It doesn’t matter if you live in a house or apartment – having an alarm system to protect your property is essential if you have anything you value and want to protect.
Outdoor motion sensors are great for monitoring the activity outside your home or business.
Motion sensors will immediately calm your fears when it lights up a dark area of your property, your garage, dark sidewalks, and any area you cannot see when it’s dark. And best of all, they make a safe path to welcome you back home.
Whether you’re coming home late at night or trying to investigate a strange noise you heard in the back yard, outdoor motion sensors are your first response to any movement and a quick deterrence for any would-be burglars.
They are built with materials able to withstand the worst weather conditions mother nature has to offer and, once installed, will detect any movement.
Similar to indoor motion sensors, outdoor motion sensors can be used to trigger a response to the system that turns on the lights, sound an alarm, or even notifies the police.
Occupancy vs Vacancy
Motion sensors come in two main types, namely occupancy and vacancy. Occupancy sensors automatically turn on the lights when the sensor is triggered. These generally work best in high-traffic areas. Vacancy sensors turn the light off when the area appears to be empty. However, the lights need to be switched on in order for them to work correctly, so you won’t have to deal with lights that turn on and off all day when it’s not necessary.
Outdoor Motion Sensor Options
A set of floodlights that turn automatically when an intruder starts tiptoeing across your property can make the difference between being burglarized or not.
Most would-be burglars change their mind when suddenly faced with bright light exposing their movements, or an alarm that sounds like the possibility of being caught is suddenly and drastically increased.
Some of the popular outdoor sensor options include:
Driveway Motion Sensors – These are very perfect for keeping an eye on your outdoor areas. There are several different kinds of lights available depending on your specific requirements. These will let you know if someone is walking, riding a bike, or just approaching your house when they are not supposed to be there. Though mainly used for driveways, these alerts are also a good option if you need a sensor to watch over your pool, a shed, your stables or even just a garage.
Motion Flood Lights – LED motion floodlights are bright enough to illuminate a large area. They make use of infrared (IR) technology, similar to that of an alarm system. They offer the element of surprise as a thief is suddenly flooded with bright lights while trying to remain unseen.
Motion Detector Guard Dog – As the name suggests, a motion detector guard dog will “bark” once it detects motion. A number of studies on criminals have confirmed that dogs are an effective deterrent to burglary, so it only makes sense that this is a known and effective deterrent. Criminals want to enter your home fast and silently…. without noisy pets alerting anyone. Placing this near your front door or back door will instantly trigger dogs barking and send unwelcome visitors running.
Types of Outdoor Motion Sensors
Motion detector sensors and lighting are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Their main purpose is to alert you when an intruder is sneaking around your property. These are the options you need to consider:
Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors
Most of us have changed the TV channel with a remote control that works with infrared light, but this is not its only use.
Infrared sensors are the most widely used of all motion sensors in home security systems today.
PIRs detect body heat and movement by creating a protective “grid” that recognizes when too many of the grid’s zones are blocked. PIR sensors are relatively inexpensive, they don’t use much energy, and last for a very long time.
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic sensors are used around the world in a variety of ways. They can either be active or passive use. Passive sensors listen for specific sounds, like a window breaking or gate that opens, which then triggers a response. These types of sensors can be on the expensive side though. They also tend to trigger false alarms from time to time.
Ultrasonic active sensors, on the other hand, emit a pulse of waves that reflects off moving objects. Unfortunately, domestic pets like dogs, cats, and even some fish may be affected by the ultrasonic frequencies, so be sure to check with a local expert before you install these.
Microwave Sensors
Microwave sensors emit microwave pulses and, similar to ultrasonic sensors, measure their reflection off objects to determine abnormal movement.
By analyzing this information these sensor detects any movements within its range in less than a microsecond.
These electronic devices can be used to control lights.
Tomographic Sensors
Tomographic sensors are generally a good option if you require a commercial level of security, for example, large storage units or a warehouse. These types of sensors may be very expensive but they are also very effective. They emit radio waves that can detect movement through walls and other solid objects.
Dual Technology Motion Sensors
Motion sensors can have combined features that make for a more effective home security system. Moreover, by combining sensors you can alleviate many false alarms.
The Benefit of Installing Outdoor Motion Sensors
Outdoor motion sensors offer peace of mind by alerting you to the slightest movement on your premises so that you will never be caught unaware. Most motion detectors are easy to install, portable, and transportable, making them
Their biggest benefit is the security that they provide. Outdoor motion sensors are your first line of security, and once triggered, you can take action if needed without putting yourself in any danger.
Another very attractive benefit is the fact that outdoor motion sensors provide a safe pathway at night by triggering luminaires to brighten up your way.
Not all motion sensors are created equally, and they aren’t just an additional feature of a security system. These devices can range anywhere from as little as $19 to as much as $300 per sensor. They are an essential part of any home security system because without sensors there would be no way of detecting intruders or any other irregular movements around your property.