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How Do Motion Detectors Work In Fort Smith?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You most likely have a reasonable understanding of what motion detectors do simply based on their title. Of course, they sense motion, but how precisely do they work? Take a moment to learn about the technology that powers them and the various types of sensors you might find. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of how they work and how you may blend them into your contemporary smart home.

 


What is the technology that drives motion detectors?

Identifying activity can be done in a few specific ways, but motion detectors are ordinarily grouped into either of these categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These devices are viewed as active, as they continually transmit signals like microwaves and then calculate the rate of response. Activity is shown when the response time changes. While microwave sensors are most prevalent, you’ll also encounter active motion detectors that utilize infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Regularly encountered within home security applications, PIR motion detectors perform by discovering changes in the surrounding temperature. ​​In essence, the component learns what the usual temperature should be within a designated area. If there are sudden heat increases, like an intruder creeping along the room, the sensor observes it and sets off your warning. Since they don’t actively emit signals, passive detectors usually need less power and are less expensive to run.

In addition to passive and active, you may discover hybrid motion sensors that use a mix of technologies. These can help reduce false alarms, as every sensor has to be tripped before the alarm system is prompted. Additional alternatives include vibration motion detectors and tomographic sensors that are often used in bigger commercial facilities.

How to implement Fort Smith motion detectors

The chief goal of motion detectors is to identify movement within a designated area, generally as far as 50 feet away. You’ll frequently find them included in outdoor floodlights or as freestanding devices within your residence. When movement is sensed, they’ll initiate your warning siren and advise your 24/7 monitoring agents.

But modern motion detectors are more adaptable than ever before. In fact, they can communicate directly with other smart devices. To illustrate, they can prompt your linked smart lights to turn on or your surveillance camera to record when activity is recognized. They may even alert your smart thermostat to adjust the temperature.

Get instant alerts and alter settings for animals

One more significant perk of modern motion detectors is that you’ll have instant updates transmitted to your cell phone every time the sensor is tripped. If you own house pets, you are even able to help preempt false alarms by adjusting settings to take into account the size of your four-legged family members.

Start Designing Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Fort Smith

Now that you have a greater understanding of how motion detectors work in Fort Smith, it’s a great time to integrate them into your modern smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors cover big areas, provide wide-angle capability, and last for many years without necessitating a change of battery. They’ll also work in harmony with your other home automation tools. Are you prepared to start? Dial (479) 370-4503 to consult with a knowledgeable Vivint specialist today.