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How Do Motion Detectors Work In State College?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You’re likely to have a fairly good grasp of what motion detectors do solely based on their name. Indeed, they sense movement, but how specifically do they work? Take a minute to explore the technology that powers them and the many sorts of sensors you might come across. You’ll achieve a better comprehension of how they work and how you can integrate them into your modern smart home.

 


What is the technology that powers motion detectors?

Sensing motion can be done in a few different ways, but motion detectors are usually grouped into either of these categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These sensors are deemed active, as they regularly broadcast signals like microwaves and then calculate the response time. Activity is indicated when the return time changes. Although microwave sensors are most prevalent, you’ll also encounter active motion detectors that use infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Usually found within home security installations, PIR motion detectors function by recognizing shifts in the surrounding temperature. ​​In essence, the device learns what the regular temperature ought to be within a specified area. If there are abrupt heat surges, like an intruder sneaking along the space, the detector observes it and triggers your alarm. Since they don’t continuously emit signals, passive detectors typically use less power and are less expensive to operate.

Along with active and passive, you could discover hybrid devices that utilize multiple technologies. These can help minimize false alarms, as each sensor must be triggered before the alarm goes off. Additional choices include vibration motion detectors and tomographic sensors that are commonly utilized in bigger commercial or industrial facilities.

How to incorporate State College motion detectors

The main aim of motion detectors is to spot motion within a given area, generally up to 50 feet away. You’ll frequently find them included in exterior floodlights or as independent devices within your home. When motion is detected, they’ll trigger your warning siren and notify your dedicated monitoring agents.

But modern motion detectors are more functional than ever before. As a matter of fact, they can communicate directly with other smart equipment. To illustrate, if movement is recognized, they can trigger your smart bulbs to turn on or your surveillance camera to commence recording. They might even signal your smart thermostat to alter the temperature.

Get automatic notifications and adjust settings for animals

One more significant benefit of contemporary motion detectors is that you’ll have instant alerts delivered to your smartphone whenever the sensor is triggered. If you own house pets, you can even circumvent false alarms by tailoring settings to take into account the size of your four-legged family members.

Customize Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in State College

Now that you have a greater understanding of how motion detectors work in State College, it’s a great time to integrate them into your modern smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors cover large areas, give you wide-angle capability, and last for multiple years without needing a new battery. They’ll also synchronize perfectly with your additional home automation devices. Are you ready to get started? Call (814) 752-4276 to speak with a knowledgeable Vivint team member today.