In these troubled economic times, crime is on the increase. Especially, it seems, home invasions. Criminals of all stripes, from the cagey professionals to the confused addicts, are trying their luck against suburban castles for a chance at great rewards. As such, there is much to gain in upgrading your home security with a few extras. You can set up flood lights, tall fences, and alarm systems. You can get dogs, or security bars on your doors and windows. There are any number of options when it comes to home security.

Combinations are Good
Lights, fences and alarms are all well and good on their own. Combinations are even better. But, for the ultimate home security experience, consider adding motion detectors to your repertoire. Why? Well, if used in conjunction with other security measures, motion detectors can keep would-be thieves from even getting close to your valuables. Too, they’re a quiet form of security device, and perfect for someone looking to keep their home security surveillance systems unobtrusive.

Sense Motion
Motion detectors work on a simple principle – they sense motion. They are devices that contain mechanisms which quantify motions and can be easily integrated with other devices. There are several basic types. The passive infrared motion detectors, which can sense body heat and emit no energy. Then there are ultrasonic units, which emit pulses and measure the reflections off of a moving target. And, of course, there are the detectors that send out microwave pulses and measure the reflections. Each of these work on the same basic principle…they ‘see’ motion and send a signal to an alarm system, alerting you of the presence of potential intruder. These are all available as wireless motion detectors which make them continue to operate even if there is a power failure either system-wide or deliberate.

Trigger Floodlights
Now, imagine a motion detector used to trigger a set of flood lights. The thief trips the detector and the floodlights snap on, blinding the thief and illuminating his shape. Startled, he decides against continuing his efforts to relieve you of your valuables. Or, as is more common, you could integrate your motion detector with an alarm or siren system. This latter set-up can quickly become a pain, however, especially if your motion detectors are too sensitive. You can even use them in conjunction with silent alarms, that is calling a security service.

Downsides
Speaking of which, there are downsides to using motion detectors, as with any security devices. If they are set too sensitive, they can activate your secondary security systems on account of squirrels, leaves caught in the wind and even insects. Set too low, and they’ll miss a light-footed thief. Motion detectors should only be used if you are serious about home security, as they can cause just as many problems as they can prevent.

Fake Them Out
Install a fake version of a well-known motion detector in a visible location. any would be burglar will see this and wonder is it real, or maybe he will just take it as a working detector. A fake motion detector is cheap and even though it is a bluff, probably will work to keep those intent on break in in, deciding to move on to an easier mark.

Webcam
Combining a camera, some software, and a motion detector together to make a webcam motion detector will allow you to view the scene from a remote location on your laptop whenever someone trips the detector. Welcome to the twenty-first century.

But, as far as home security goes, installing motion detectors is a good idea. Connected to lights or alarms (silent or otherwise), they can give your home that extra bit of security you’ve been looking for. Simply make sure that they’re set properly, and motion detectors can serve as an essential part of any home security system.

By: Mac Abley

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