What Is a Motion Detector?

A motion detector is a security sensor designed to detect movement that occurs in the area. These devices are very commonly used with security systems in homes and businesses alike. If a person walks within the field of view for the motion sensor, the device will send an alert to the panel.

If you have a security system, then you will likely want to know if someone enters your property while you are away. One of the best ways to do this is with motion sensors. These sensors will detect any person or large object that comes within its detection range. These devices need to be mounted carefully so that they do not cause false alarms. This means that they should not be facing towards any vents, ducts, moving ceiling fans, moving curtains, stairwells or windows that may allow heavy sunlight.

Most motion sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect motion. This involves looking for the changes in infrared (IR) energy that occur when a person or large object comes into the view of the sensor's lens. Each person and object gives off a small amount of IR energy that will be detected by a motion sensor. Many motion sensors will allow you to adjust the device sensitivity by increasing or decreasing the pulse count. A lower pulse count will make the device more sensitive and easier to active. A higher pulse count will decrease device sensitivity and make it less prone to false alarms. Please note that some motion sensors may also use microwave technology to detect movement. These are called dual-tech motion sensors. Dual-tech motion sensors can help prevent false alarms.

When it comes to choosing a motion sensor, you have many options available. For example, you might get a PIR motion sensor or a dual-tech motion sensor. There are also outdoor motion sensors and indoor-only motion sensors. Another choice you will need to make is whether the sensor will be wireless or hardwired. Wireless motion sensors are easier to install and generally preferred by DIY users. You will need to make sure that the wireless motion sensor communicates at a wireless frequency that is compatible with your security system. You should also consider that wireless motion detecting sensor will need to have their batteries replaced every few years. Hardwired motion detecting sensors are more difficult to install. This is because wires must be run. They are generally only used with hardwired systems. But a positive aspect is that wired motion sensors don't use batteries. This means that they require virtually no maintenance.

If you have pets, then you might want to consider a pet-immune motion sensor. A pet immune motion sensor generally works by only detecting motion in areas where a human would be walking upright. The device will ignore the movement small animals that will move closer to the ground. This does not mean that it's impossible for a small animal to activate a pet-immune motion sensor. For example, if a pet climbs on top of a sofa or table and gets in the sensor's field of view, then they can certainly activate the sensor. You must be very careful when choosing the location for a pet-immune motion sensor. Make sure that it is not facing an object that a pet could climb on top of to get within the detection range. Also, if your pet tends to jump in the air or move around very quickly, be aware that they might still activate the sensor. You should test the sensor with your pets to find out if this is a concern. Please note that most pet-immune motion detecting sensors have a recommended weight limit for pet immunity.