Everything You Need to Know About Motion Detectors

Motion sensors are a great addition to any home’s or business’ security system. If you’re wondering how motion detectors work, it all depends on the type you have installed at your Davenport, IA home or office. There are several different types of motion sensors, including passive infrared (PIR), microwave, active and dual tech/hybrid.

Finding the right type of motion sensor for your home or business all depends on your specific needs and wants. Each type of motion sensor comes with its pros and cons, so it’s important to do plenty of research on each before making a selection.

There are many reasons why you need motion detectors installed at your Davenport, IA home or office. Read on to learn more about the different types of motion detectors and their benefits:

  • Passive infrared motion sensors: These types of motion sensors are inconspicuous, inexpensive and easy to use. You’ll often find them in bathrooms, offices and other areas with automatic lights. They use black-body radiation to detect the heat that all human beings emit. These devices are often installed on people’s homes to detect movement from other people and animals. If you’re looking for a motion sensor that does its job without using too much energy, passive infrared is a great option. There are several disadvantages to these devices, though. For example, it’s not unheard of for other heat sources to interfere with passive infrared sensors.
  • Active motion sensors: Active motion sensors use radio waves or microwaves to detect people and objects in the area. They are some of the most common motion sensors in use today. Active motion sensors are used in automatic doors, office lighting systems and more. They are also a great option for home and office security systems.
  • Microwave motion sensors: These sensors detect motion through the use of microwave radiation waves. If the frequency of the waves shift it will trigger the motion sensor. Microwave sensors are advanced and reliable. They are also usable in almost any environment, unlike other types of motion sensors. Microwave motion sensors have many advantages, but they are sometimes prone to false alarms. This is because of their higher sensitivity. With some microwave motion sensors, you might find that small animals and certain objects set off the alarm.
  • Dual tech/hybrid motion detectors: These motion sensors combine technology used in passive infrared and microwave sensors. Thanks to this combination of technologies, dual tech/hybrid motion sensors are generally very accurate. This means less chance of a false alarm. Many people prefer these types of motion sensors for larger areas, including manufacturing facilities and open offices. One of the main disadvantages of dual tech/hybrid motion sensors is that both sensors must be triggered to set off an alarm. This means an intruder only has to evade one of the sensors to prevent the motion detector from triggering.

If you’re looking for a new addition to your security system in Davenport, IA, consider motion sensors. Contact Done Right TV for information on how motion detectors work, as well as the other home and office security options we can offer you.