Do you understand how house burglar alarm sensors operate to protect your home? Technology has moved on apace since their introduction and the detection of intruders is now much more reliable.

Light beam sensors

An older technology but one that is still used in some door detectors, the light beam detector, is made up of two parts: a light source and a receptor. It detects a reduced brightness and activates the alert when an item blocks the light between the transmitter and the receiver. It’s similar to the lasers we see in films, with the exception that you can’t see the light and you can’t simply fool it using a mirror or some foil from a handy packet of chewing gum.

Radar sensors

Radar sensors are active sensors that are designed to detect movement. They emit microwave radio radiation, which is reflected back into the surroundings and picked up by the sensor. Any shift in that low-energy flow indicates that something is happening in the surroundings.

Most automated doors in larger stores and shopping centres function in this way: they sense movement rather than presence. The door will shut if you stand in front of it without moving or move extremely slowly. We’ve all seen automated doors that require you to take a step back or raise your arms before it recognises that someone is approaching.

PIR detectors

Passive infrared detectors, also known as PIRs, are a more sophisticated sort of sensor and are the most commonly used kind of detector in residential alarm systems. These sensors detect heat and infrared radiation, both of which humans and most animals emit.

Those sensors are configured to detect a variation in infrared wavelengths corresponding to body heat, so they don’t conflate a natural change in temperature or a small animal with a human presence.

Most current alarm systems use this technology, which is more dependable than active sensors and allows for a more precise setup to detect just intruders while avoiding false alerts. Special pet-friendly detectors have also been developed to minimise false alarms caused by pets in the home moving about whilst the home security system is on.

Security camera system

When used in conjunction with detecting software, video cameras may also serve as an alarm system. The programme can detect movement in the picture and sound an alert if it detects it. Image recognition software can be added to most modern systems to recognise human shapes to provide early warning of housebreakers when installed as part of a perimeter protection system.

Looking for alarm companies in Glasgow? Your home’s security is an investment, so you need a reliable, established installer. Ultimate Alarms has got you covered. Call Ultimate today with your security needs.