How Do Motion Detectors Work In St. Paul?

You’re likely to have a fairly decent grasp of what motion detectors do merely based on their name. Of course, they detect activity, but how precisely do they work? Take a little time to discover the technology that drives them and the different types of sensors you might encounter. You’ll attain a clearer appreciation of how they work and how you are able to integrate them into your advanced smart home.

What is the technology that powers motion detectors?

Identifying motion can be done in a few distinct ways, but motion detectors are generally placed into one of two categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These instruments are viewed as active, as they regularly broadcast transmissions like microwaves and then calculate the time of response. Motion is signified when the return time changes. While microwave sensors are most often found, you’ll also discover active motion detectors that use infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Commonly seen within home security installations, PIR motion detectors work by discovering shifts in the surrounding temperature. ​​In essence, the instrument notes what the normal temperature is expected to be within a given area. If there are sudden surges of heat, like a trespasser skulking through the space, the sensor takes notice and triggers your alarm. Since they aren’t continuously transmitting signals, passive detectors generally consume less power and are less expensive to run.

In addition to passive and active, you may discover hybrid devices that utilize a mix of technologies. These can help lessen false alarms, as every sensor must be activated before the alarm system sounds. Other choices include vibration motion detectors and tomographic sensors that are frequently employed in more extensive industrial facilities.

How to incorporate St. Paul motion detectors

The chief goal of motion detectors is to identify motion within a designated area, typically up to 50 feet away. You’ll commonly find them incorporated into outside floodlights or as standalone devices within the interior of your property. When motion is noticed, they’ll set off your alarm system and alert your 24/7 monitoring staff.

But modern motion detectors are more adaptable than at any time before. In fact, they are able to communicate directly with other smart components. For instance, if motion is discovered, they might trigger your lights to activate or your surveillance camera to commence recording. They might even alert your smart thermostat to change the temperature.

Receive instant alerts and alter settings for animals

Another tremendous perk of contemporary motion detectors is that you’ll get instant alerts dispatched to your smartphone whenever the detector is set off. If you own pets, you can even prevent false alarms by customizing settings to take into account the size of your furry friends.

Start Designing Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in St. Paul

Now that you have a deeper understanding of how motion detectors work in St. Paul, it’s a good time to integrate them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors oversee wide areas, offer wide-angle capability, and last for many years without requiring a change of battery. They’ll also synchronize perfectly with your additional home automation tools. Are you ready to start? Call (651) 240-6686 to consult with a skilled Vivint team member today.