Motion detectors are part of everyday life. And as soon as you think of them, home security spring to mind. However, apart from the most obvious home security functions, a motion sensor door alarm can perform several other functions that can make your life a lot easier.
Why Motion Sensors for Your Home Security?
Essentially, motion sensors stand guard on the perimeter of your property or strategically placed positions. They pick up any movement and alert you to possible intruders.
Once movement is detected, a signal will be sent to a control panel which, in turn, triggers an alarm to the monitoring center.
It could be a very loud alarm that will immediately deter intruders, or a quiet notification to let you know about the intrusion.
However, these are not the only uses for a motion sensor door alarm.
Essential Uses of Motion Sensor Door Alarms
Motion sensor door alarms have a range of other uses that can make your life a lot more comfortable. For starters, these strategically placed devices can alert you when someone is entering an area they are not supposed to. It may be a child wandering off, or a pet entering an area they are not allowed in.
Placing a motion sensor door alarm in areas like the basement, workout room, or medicine cabinet can also prevent unfortunate accidents with children or those facing mobility problems.
Moreover, these sensors can trigger a doorbell, letting you know someone is approaching the front door.
Motion sensor door alarms can be your extra set of they to alert you when teenagers are breaking curfew, whether it’s trying to sneak out of their rooms, or those coming home too late.
Motion Sensor Door Alarm Types
No home security wiring can be completely safe, there some precautions you take to make disabling your alarm system more difficult.
There are several types of motion sensor door alarms that you can install, and depending on the type of technology used or the event that is programmed, they can alert you to different events. However, most door sensors make use of a “reed switch” for security purposes.
Reed switches, or magnetic switches, are typically used for both doors and windows. They are made up of 2 different parts, and due to their affordability and flexibility, magnetic switches are a very popular choice.
Normally closed
Usually, alarm systems are designed to use “open-loop” burglary sensors. Open-loop sensors are, in fact, “normally closed” sensors. Most alarms and sensors are configured this way by default.
What this means is that, when the magnet in close proximity to the sensor, the zone remains safe. These types of motion sensor door alarms ad an extra layer of security to your home by covering your doors as well as windows.
Equally, glass-break and other burglary sensors are also ‘normally closed’ when safe. On the other hand, smoke and water sensors are “normally opened” sensors.
Garage door sensors
Although these are not nearly as common as normal door sensors, garage door sensors come in two types. These include a standard door sensor or a pitch sensor.
Pitch sensors are standalone devices with a sensor that sits vertically.
When the garage door opens, the angle of the door changes, triggering an alarm to signal a breach in security.
Mounting Motion Sensor Door Alarms
When functioning as intended, strategically placed motion sensors can literally mean the difference between life and death. However, installation can make all the difference, and they are not easy to install correctly, so it’s always recommended that you consult with a security expert.
However, there are some basic factors to keep in mind when it comes to installations. For example, most people don’t install sensors on every door or window. Many only secure the ground floor, or strategically allocated doors. These generally include the main entry and exit points of your home like garage, back door, or front door.
Motion sensor door alarms are not only handy for securing your property to give you peace of mind, but they can also make your life a lot easier and more convenient. However, installation is key, and enlisting the expertise of a local home security expert is highly recommended.