How Do Motion Detectors Work In Joliet?

You’ve probably got a fairly decent idea of what motion detectors do merely based on their name. Of course, they detect movement, but how precisely do they work? Take a minute to explore the technology behind them and the various types of sensors you might find. You’ll achieve a better understanding of how they work and how you can incorporate them into your advanced smart home.

What is the technology that powers motion detectors?

Identifying movement can be performed in several different ways, but motion detectors are generally grouped into either of these categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These instruments are deemed active, as they continually broadcast transmissions like microwaves and then measure the rate of response. Activity is indicated when the return time changes. While 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: Commonly seen within home security applications, PIR motion detectors function by noticing variations in the ambient temperature. ​​Basically, the device learns what the normal temperature should be within a given area. If there are sudden surges of heat, like an invader skulking through the space, the device recognizes it and sets off your alarm system. Since they aren’t continuously sending out signals, passive detectors usually use less power and are less expensive to run.

Besides active and passive, you might come across hybrid motion detectors that utilize multiple technologies. These can help lower false alarms, as every sensor has to be activated before the alarm system goes off. Additional choices include vibration motion detectors and tomographic sensors that are commonly used in larger industrial facilities.

How to incorporate Joliet motion detectors

The primary purpose of motion detectors is to detect movement within a designated area, generally up to 50 feet away. You’ll usually find them included in exterior floodlights or as freestanding devices within the interior of your residence. When activity is identified, they’ll set off your alarm system and alert your dedicated monitoring agents.

But contemporary motion detectors are more functional than ever before. As a matter of fact, they can interact directly with other smart equipment. For instance, they can trigger your integrated smart light bulbs to turn on or your video camera to record whenever activity is noticed. They may even alert your smart thermostat to adjust the temperature.

Get automatic alerts and adjust settings for pets

One more tremendous advantage of current motion detectors is that you’ll have immediate alerts dispatched to your mobile phone every time the sensor is tripped. If you own animals, you are even able to help prevent false alarms by adjusting settings to account for the size of your furry family members.

Start Designing Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Joliet

Now that you have a deeper understanding of how motion detectors work in Joliet, it’s a great time to incorporate them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors oversee large areas, offer wide-angle capability, and last for multiple years without necessitating a change of battery. They’ll also synchronize perfectly with your additional smart home implements. Are you excited to get started? Contact (815) 427-4864 to talk to a skilled Vivint team member today.