When shopping for a new security system or home security alarm, one of the things you may be considering is motion detection. Why is this important? The answer lies in understanding the difference between passive infrared motion detectors (PIR) and active infrared motion detectors (aimed at the door). There are so many other kinds of motion detection devices, and every works a little differently. For example, the typical doors that open and shut in a grocery store use a radar-based motion detector, while a security camera security light might rely on passive infrared technology.
Passive infrared is a great security technology, but it has a few drawbacks. It doesn’t transmit any electricity, so there’s no worry about plugging the motion sensors into a house power outlet. Additionally, it only works inside a building or home, so someone could easily set up fake motion sensors outside your home, assuming they had access to a specific frequency. This kind of issue would make an inexpensive security system pointless. The only real use for passive infrared motion sensors is inside of a building, where you want a device that can detect the heat emanating from a human or animal walking towards the home.
Active night vision security cameras are quite a bit more efficient than PIR detectors, though. While it still uses radio waves to send the signal, it sends this signal continuously while dark. This means that if someone is trying to sneak up on the perimeter, or has already gained access into the building, the motion sensors will be triggered once someone or something passes over the line. This feature alone makes active night vision cameras a great buy. These cameras are also much more expensive than their PIR counterparts, but the added expense is worth it if you can really afford to invest in a high-end security system.
Passive infrared motion detection cameras are less expensive, but they do have their drawbacks. One major drawback is that these devices take a long time to detect movement. If someone enters a building, even if the security system is working, the motion sensors will need to be tripped repeatedly. They also have a minimum range requirement, meaning that if the camera can’t see from a certain distance it won’t work. If a home security system has a built-in, motion-activated motion detector this range requirement is unnecessary, and therefore unnecessary cost.
Another downside is that these detectors only work when a person or animal is walking by the perimeter of the sensor. If there is no motion, the sensor will not trigger. This is a significant drawback compared to PIR motion sensors, which work well at any distance from the source of the signal. The best option for an owner is to install both types, since an intruder can never know that a security system has been detecting motion, and the homeowner can have peace of mind with a working security system while also investing in an affordable, high-quality motion detector.
For homes that already have security cameras installed, adding motion sensors to the mix can be quite beneficial. Even without cameras, however, motion sensors can provide extra security by identifying movement in areas where live security cameras have failed. The benefits of using these detectors go beyond basic security, however. They are ideal for protecting the home against potential break-ins, for monitoring water security, for preventing theft of personal property, for use in medical and dental situations, and for monitoring the home’s general environment to ensure that it remains free of allergens. Home security cameras and motion sensors make a strong combination for many different applications.
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