, the motion detector triggers the alarm.
The PIR sensor, on the other hand, works by monitoring the infrared energy of the surroundings. The sensor detects any changes in the infrared energy in case of intrusion. These motion sensors can be adjusted to ignore changes caused by insects and pets, hence avoiding false alarms. Dual technology sensors are the most effective type of motion detector.
Motion sensors’ ability to detect motion near a home from a distance makes them more effective compared to door and window sensors. The detectors give a homeowner ample time to act before an intruder breaks in.
Other Motion Sensor Uses
Other motion sensor uses include motion detector lights, motion detector cameras, accelerometers, and magnetic sensors.
- Motion Detector Lights - These kinds of lights turn on only when they detect motion, hence saving significant energy costs. The lights may not be suitable in places where people spend considerable time, such as kitchens and living rooms. Instead, one can consider putting the lights in toilets and hallways where switching off lights is mostly forgotten.
- Motion Detector Cameras - These cameras work just like CCTV cameras. The only difference is that they can trigger alarms when connected to the alarm system, improving home security.
- Accelerometers - These are particular motion detectors that sense changes in vibration, tilt, and acceleration. They are primarily used in hand-held gadgets in the gaming and fitness industry. Gadgets in the fitness industry measure the distance covered by counting the number of steps. The gaming industry uses accelerometers to provide a more realistic gaming experience.
- Magnetic Sensors - These kinds of motion sensors use the earth’s magnetic field to identify changes in motion. They are more precise compared to GPS. These sensors are used to navigate urban areas.
