Outdoor Motion Detecting Sensors
An outdoor motion sensor is built with a weather-proof and water-resistant design that allows it to be used in an outdoor setting. This is great for monitoring the activity outside a home or business and for making sure that no unauthorized individuals are present inside a restricted area. If a significant amount of motion is detected by the sensor, the device will activate and trigger a response on the system. Depending on the programming for the sensor, an activated outdoor motion sensor may cause a siren, send for police dispatch, turn on the lights or more.
What separate an outdoor motion sensor from a standard motion detector is the tough and rugged design that allows the outdoor motion sensor to deal with any inclement weather that may be present. This will prevent rain or dust from getting in the inside of the device and causing problems. Outdoor motions are also designed to function in extreme temperatures, allowing them to perform well in any type of situation. Whether you live in sweltering Phoenix, AZ or snowy Buffalo, NY, your outdoor motion detector will always do its job.
Most outdoor motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect the presence of motion. This works by detecting the infrared energy that is given off by a person. Whenever a substantial change in infrared energy is detected, the motion sensor will be set off and trigger the programmed system response. By adjusting the pulse count of the device, you can change the sensitivity of the sensor and require a smaller or larger change in infrared energy to set off the device. A higher pulse count will make the sensor less sensitive, while a lower pulse count will increase the sensor’s sensitivity.
When installing an outdoor motion detector, there are many considerations that will affect the performance of the device. One of the most important considerations that will be made is the mounting location. The height and angle at which you place the sensor will largely determine which areas the device is able to detect motion. Another consideration is the type of lens that will be used with the motion sensor. For instance, if a user needs to detect motion across a further distance, a long range lens will work across a longer, more narrow area. A user also has the option of covering a portion of the lens to restrict the area of detected motion.
Many users also use outdoor motion detectors as part of a Z-Wave home automation setup. This works by setting up rules that instruct your panel to activate a Z-Wave scene when the outdoor motion detector is triggered. For example, you can create a scene and a rule so that your Z-Wave lights turn on when your outdoor motion sensor detects motion. This can be great for scaring off intruders as they walk up to your house or business. Another possibility is to activate your Z-Wave thermostat as you pull into your driveway so that your home is comfy.