Home Security

Find a Motion Sensor for Your Needs

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Motion sensor mounted in corner of room.
Find a Smart Motion Sensor for Your Needs

While most elements of a home security system focus on keeping intruders out, motion sensors alert you if someone manages to get inside. It’s the last line of defense to trigger an alarm during a break-in and the first place to start when building a security system.

While motion sensors come in a few varieties, they all trigger when they detect movement, but they differ in their approach. Here’s a quick rundown to help you find the best motion sensor alarm that fits your needs.

Simple technology motion sensor

Basic wireless motion sensors used for security purposes generally fall into this category. Passive Infrared sensors detect movement through changes in heat, while microwave and ultrasonic sensors bounce waves off of objects in a room. If something moves, an alarm will go off.

This is effective for security purposes, but can potentially trigger false alarms. Depending on placement, some simple sensors may read movement through windows or reflections (that’s why you need a Securitas Technology expert to evaluate the best placement of your motion detector sensors). While your family pet certainly isn’t an intruder, it’s easy to forget they’re still wandering around when you activate your security system. If these are potential false triggers within your household, consider a more advanced motion sensor alarm.

Pet-immune technology motion sensor

This wireless smart motion detector sensors use infrared to differentiate the size between humans and small animals. Anything under 80 pounds won’t trigger an alarm due to the movement signature it gives off. This allows you to safely arm your security system without limiting where your pet can go or worrying about an alarm being activated accidentally. 

Outdoor motion sensor

It isn't really recommended to install an outdoor motion sensor, because of all the possibilities of false alarms (squirrels, birds, trees moving, etc). We mostly recommend equipping your house with an outdoor security camera that could act as a motion sensor, by sending you a notification on your smartphone and the live feed of what's happening outside. From there, if there's a real threat, you'll be able to see it and contact the authorities.

 

Small dog looks out window with paws on frame.

Dual technology motion detector

False alarms can come with heavy fines by local authorities in certain regions, so some people tend to avoid motion sensors. However, this leaves your house vulnerable to break-ins. If you’re concerned about the accuracy of your smart motion sensor, a dual technology device could be for you. These sensors combine infrared technology with either microwave or ultrasonic capabilities to improve motion detection. An alarm won’t trigger unless both systems sense movement.

Consider the placement of your wireless motion detectors

A single smart motion sensor can go a long way depending on where it’s placed. Set them up to monitor entrances intruders are most likely to use, like doorways and close to rooms with large windows. Also, consider key passages such as a major hallway that’s hard to avoid while moving through the house. And place them in rooms with valuables so an alarm triggers before an intruder can get what they came for. Our security technician would know where to place your motion detectors when equipping your house with the right system, to ensure maximum efficiency.

When combined with door and window sensors, smart locks, glass break detectors, and security cameras, your wireless motion sensors associated with a security system, will help give you peace of mind whenever you leave the house.

Contact a security professional to add smart motion sensors to your home security system and obtain our motion sensors prices.

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