Home Security Detectors

It is not enough to have an automatic emergency dialer, 24-hour monitoring, or a video surveillance system. In fact, while these are essential for a first-rate home security system, you need a trigger to send a signal to the control panel that will activate the automatic emergency dialer or call the 24-hour monitor, etc. The triggers that activate the alarms and lights and emergency calls are detectors.

1) Motion detectors: Motion detectors are devices that emit energy that “watches” a specific area for movement. When motion activates the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the control panel.

2) Magnetic switches: Also called door/window sensors, magnetic switches are devices made up of two parts. One is mounted to the door or window, and the other is mounted to the sill or doorjamb. As long as the magnetic connection is maintained by a closed door or window, the system remains idle. When the window or door is opened, the two parts are separated, disturbing the magnetic current and triggering the system.

3) Glass-breaking sensor: Glass-break sensors are listening and feeling devices for windows. They listen for the sound frequency of breaking glass and feel or measure the glass for vibrations caused by breaking glass. When a glass break is “felt” or “heard” by the device, the sensor triggers the security system.

4) Environment detectors: Smoke, carbon monoxide, and flood detectors – also called environment detectors - can be positioned in unison with a home security system. Just like the other detectors, they transmit a signal to the control panel, which in turn allows the system to contact you or the appropriate emergency response team.

Making your home security system operate with these items is rather easy. Deciding which detectors to use and how many to get, however, can become rather complicated and frustrating. To select the right kind and number of detectors takes careful and considerate planning and structuring.

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