6 Different Types of Sensors That Home Alarm Systems Use to Detect an Intruder

When selecting a home alarm system, there are numerous factors to weigh carefully. While the type of alarm is often paramount on homeowners' minds, the decision regarding the sensors to utilize is equally crucial. Sensors are essential components of an alarm system, playing a key role in detecting intrusions and helping to prevent unfortunate events.

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Outlined below are six types of sensors employed by home alarm systems for intruder detection:

1. Passive Infrared Motion Detectors

Commonly referred to as PIR sensors, these are the most widely adopted type by homeowners due to their practicality and cost-effectiveness. These detectors are termed 'passive' as they do not emit any energy of their own; instead, they detect changes in ambient temperatures and body heat. When a PIR sensor identifies an abrupt increase in temperature indicative of an intruder's presence, it activates the alarm. Importantly, infrared energy does not penetrate glass, hence alarms do not falsely trigger from outside movement.

2. Ultrasonic Detectors

Using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasonic detectors can sense movement within designated areas. These devices emit sound waves that are beyond human hearing, typically between 25 kHz and 75 kHz. The waves bounce off the surrounding environment, and an alteration in frequency caused by a moving object prompts the alarm to go off. However, since these sensors cannot distinguish between legitimate intruders and passing individuals, they may occasionally lead to false alarms.

3. Microwave Detectors

Microwave detectors function similarly to ultrasonic detectors, utilizing high-frequency radio waves to identify movement. The advantage here is that radio waves can penetrate walls, thus offering broader coverage compared to ultrasonic sensors, which enhances their effectiveness in safeguarding properties.

4. Magnetic Switches

Ideal for securing doors and windows, magnetic switches are popular owing to their simplicity, durability, and affordability. Made of two parts—a switch and a magnet—these devices can be easily set up by homeowners. When a door or window remains closed, the components create an electrical circuit; however, when either entry point is opened, the circuit is interrupted, triggering the alarm.

5. Photoelectric Beams

These systems utilize infrared light beams to detect intruders. Typically arranged in multiple rows, the alarm will activate when any of these beams are obstructed, indicating an unauthorized presence.

6. Glass Break Detectors

These detectors are sensitive to the unique frequencies generated by glass when it shatters, which include both audible and inaudible waves. Installed adjacent to glass surfaces, they activate the alarm immediately upon detecting the sound of breaking glass.

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