A motion sensor, or motion detector, is a key part of any home security system. It serves to detect movement in your home. This makes it especially important for the times that you’re away from home and your house should be empty. Motion sensors connect to your home security system to notify you when movement is detected, which could mean that someone uninvited has entered your home.
In this post, we’ll explore more about these sensors and why they’re such an important part of your home’s protection.
How Motion Sensors Work
Motion sensors work using one or a combination of several different types of motion detecting technology.
- Passive infrared (PIR) sensors look for fluctuations in infrared energy, which humans, animals, and other things release as heat.
- Microwave sensors send out continuous microwave signals that bounce off objects in the room. The sensor monitors the pattern of the signals. If it senses a change in that pattern, it reads the change as movement.
- Ultrasonic sensors use ultrasonic sound waves to bounce off the objects in your room to detect motion.
- Certain technologies, like dual or tri-tech, are multi-detective devices that may use PIR sensors, microwave sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or a combination of the three.
To use your sensor, you simply need to arm your system when you leave home. This lets your system know that the house is empty and that any motion detected is unwanted. If a motion detector picks up movement during this time, it triggers the alarm and sends an alert to your CPI inTouch™ app. That alerts both you and our monitoring center. If this alarm was set off by someone who should not be in your home, we notify authorities and have them dispatched to your home ASAP.
What Type of Motion Sensor Does CPI Use?
CPI Security uses dual-tech sensors that are powered with internal passive infrared (PIR) and microwave sensors. Our dual-tech motion sensors will only activate if both the PIR sensor and the microwave sensor are triggered. Because of these additional protective elements, CPI’s dual-tech detectors lead to fewer false alarms.
Other Types of Motion Detectors
Beyond PIR, microwave, ultrasonic, and dual & tri-tech motion sensors, there are a number of less-commonly used technologies.
Tomographic motion sensors use nodes linked together to form a mesh network. They detect motion when a link between two nodes is broken.
Vibration sensors detect small vibrations caused by movements such as footsteps.
Area reflective sensors emit infrared rays and use the reflection of those rays to interpret motion.
There are also specialized sensors that detect specific types of motion or trigger a different action. Contact sensors use a magnet to detect the movement of a door or window. By design, pet-immune motion sensors ignore smaller animals. Video motion sensors start recording when they see movement.
All of CPI Security’s video cameras use AI-powered technology to detect activity instead of motion sensors. That way, you’re only alerted to activity that’s important, not every movement.
Where Should You Place Motion Sensors?
Most motion sensors are wireless, which means they can be placed just about anywhere. It’s pivotal to know where to place them and to ensure that they’re properly installed to give your home complete coverage.
Generally, different types of motion sensors and systems have different optimal placement recommendations. However, there are a few widely applicable tips to keep in mind when you consider where to install your motion detectors.
Keep PIR sensors 10-15 feet away from a source of heat. This includes radiators, vents, or even sunny windows. Sudden changes in heat trigger these sensors, which can lead to false alarms.
Install motion sensors in high-traffic areas where an intruder would need to pass through regardless of where in the home they are targeting. Entryways, hallways, and stairwells are good central options for your motion sensor. Similarly, consider the places where intruders may be most likely to enter, like exterior doors and garages. Then place your sensors near those areas. Corners of rooms, high on walls, and opposite the main entrance of the room are typically great spots for motion sensors.
At CPI Security, our security experts are extremely knowledgeable about how to best safeguard your home. We help you customize a home security system that is specific to the unique needs of you and your space. Our installation specialists ensure that your motion sensors and cameras are installed properly and placed in the optimal location to keep you and your family protected.
How to Install Motion Sensors
At CPI, we install your entire home security system, including motion sensors, so that you don’t have to deal with the stress of installation and fear of misplacing your detection devices. Our security experts provide end-to-end services, from installation to a personal walkthrough of your entire security system. We aim to make our customers fully confident in their system’s performance and their ability to properly use it. Avoid the stress of DIY installation and let the CPI Security experts handle it. See our latest deal and build your best home security system today.
Once our installation team identifies the best location for your motion sensors. We then mount your sensors and connect them to your CPI SmartHub control panel. Installers adjust any necessary settings to make sure that your motion detection is set up the way that you need it. Our goal is always to provide the best protection for your property.
Motion Detectors as Part of Your Whole Home Security System
Motion sensors are a valuable part of any home security system. They work to guard your home when you’re away by detecting intruders and notifying you and CPI’s award-winning monitoring center immediately. At CPI Security, we use a variety of motion detectors and other security sensors to:
- Monitor interior and exterior doors and windows. Even on detached structures, and detect and notify when one is opened.
- Detect unexpected motion inside the house when no one should be home.
- Trigger an alarm in case of glass breaking.
- Alert you of a water leak in your home.
Motion sensors are a simple and effective way to keep your home safe and secure, and provide you with additional peace of mind when you are away. To learn more about protecting your home with motion detectors and a suite of the latest in-home security technology from CPI Security, contact our experts today.
