How to Select the Best Motion Sensor Detectors

What is a motion detector or a motion sensor? It is an integral part of your home security system because it can detect any intruder’s presence. It detects movement in an area using one or multiple technologies. It is an electronic device mainly designed to detect movement and keep your home safe and secured. The most common type of motion sensor uses ultrasonic sensor technology. It emits sound waves which detect the presence of any object. If any motion is detected, the device sends a signal to the security system’s control panel, which alerts you about the threat. These motion sensors can also be customized; for instance, you can customize the four specific functions: alerting the police, triggering audible alarms, activating switches, etc.

Advantages of motion sensors in home security

As mentioned earlier, the primary role of the motion sensor is to sense or detect an intruder and alert the control panel. The motion sensor works when you are not at home or tell the system that you are not there. You can also record events using a security camera when there is any motion detected.

Motion detectors guard your home and are ready to capture and alert movements in your rooms, doors, or windows. They will keep your home safe whether you are at home or not. Some of the practical purposes of motion sensors are:

• It informs you if your teens or any pet entered an area that it shouldn’t have.
• Save energy by turning off lights, accidentally left on, and saving energy by using motion sensor lighting in an occupied space.
• Rings doorbells alert you that someone is about to enter your home.
• It also serves as a control button for automatic water faucets.
• You can also customize it for specific functions.
• It can help in opening and closing automatic sliding doors and windows.

What are the Features that You Must Look for Before Selecting a Motion Sensor?

Depending on your lifestyle and requirement, the required features will also differ. Some of the essential popular features that a motion sensor must have are:

1. The motion detector or the motion sensor should be wireless. Because it will be easy to install and operate as it will not require any drilling or communication with any other security system areas wirelessly. It will save you time, labor, and money.
2. It is better to look for a contact-sensitive motion sensor because it will notify you right away if someone is trying to break in.
3. Look for sensors whose sensitivity level you can easily alter according to your lifestyle. It will help you ignore pets and get notified when a heavier object enters any restricted area.
4. It will be better if you are also able to record the break-in activity. So look for motion sensors compatible with the security system with advanced signal processing and video cameras. It will not record useless hours and waste memory storage but will only start recording a motion in that particular area. It will be helpful to present proof in case any criminal activity occurs at your home or office.

Types of motion detectors

All the motion detectors are not equal; therefore, there are so many different types. So before ending to one kind, you must know about every type of motion sensor and then decide depending on your needs.

1. Active sensors:

   It uses methods like infrared energy or radar waves to sense motion in a given area. It also takes even minor movement, and some of the common types of active sensors are:

   • Microwaves: these are highly sensitive and commonly used motion sensors in security systems. You cannot alter the energy levels; therefore, sometimes, they are more prone to false alarms.
   • Ultrasonic: This is a type of active sensor which you will find mainly in lighting. It emits sound waves, which are higher than audible to human ears.
   • Tomographic: this type of active sensor emits radio waves and is commonly used in commercial areas where high-level security is required. It can cover broad areas as compared to the other two active sensors.

2. Dual technology sensors:

   You can use them for more extensive settings where one technology is not enough, such as classrooms, offices, etc. They use the combination of passive infrared sensing and ultrasonic technology. It ensures that the light is on only when someone occupies a particular space.

3. Vibration sensors:

   These motion sensors sense vibration in an area, and these vibrations will activate a switch to an alarm. However, they work effectively but are not always 100% reliable.

Not only these but there are also various other types of motion sensors. It includes area reflective sensors, contact sensors, video motion sensors, pet immune motion sensors, vacancy sensors, occupancy sensors, etc. You can choose among them according to your lifestyle and your needs.

Why motion sensor is an integral part of home security?

Motion sensors are not an additional part of a security system. Instead, they are essential components. Without these motion detectors, you won’t be able to detect potential thieves and intruders. And these motion detectors have multiple purposes and uses, which eventually provide you with peace of mind safety and help save energy. You will find many companies that provide you with quality and worth products that have multiple benefits in your home security.

And this unique device is beneficial in noticing movements within a particular range and can help you avoid any dangerous situations. You will find that nowadays, these motion sensors are also into several new technologies such as certain smartphones, automatic doors, etc. So if you have a motion sensor on your property, then you can easily frighten away an intruder by activating your floodlights.