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How Do Motion Detectors Work In St. George?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You’re likely to have a fairly decent grasp of what motion detectors do solely based on their title. Indeed, they identify motion, but how precisely do they work? Take a little time to learn about the technology that powers them and the different kinds of sensors you might come across. You’ll get a deeper appreciation of how they work and how you are able to blend them into your modern smart home.

 


What is the technology that drives motion detectors?

Identifying activity can be achieved in several distinct ways, but motion detectors are usually placed into either of these two categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These devices are deemed active, as they continually transmit transmissions like microwaves and then measure the response time. Activity is signified when the time of response changes. While microwave sensors are most often found, you’ll also find active motion detectors that measure sound waves or infrared light.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Usually seen within home security applications, PIR motion detectors operate by identifying changes in the ambient temperature. ​​In essence, the instrument detects what the usual temperature is expected to be within a specified area. If there are sudden increases of heat, like a burglar sneaking along the space, the detector observes it and triggers your alarm system. Since they aren’t actively sending out signals, passive detectors generally use less power and are more economical to run.

In addition to passive and active, you might discover hybrid devices that use multiple technologies. These can help lessen false alarms, as every sensor has to be triggered before the alarm is prompted. Other possibilities include vibration motion detectors and tomographic devices that are typically utilized in bigger commercial or industrial facilities.

Ways to incorporate St. George motion detectors

The main goal of motion detectors is to spot movement within a given area, usually as far as 50 feet away. You’ll usually find them included in exterior floodlights or as standalone devices inside your property. When movement is identified, they’ll activate your alarm and advise your professional monitoring team.

But modern motion detectors are more versatile than at any time before. In fact, they are able to communicate directly with other smart equipment. For example, they can prompt your integrated smart light bulbs to turn on or your video camera to record when motion is noticed. They might even notify your smart thermostat to adjust the temperature.

Get instant alerts and customize settings for animals

One more great benefit of modern motion detectors is that you’ll get instant notifications transmitted to your mobile phone each time the sensor is activated. If you own animals, you can even prevent false alarms by tailoring settings to accommodate the size of your furry family members.

Start Designing Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in St. George

Now that you have a greater understanding of how motion detectors work in St. George, it’s a good time to incorporate them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors watch over large areas, offer wide-angle functionality, and last for multiple years without needing a change of battery. They’ll also synchronize perfectly with your other home automation tools. Are you prepared to get started? Contact (435) 375-3735 to speak with a helpful Vivint team member today.