Motion Detector Installation Basics
Motion detection devices are a crucial component of any security system, commercial or residential. They allow owners to cover a relatively large amount of space with a small number of devices. Motion detectors also are known to detect activity that window sensors might miss. When it comes time to install motion detection devices, remember these tips to stay ahead of any potential intruders.
How motion detectors work
Motion detectors use various methods to detect motion and protect your environment. A few popular commercial and residential security systems options include passive infrared, microwave, and dual sensors.
A passive infrared sensor (PIR) collects infrared light and ambient temperature to detect motion. A microwave sensor actively uses microwaves to determine the room’s reflection rate and alert you when that rate changes. Dual sensors use a combination of PIR and microwave technology to verify potential motion between the two systems before issuing an alert. These are only a few types of motion detectors, so you have many other effective options to implement in your security system.
Efficiency
One of the main strengths of motion detection devices is their ability to cover maximum square footage efficiently. Remember to focus on high-traffic areas or central locations when installing motion detectors in your house or business. Areas like hallways and staircases should have ample coverage to catch intruders as they move from room to room. Be sure to also have plenty of coverage in rooms with big-ticket items like TVs, gaming consoles, and other personal valuables.
Room coverage
When choosing the perfect location for your motion detector, pick a spot that covers your room the most effectively and efficiently. Our rule of thumb is to place the motion detector in the corner of the room facing the entrance. This location focuses the sensor on the potential action area and helps reduce or eliminate spots out of range.
Ideally, a motion detector would be mounted around six to eight feet above the ground. This height allows for it to be triggered by anyone walking in range. Remember that different motion detectors have varying range specifications, so make sure to review your detector’s specifications.
Avoiding false alarms
While a “false alarm” is perceived as bad, it often means your security system is working too well and being triggered outside of an emergency. This issue can often be alleviated by recalibrating the system or rethinking sensor placement.
Many motion detectors rely on heat-sensing technology to trip their alarm. Pets, bursts of sunlight, and curtains or plants blowing from fans can be enough to activate a motion detector. Keep that in mind when determining the perfect location for your device. For customers seeking additional solutions for environments with animals, pet-immune motion detectors are available in various makes and models. Some models support highly personalized settings, so we recommend thoroughly researching your options.
Mapping out the ideal setup for your motion detection devices will help them protect your home or business at peak performance. On the other hand, haphazardly installing them can lead to debilitating performance issues and frequent false alarms. By partnering with FSS Technologies, our customers entrust their property to a group of certified security professionals while also receiving the personalized services of a small, family-owned business.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What Causes False Alarms on Home Security Systems
False alarms on home security systems are not only an annoyance for homeowners, but they take up the valuable time and resources of our local law enforcement officials. In fact, many cities and towns now charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. In order to save you the frustration and potential financial hit, let’s look…
Fire Systems for the Restaurant Industry
Companies in varying industries face fire hazards in their standard operations to a certain degree. Businesses that operate commercial kitchens, however, are at significant risk for fire-related hazards because cooking equipment is a leading cause of commercial fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 50% of non-residential fires were caused by cooking in…
Does My Business Need an Access Control System?
Does My Business Need an Access Control System? Before determining whether your business could benefit from an access control system, let’s go over the different types and their capabilities. In short, an access control system is a type of security system that lets you control who, where, and when someone can enter or exit your…
How Security Cameras Work at Night
Security Camera Night Vision Light is crucial for a camera to work. Without light, the camera can’t see anything, so how do security cameras work at night? Infrared radiation (IR), or infrared light, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to human eyes. It is essentially energy, a heat, that all objects emanate….
5 Common Fire Safety Violations
For business owners, maintaining a commercial fire safety system is crucial for day-to-day protection. Ensuring your system and its components are in order is especially important when your business’ fire inspection occurs each year. Even if you do everything you can to prepare for your next fire inspection, you may only realize you missed something…
What Is Alarm.com?
How Does Alarm.com Work? Alarm.com is a cloud-based service that allows customers to manage their security alarms and home automation systems remotely. Alarm.com does not manufacture security components, like alarm panels and cameras. Instead, its cutting-edge software is integrated into hardware systems provided by highly regarded manufacturers. What sets Alarm.com apart? Alarm.com Products Alarm.com’s partnership…
When Is Automatic Fire Detection Required?
A fire detection system is a good idea for your property, and many insurance companies offer discounts based on your level of protection. While not required in your private residence, the law does require automatic fire detection in a wide array of other facilities. Local Building Code Requirements Your state’s building code will spell out…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping
Do you hear a faint chirping noise coming from the back hallway or the basement? Don’t ignore it. It might be your smoke detector. Smoke detectors are designed to chirp or beep when they need servicing. Common Reasons for Smoke Alarm to Beep When the battery in your smoke alarm is starting to get weak,…
What Do Villages Require to Add a Security System?
What Is a Village? A village in the United States is defined as a small municipality with limited corporate powers. A village government usually consists of a village board made up of trustees and a village president. Village Building Codes Have Minimum Requirements Every village adopts its own building codes to establish minimum requirements for…