Sensors and Detectors
Experts believe modern day surveillance security systems may become more effective and secure by producing three dimensional images. Although the jury is still out on this matter, this may not change the fact that sensors and detectors are two of the most important input or initiating components of present day surveillance systems. Sensors and detectors may be two sides of the same coin, however, they serve the same purpose and that is to secure and protect.
How to find a surveillance system with good sensors?
There are a number of surveillance systems available in the market. However, when selecting, it is imperative for an efficient surveillance system to have high quality detectors and sensors. Quality detectors and sensors have the following properties:
Types of Sensors and Detectors
Some of the types include glass breaking detectors, carbon monoxide detector, heat detectors, motion sensors, window and door switches, and smoke detectors. They all serve different purposes and can add crucial value to any sophisticated home security system.
In order to get a better understanding of how these devices work, here are a couple of examples,
Motion Sensors (or Motion Detectors)
There are five different technologies that a motion sensor may use to perform its primary objective. These technologies are:
Passive Infrared (PIR)
These sensors are sensitive to the temperature of an individual’s skin and are designed to use mid infrared wavelengths to detect motion. It is the disparity in temperature that essentially results in detection.
These are designed to emit continuous waves of microwave radiations. The reflected microwaves caused by the movement of another object may result in the detector alerting the surveillance system.
With the help of ultrasonic waves, these sensors are designed to detect movement and relay the information back to the receivers. Theoretically, the same technology is used to track submarines.
Tomographic Motion Detector
This detector is designed to create a mesh network of radio waves, ignoring blockages such as walls. When a disturbance in the network is identified, the surveillance system alarms go off.
Dual Technology Motion Detectors
Many modern detectors and sensors use combinations of the above mentioned technologies together. The purpose behind this is to reduce the probability of false alarms and increase the efficiency of the surveillance security system.
Metal Detectors have an oscillator fitted inside. This oscillator produces alternating current flowing through a coil and thus produces an alternating magnetic field. With the help of this method, the detector identifies the presence of any metal that comes in contact with its magnetic field. An important example of its use would be alerting security personnel of concealed weapons.
Another important member of the sensors and detectors family is smoke detectors. These are designed to detect combustion gases such as carbon dioxide. Some smoke detectors may also be able to detect carbon monoxide.
Other types of smoke detectors available in the market include ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric detectors. They may use different technologies and methods to detect, but serve the same purpose, i.e. Security and Protection.
Where to place sensors and detectors?
Now that you’ve bought sensors and detectors to beef up your security, the question should be; what would be the best location for them. You may choose to get some professional help to install them but if you choose to do it yourself, then the following pointers may help:
First and foremost, conduct a complete survey of your home. Identify points that are vulnerable.
Decide which areas of your home, and which windows and doors fall in the above category
You should choose windows and doors that are in dark corners or at the rear of your house
Consider your family’s lifestyle. Take into account factors such as your pets and someone in your family who likes to raid the fridge at night.
Use motion sensors to cover stairways. If you have a pet, place the sensor at a higher level, so that your pet doesn’t get blamed every time there is a false alarm.
Placing a smoke detector in your kitchen may make your surveillance system prone to false alarms, however it is necessary. Make sure your exhaust system is in perfect working condition and is placed right above the stove.
According to National Fire Protection Association, three out five fire related deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The NYPD stated that more than eleven thousand burglaries took place in New York in 2013. According to a local newspaper in Bordertown NJ, the local police recommended residents to use motion detectors, after a series of burglaries. Many are of the opinion that installing a surveillance security system could help reduce both accidents and tragedies and save precious lives.