Do you have plans to invest in home security at some point in the future? If so, you should know that home security systems have come a long way in the last 50 years. Today’s systems offer a range of sensors that were unavailable with first-generation residential systems.
For the record, a sensor is any device that monitors for some sort of event or stimuli, then either records event data or sends it to a remote location for storage and analysis. Sensors can be anything from intelligent electric meters to the red-light cameras that generate so many traffic tickets.
Vivint Smart Home, in a recent post discussing Maryland home security, mentioned six different types of sensors. All are most-haves for any modern home security system.
1. Window and Door Sensors
Window and door sensors were the very first sensors utilized in the residential security market. They are simple contact sensors that sound an alarm when a window or door is opened. As two-piece units, window and door sensors remain inactive as long as the pieces maintain contact. When contact is broken, an alarm is sounded.
These particular sensors are the foundation of any home security system for the simple fact that intruders generally attempt entry through the front door or a first-floor window. Only when such entry fails do they start looking for other entry points.
2. Glass-Break Sensors
Smart criminals may know enough not to breach a front door or slip open a window. Instead, they may choose to break a first-floor window instead. Glass-break sensors are the best way to thwart such efforts. They do exactly as the name implies, alerting to intrusion when a pane of glass is broken.
3. Motion Sensors
Most of us are familiar with motion sensors in a number of different forms. They are used to automate lighting in public restrooms. You might have motion-activated exterior lighting at home. From a security standpoint however, motion detectors are very good tools for keeping a watchful eye on your home.
A motion sensor is used to trip any number of devices. A motion sensor can trip an alarm, activate a security camera, turn on lights, etc. Using motion sensors creatively enhances any home security system’s capabilities.
4. Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is a device with a built-in sensor for detecting smoke. The sensor is a combination of receiver and transmitter that will trigger an alarm if smoke interrupts communication between them. Most smoke detectors work on infrared technology.
5. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Along the same lines as smoke detectors are carbon monoxide detectors. These are designed to continually measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. If any carbon monoxide is detected, the device triggers an alarm to warn occupants to get out. Carbon monoxide sensors are especially important given that the gas is colorless and odorless. It can overcome and kill in short order.
6. Panic Sensors
Also known as panic pendants and medical alert pendants, panic sensors are simple wireless devices that connect to a home security hub via wi-fi. In the event of an emergency, a pendant wearer need only push a button. The system instantly connects with a remote monitoring center staffed by trained personnel always ready to help.
Though the Vivint post pertained to Marilyn home security, all of the devices listed in it are applicable nationwide. If you plan to invest in a home security system, make sure you request all six types of sensors. They are all important to your safety and that of your family.