In any home or business security system, early detection serves as the first line of defense. Among the available components, infrared sensors have established themselves as an essential element for identifying intrusions before any damage occurs.
What is an infrared sensor and how does it work?
Most motion sensors used in alarm systems are of the PIR (Passive Infrared) type.They are called "passive" because they do not emit any type of radiation or light; instead, they act as heat-sensitive receivers.
- Thermal radiation detection: All living beings and objects emit infrared radiation based on their body temperature.
- Environmental variation: The sensor divides the monitored area into multiple beams or sectors. When a person walks through the room, they disrupt the thermal balance between sectors, a change the sensor immediately detects as a motion signal.
Single vs. dual-technology PIR
When choosing the right equipment, it is essential to understand the differences between the types of detectors:
- Simple PIR sensor: It uses exclusively the infrared channel to detect temperature changes. It is ideal for stable indoor spaces free from sudden drafts or drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Dual-technology sensor (PIR + Microwave): It combines the infrared detector with a small microwave radar. For the alarm to trigger, both technologies must confirm the presence simultaneously.This ensures absolute precision in complex spaces, such as garages, industrial warehouses, or living rooms with large windows.
Where to install them to ensure total coverage
False alarms are annoying and undermine the effectiveness of security. Modern infrared technology has evolved to minimize this problem:
- Pet discrimination (Pet Immune): Configured with specific lenses and algorithms, these sensors ignore the movement of domestic animals up to a certain weight or height.
- Filtering of environmental interference: Quality sensors prevent activations caused by sudden changes in sunlight, heating drafts, or small insects.
- Combined verification: In dual-technology systems, the margin of error due to false alarms is virtually non-existent.
Why they significantly reduce false alarms
To get the most out of an infrared sensor, its placement is strategic:
- Mandatory stop: Hallways, main circulation areas, and access points to bedrooms or home offices.
- Entry points: Areas near main doors, large windows, or access points from terraces and gardens.
- Correct orientation: The sensor should be positioned to cross the intruder's likely path (transverse movement is detected much more effectively than movement directly toward the sensor).
- Avoid heat sources: Avoid aiming directly at radiators, air conditioning units, or windows exposed to direct sunlight.
In SES Security, we conduct a preliminary assessment of each property to install infrared sensors at the precise height and angle, ensuring maximum protection and complete peace of mind for your home or business.