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
4 Questions & Answers about Smart Home Devices
Smart Home Technology Let’s face it; we are in love with our smartphones. According to Pew Research Center, more than 81% of Americans now own one; that is up from just 35% in 2011. With so much power in the palm of our hand, it’s not surprising that we want to use our smartphone for…
Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms
The International Code Council The purpose of commercial property is for business or retail use, and the International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit association that develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable, and resilient structures. The fire codes vary depending on the type of business you run. For example,…
What to Do If a Package Is Stolen
According to a recent study, nearly one in four people report being a victim of package theft and nearly half know someone who has had a package stolen. Of course, the uptick in package theft is not that surprising, considering consumers purchased $2.86 trillion in online retail goods in& 2018. Many of these items land squarely in…
How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?
Fire sprinkler systems work by detecting heat from fires and releasing water to extinguish them. Different components work together in various configurations to boost a structure’s fire and life safety measures. Learn how a fire sprinkler system works, what your options are, and why it’s a necessary investment for your business. What are the main…
Holiday Security Tips
It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the holidays come with some inherent risks that you should prepare for amidst all the gift buying, cooking, and decorating. Here are some of our top holiday safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe over the season. Theft and Burglary Prevention Do not put…
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….
How is a Fire Sprinkler System Designed?
While fire sprinkler systems seem the same at first glance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all commercial properties. Depending on a structure’s needs and circumstances, fire sprinkler systems use different combinations of various components. The ideal design should accommodate the unique features of each industry, layout, and operation. Whether you’re looking to install a fire…
Are All Home Security Systems the Same?
Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information. All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new…
Fire Safety for Multistory Buildings
While it can seem similar to homes or businesses, multistory properties have unique demands for fire safety. Whether your property includes a mid-rise condo and business building or multiple low-rise apartment locations, it requires additional care and consideration when evaluating the protection of inhabitants from fire hazards. If a fire breaks out in one section…
Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…