When placed strategically and properly, motion sensors can trigger your security system to turn on lights, cameras, and security feeds to alert you to possible intruders and more. They provide an extra set of “eyes” to keep your home, valuables, and family safe from intruders and other dangers. And efficient security sensor placement can make a big difference in how accurate and effective your entire system is.
What Are Motion Sensors?
Motion sensors are devices that can be set up in your home and on your property that simply trigger an action in response. Depending on the sensor, they can turn on a camera when someone approaches your front door or shine some light on your driveway when anyone pulls in. They can alert you when your front, back, or side door has opened or if someone is trying to open a window or the glass has broken. They can even turn on your game camera when a bear, raccoon, or neighborhood cat wanders through your yard.
When used for security, motion sensors can be set up to send an alert to your phone or even set off an alarm if an intruder is detected. Ultimately, they provide added peace of mind, knowing that eyes are on your home and property to keep it, and you, safe.
How Do Motion Sensors Work?
Most motion sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology, which detects infrared energy given off by humans and other animals in the form of body heat. The increased temperature alerts the control panel when someone or something has entered the room. These devices, however, can be programmed to ignore minimal temperature changes, so your dog, cat, or other small pet won’t accidentally trigger an alarm.
Other types of sensors can also be added to the home to make it more secure and comfortable, such as:
- Temperature sensors, used to adjust smart thermostats to better manage the comfort of the home while saving energy.
- Light sensors, which can be used to adjust the lighting in the home as it gets dark.
- Smoke detectors, which can alert anyone in your home if there’s smoke or fire. They can also be connected to your phone or other smart device to alert you when you aren’t at home.
- Water leak sensors, which can detect water and send alerts to your home to help prevent damage.
- Air quality sensors, which can alert you to carbon monoxide or other decreased air quality in the home.
Efficient Security Sensor Placement
The most obvious places for efficient security sensor placement include over doors, windows, and other entryways to prevent break-ins. By placing security sensors near these entry points, you’ll be alerted anytime an intruder or unexpected guest enters the home. Combined with a security system camera, you can capture video of any suspicious or unwanted activity.
Sensors can also be set up to detect leaks or changes in water temperature which could indicate flooding or water damage when placed under dishwashers, sinks, or other appliances. Basements are also good places to include flood sensors to alert you to excess water to help mitigate damages.
You can also set up sensors to detect breaking glass around windows from intruders or storms, which can send notifications to your home or another smart device when you’re away.
Another good focus for efficient security sensor placement is in the lighting. Motion sensor lights can turn on when someone enters certain areas of your home or property or if there is suspicious activity. They can also be set up on timers to turn on and off even when you aren’t home.
You can also set up sensors in sensitive areas of the home, such as where you keep your valuables or if you want to ensure children or pets stay away from certain areas to keep them safe.
The top areas to place security sensors efficiently include:
- Front, back, and side doors but out of sight, so intruders can’t enter the home without setting off an alarm.
- Corners, which provide the widest view of the space. Point any cameras toward the door and remove any obstructions for anyone who enters the home.
- Hallways and other high-traffic areas.
- Behind or near valuables.
- In basement doors and windows.
- On the driveway, especially if you have a long road leading to your home, so you will know when people are heading your way.
Efficient Security Sensor Placement Best Practices
To make sure your sensors work as intended, place them at least six to eight feet off the ground. Remove any obstructions, so nothing blocks the device’s line of sight. Avoid placing sensors near air vents, heaters, radiators, or other heat sources (including sunny windows) to prevent false alarms. It can help to keep sensors in climate-controlled areas where the heat doesn’t drastically fluctuate.
Other places to avoid installing motion sensors include:
- Behind tall or large furniture, which can create blind spots or shadows.
- Garages, attics, patios, and sunrooms, which can trigger false alarms due to temperature fluctuations
- Top of the stairs, especially if you have pets, as pets can more easily set off alarms in this position
- Across from doors, as a door will interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect movement or heat
Ready to set up your smart home? Motion sensors are a smart, simple, and cost-effective way to start. Not only can they help protect your home from intruders, but they can also help adjust the temperature, protect the home from water damage or unhealthy air, and add extra comfort while reducing the costs of running a home.
An ADT (now Telus) monitored alarm system from Alarm Guard will keep you feeling secure and protect your doors and windows from burglars and your home from damage. Plus, it could help you save on homeowner’s insurance! Check out our packages and call now for a free quote at 1-855-518-4458 and talk with an expert about the best smart home solutions to fit your needs.