Choosing Home Alarm System Sensors

Many people make the mistake of overlooking what type of home alarm system sensors they are utilizing when they purchase and install a new system. There are differences in the functionality between the different types and depending on your family's lifestyle, some will be a better fit for you than others.

1) Passive Infrared.(Motion detection) They are called PIR systems for short. This is one of the most popular types of detection. The systems that employ PIR are usually more affordable than some, and they perform very well. This sensor system works off temperature increase detection. Simply put, it can tell when the temperature in the room is raised due to body heat. The alarm sounds if it recognized this increase. The infrared rays cannot pass through glass, so false alarms are kept to a minimum.

Ultrasonic. This system uses high frequency sound waves to tell if there is movement in a certain room. These sound waves are undetectable by human, or animal ears so there is no disruption in lifestyle.

3) Microwave. This system works very similar to the way the ultrasonic system does, however instead of sound waves, it uses radio waves.

4) Magnetic switch. A magnetic switch is easily installed on a door or window and sounds an alarm if either are opened. You install one on the door or window itself, then one on the wall next to it. An electrical circuit is created between the two units and if the window or door is opened, the circuit is broken and the alarm sounds.

5) Photoelectric. Also uses infrared light beams. Usually comes in multiple rows.