Home Security Sensors

Modern home security systems have many components that are necessary in order for them to function. Some are for security and some are for safety. There will always be a central control panel, usually fitted with a keypad and there will often be a sounder/siren often with flashing strobe so when the alarm system is triggered, the sounder will be audible and light will flash. Various optional sensors are then connected to the control panel either wirelessly or hard wired such as door and window sensors or movement sensors which will monitor the property.

But what actually makes the alarm trigger? The alarm is triggered by the sensors that are connected to it, sending a signal to the control panel to tell it that it has been activated. The control panel is the brain of the system which works out the next action to be taken. Not all sensors will immediately trigger an alarm condition. Some of the sensors on the circuit, once triggered, will actually delay the alarm being fired. The delay is to allow you to deactivate the alarm system. These types of sensors are used in common entry points to the property such as font or back doors. It is only advisable to have 1 or 2 delay type sensors in a property. The reason being is that although it’s useful for you to have a delay when you enter the property, it’s useful for an intruder too.

There are various types of sensors that can be added to a home security system. When you purchase a system you usually get one or two sensors to get you started but you may have to purchase additional sensors. The common home security sensors are:

Door sensor
Window sensor
PIR motion sensor
Carbon monoxide detector
Smoke detector

Door Sensor

Usually of magnetic read switch type. They are installed in such a way that when a door is closed a circuit is made so when the door is open the circuit is broken which sends a signal to the control panel. A plastic capsule has a read switch inside it and when a magnet is in close proximity to the capsule, the read switch closes making contact and a circuit is made. When the magnet is moved away, the circuit is broken. Therefore the capsule with the read switch is fitted to the door frame and the magnet is fitted to the door.

Window Sensor

The magnetic type of window sensor works in the same principle to door sensors. Alternatively there are shock type window sensors which are triggered by a strike to the window.

PIR Motion Sensor

Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors are used for detecting movement within a room of a property. These sensors detect body heat and will trigger when a person walks into a room or hallway of a property. If no entry door sensor is used as part of the alarm system the PIR sensors are often set with a delay of several seconds before they trigger. This is to allow entry into a property so the alarm can be deactivated.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

This is a device that detects the presence of the toxic gas, carbon monoxide. If a high level of carbon monoxide is detected, the alarm will be triggered. They are used to monitor your gas powered appliances such as a water heater boiler or gas fire. This device could well save your life as carbon monoxide is a odourless, colorless gas and humans cannot detect it.

Smoke detector

Again this type of sensor could save your life as its function is to monitor an occurrence of fire in your home. Once fire breaks out it goes through you home so quickly, you may not have time to get everyone out. With a fire detector you will have early warning to the emergency to get out quickly and safely.

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