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How Do Motion Detectors Work In Bellingham?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You’ve probably got a fairly decent understanding of what motion detectors do merely based on their name. Indeed, they detect activity, but how exactly do they work? Take a moment to learn about the technology that powers them and the many kinds of devices you might come across. You’ll get a deeper comprehension of how they work and how you can blend them into your modern smart home.

 


What is the technology that drives motion detectors?

Identifying activity can be performed in several different ways, but motion detectors are typically classified into either of these categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These instruments are viewed as active, as they regularly broadcast signals like microwaves and then assess the rate of response. Activity is signified when the response time changes. Although microwave sensors are most often found, you’ll also discover active motion detectors that use infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Often encountered within home security installations, PIR motion detectors operate by detecting shifts in the surrounding temperature. ​​Essentially, the instrument learns what the usual temperature is supposed to be within a specified area. If there are instant spikes of heat, like a burglar sneaking across the space, the sensor observes it and activates your alarm. Since they don’t actively emit signals, passive detectors usually need less power and are more economical to run.

Besides active and passive, you might come across hybrid motion sensors that use a mix of technologies. These can help reduce false alarms, as every sensor has to be activated before the warning siren is prompted. Additional choices include vibration motion detectors and tomographic sensors that are often employed in larger industrial spaces.

How to implement Bellingham motion detectors

The chief aim of motion detectors is to spot movement within a designated area, typically as far as 50 feet away. You’ll regularly find them included in outdoor floodlights or as independent devices within the interior of your property. When motion is sensed, they’ll set off your warning siren and notify your dedicated monitoring agents.

But present-day motion detectors are more versatile than they’ve been in the past. As a matter of fact, they are able to connect directly with other smart equipment. For instance, they can trigger your linked smart lights to turn on or your surveillance device to record if motion is detected. They might even notify your smart thermostat to modify the temperature.

Get immediate updates and customize settings for animals

One more significant perk of contemporary motion detectors is that you’ll have notifications transmitted to your smartphone any time the sensor is tripped. If you have animals, you are even able to help prevent false alarms by adjusting settings to accommodate the size of your four-legged family members.

Customize Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Bellingham

Now that you have a greater understanding of how motion detectors work in Bellingham, it’s a good time to include them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors watch over wide areas, give you wide-angle capability, and last for years without needing a new battery. They’ll also synchronize perfectly with your additional smart home implements. Are you ready to start? Dial (360) 968-8970 to talk to a knowledgeable Vivint representative today.