Motion Detectors

In these troubled economic times, crime is on the increase. Especially, it seems, home invasions. Criminals of all stripes, from the cagey professionals to the addled addicts, are trying their luck against suburban castles for a chance at great rewards. As such, there’s nothing to be lost in upgrading your home security with a few extras. You can set up flood lights, tall fences, and alarm systems. You can get dogs, or security bars on your doors and windows. There are any number of options when it comes to home security.

Added Security
Lights, fences and alarms are all well and good on their own. Combinations are even better. But, for the ultimate home security experience, consider adding motion detectors to your repertoire. Why? Well, if used in conjunction with other security measures, motion detectors can keep would-be thieves from even getting close to your valuables. Too, they’re a quiet form of security device, and perfect for someone looking to keep their home security systems unobtrusive. 

Several Types
Motion detectors work on a simple principle-they detect motion. They are devices that contain sensors which quantify motions and can be easily integrated with other devices. There are several basic types of motion detector. There are passive infrared motion detectors, which look for body heat and emit no energy. Then there are ultrasonic motion detectors, which send off pulses and measures the reflections off of a moving target. And, of course, there are microwave motion detectors, which send out microwave pulses and measure the reflection off a moving target. Each of these work on the same basic principle…they ‘see’ motion and send a signal to an alarm system, alerting you to the potential invader. 

Add Lights
Sounds simple right? Now, imagine a motion detector used with a set of flood lights. The thief trips the detector and the floodlights snap on, blinding the thief and illuminating his shape. Startled, he decides against continuing his efforts to relieve you of your valuables. Or, as is more common, you could integrate your motion detector with an alarm or siren system. This latter set-up can quickly become a pain, however, especially if your motion detectors are too sensitive. You can even use them in conjunction with silent alarms. 

Go Wireless
Wireless motion detectors may be installed which a burgular can not defeat by cutting the wires to the central control unit. Additionally, these may be battery powered and there are solar powered motion detectors making them independent of power failures either burgular caused or otherwise.

Downsides
There are downsides to using motion detectors, as with any security devices. If they are set too sensitive, they can activate your secondary security systems on account of squirrels, leaves caught in the wind and even insects. Set too low, and they’ll miss a light-footed thief. Motion detectors should only be used if you are serious about home security, as they can cause just as many problems as they can prevent.

Connected to lights or alarms (silent or otherwise), they can give your home that extra bit of security you’ve been looking for. Driveway motion detectors which come conneted to flood lights have foiled many a would be burgular. There is something to be said about being caught in bright lights at a place that they should not be that really rattles a burgular. Simply make sure that the sensitivity of the detector is set properly, and motion detectors can serve as an essential part of any home security system.