Blog

Motion Detector Installation Basics

November 24, 2021|fsstechnologies

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

Hero-codes

7 NFPA Codes Every Business Should Know

Business owners have an enormous responsibility to ensure their employees and customers are protected from fire hazards. Companies in industries like manufacturing and property management each face unique challenges in preventing fires and meeting code requirements. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the world’s leading experts in fire and life safety, has published…

Continue reading
inside-the-mind-of-a-burglar_hero

Inside the Mind of a Burglar

What Message Are You Sending? Whether you know it or not, your business could send a message to potential burglars about how easy or difficult it is to break in. Professional thieves can quickly assess a property, also known as “casing,” to determine if it could be an easy and lucrative target. Unfortunately, many employees…

Continue reading
2019-01_FSSTechnologies_Blogs_cctv-footage

What Is CCTV Footage?

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…

Continue reading
BusinessBurglary-Hero-min

Which Businesses are Burglarized Most?

The idea of business theft and burglary is not a pleasant one; however, the likelihood of your business being burglarized is rather high. In fact, approximately 37% of small business owners were impacted by burglary or theft over the past year. Retail businesses in particular are highly targeted as thieves are seeking the opportunity to either use or resell stolen items. Everything from simple shoplifting to employee theft can contribute to overall business…

Continue reading
vacation-prep-hero

Vacation-Proof Your Home

When planning a vacation, you are almost always considering what clothes to pack or booking a place to stay. But while you are away, you need to make sure that your home will be safe from burglars or thieves who may target an empty home. Before you pack up and leave for your vacation, there…

Continue reading
Hero-hydrant-min

Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?

The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…

Continue reading
fire-inspection-faqs-hero-min

FAQs About Fire Alarm Inspections

There’s a lot of information about fire alarm inspections out there, so how do you know where to begin? We spoke to our team to find the most frequently asked questions about fire alarm inspections. What is a Fire Alarm Inspection? Fire alarm systems are life safety systems that require a fully functional and visual check…

Continue reading
8-home-security-tips-Hero-min

8 Home Security Tips

With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home. 1. Create the illusion that someone is at your house. If you are going to be gone for an extended time, leave a light or TV…

Continue reading
2019-12_FSSTechnologies_blogs_cost-monitoring-vs-break-in_hero-min

The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In

Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…

Continue reading
Blogs-LowesIris-min

Lowe’s Iris Line Goes Under

Many consumers are seeing red with the recent news that big-box retailer Lowe’s is shutting down service to its Iris smart home platform. Lowe’s launched its Iris cloud service in 2012 so it could sell its own smart home products to the public. Customers with an Iris smart hub, the heart of the network, could…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us