Choosing The Right Sensors For Your Home Alarm System

Despite what a salesperson might tell you in the course of a sales call or visit, there are a large number of options available to anyone looking to put together a quality home security system. Some companies will naturally try to steer you toward their own products, pretending that some other features on the table don’t exist. As a consumer, you have to protect yourself against this limited amount of information by reading widely on the topic and getting the right equipment for your house and family. Here are some of the different sensors in use with home alarms today.

1. Microwave sensors. The use of microwaves is more common than many people expect. Mostly on a frequency of 10 megahertz, these sensors use a Doppler, or radar, signal to send into a room. Depending on the speed of the return signal, these sensors will decide if the room has been compromised. Customers who are happy with microwave sensors marvel at the amount of space they can cover and their ability to transcend any barriers in their path. At the same time, this wide reach can trigger false alarms with their sensitivity.

2. Infrared sensors. Utilizing an invisible light projection which responds to the differences in heat from targets, infrared systems essentially compare heat levels to determine the safety of a room. If there is an electrical malfunction in a toaster or microwave, the emanations will likely be picked up by an infrared sensor. Compared to microwave sensors, the infrared type is generally more reliable. However, they do not have the same level of coverage as microwaves. They do not have the power to pass through walls, as they are limited to a scope similar to a light’s projection.

3. Ultrasonic sensors. Sending out sounds which measure at about 30 megahertz, the ultrasonic sensors try to detect alterations in this frequency. The sounds being transmitted can often be heard by dogs, which may cause your pet considerable trouble. Ultrasonic detection is often foiled by very slow moving targets (or the very fast). Thus, these sensors are not the most dependable choice for a home alarm system.

4. Photoelectric sensors. Utilizing invisible light beams, the photoelectric sensor looks for alterations in its cell’s response on the other end. The limitations are obvious, as light streams only cover what they can reach. Some people use mirrors to increase the range in their home alarm system. However, recent technology has surpassed the photoelectric sensors.

5. Acoustic sensors. These sensors, which are entirely predicated on the noises within your home, can be tricky. If you have an array of sounds coming from all quarters, the microphones employed by acoustic sensors can mistake normal sounds for danger signals. Though your home alarm can be adjusted to accommodate different noises, the acoustic sensor will not work for most families.

By: Erik Mandelson

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Getting the right equipment for your alarm is the goal of ADT security. Whatever type of alarm system you need, ADT home alarms will deliver the best products at a great price.