You know the feeling. You’re at home alone and about to head to bed when suddenly you feel uneasy. Is someone else in your house? Are they still there? If so, where are they right now? These are some questions that race through your mind as you creep towards the hallway to investigate further. In truth, such moments are quite common. After all, who doesn’t get that sensation once in a while that there might be something or someone lurking in the shadows just waiting for you to drop your guard? Fortunately, with access to cutting-edge innovative home technology and affordable sensor systems, it’s now easier to protect yourself against such intruders. Motion detection is one of the best ways to go about doing this. So let’s take a closer look…
What is Motion Detection?
Put, motion detection is an automated system that detects movement. Such sensors are fitted to various devices, including lights, doorbells, and security cameras. When motion is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the device that’s been programmed to respond to it. Depending on the settings, this might be a light bulb that turns on or a siren that alerts the authorities. Motion detection is typically used for a few different reasons:
- It can be used for security purposes. When movement is detected, an alarm sounds at a monitored home security company.
- It can turn the lights on when there is movement. This is especially helpful for people who use a walking cane or are slowly getting used to a prosthetic device.
- Motion sensors can be programmed to respond only to a specific movement, not to other things such as wind or animals.
Why is Motion Detection Important for Home Security?
Motion detection may not seem like a crucial part of home security, but it’s an essential feature. The reason is that it allows you to automate your home security system. This, in turn, saves you money and effort while also protecting your family and property better than you probably can manually. In addition, most modern motion detectors are linked to central monitoring systems. So when movement is detected, your security company is automatically alerted, allowing them to send help to your address quickly. There are lots of different types of home security systems that feature motion detection. Some are wired, and others are wireless, with each style offering its advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Motion Detectors
Motion detectors come in all shapes and sizes, each model featuring its unique benefits. To select a suitable motion detector for your home, you must understand what different types are available. PIR motion sensors – Passive Infrared motion sensors (PIRs) are one of the market’s most common types of motion detectors. These sensors are relatively budget-friendly and highly reliable. PIRs work by detecting the change in heat emitted by moving bodies. They’re fitted with a small infrared LED that fires out a beam that reaches approximately 16 feet in every direction. When something enters this zone and moves, it disrupts the infrared beam and the sensor’s reading. Microwave motion sensors – As the name suggests, microwave motion sensors detect motion using microwaves. They work in a very similar fashion to a microwave oven, where the movement of objects inside disrupts the electromagnetic field. This triggers the sensor and sends a signal to the device linked to it, such as an alarm panel.
Best Practices for Effective Motion Detection
Now that you understand what a motion detector is and what it does, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind when selecting and setting up such a device in your home. Positioning – The first step in setting up a motion detector is to decide where to put it. Ideally, you want to place your sensor in an area with a wide field of view. This way, it can pick up movement in multiple rooms at once. It’s also important not to put the sensor in a place where it’s too close to moving objects. For example, you don’t want to set off the sensor whenever the wind blows or a small animal walks by. Detection range – Once you’ve decided on a location, you need to determine how far away from the sensor you want to be able to move before the sensor no longer reads you as a threat. While detection ranges vary from model to model, choosing one best suits your needs is essential. For example, if you have small children, it’s best to select a sensor with a shorter detection range. This allows you to stay alert without being constantly spooked by false alarms.
Conclusion
Motion detection is an integral part of any home security system and can be used for various functions. When set up and used correctly, it can help keep your family and home safe with minimal effort. As with any security system, it’s essential to choose the right type of sensor and position it in the right place to maximize its effectiveness. With the proper motion detector and a little knowledge, you can easily protect yourself and your loved ones against intruders.
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