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How Do Motion Detectors Work In Evanston?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You most likely have a reasonable understanding of what motion detectors do merely based on their title. Sure, they sense activity, but how exactly do they work? Take a little time to discover the technology that powers them and the different kinds of devices you might find. You’ll get a better comprehension of how they work and how you may integrate them into your advanced smart home.

 


What is the technology that drives motion detectors?

Identifying motion can be done in several specific ways, but motion detectors are typically placed into either of these two categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These sensors are considered active, as they constantly transmit transmissions like microwaves and then assess the response time. Motion is shown when the time of response changes. Although microwave sensors are most prevalent, you’ll also find active motion detectors that utilize infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Usually encountered within home security installations, PIR motion detectors operate by recognizing variations in the surrounding temperature. ​​Basically, the instrument detects what the standard temperature is supposed to be within a designated area. If there are rapid spikes of heat, like an invader skulking through the room, the sensor observes it and initiates your security alarm. Since they aren’t continuously broadcasting signals, passive detectors generally require less power and are less expensive to run.

Besides passive and active, you might encounter hybrid motion sensors that utilize more than one technology. These can help minimize false alarms, as every sensor has to be activated before the alarm goes off. Additional possibilities include vibration motion detectors and tomographic devices that are often utilized in more extensive industrial buildings.

Ways to implement Evanston motion detectors

The main objective of motion detectors is to identify movement within a designated area, usually up to 50 feet away. You’ll usually find them integrated into outdoor floodlights or as standalone devices within the interior of your residence. When movement is sensed, they’ll activate your alarm and notify your professional monitoring staff.

But modern motion detectors are more functional than they’ve been in the past. As a matter of fact, they can connect directly with other smart devices. To illustrate, if activity is recognized, they can trigger your smart bulbs to turn on or your surveillance camera to begin recording. They may even notify your smart thermostat to change the temperature.

Receive automatic updates and alter settings for animals

Another significant advantage of current motion detectors is that you’ll have alerts sent to your smartphone whenever the device is tripped. If you own house pets, you can even ward off false alarms by customizing settings to take into account the size of your four-legged companions.

Design Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Evanston

Now that you have a better understanding of how motion detectors work in Evanston, it’s a good time to include them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors cover wide areas, provide wide-angle detection, and last for years without needing a change of battery. They’ll also work in perfect unison with your other home automation devices. Are you excited to start? Contact (847) 925-7636 to consult with a helpful Vivint specialist today.