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How Do Motion Detectors Work In Fort Collins?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You most likely have a pretty good idea of what motion detectors do merely based on their name. Indeed, they sense motion, but how precisely do they work? Take a moment to discover the technology that drives them and the different sorts of devices you might encounter. You’ll achieve a deeper understanding of how they work and how you are able to integrate them into your modern smart home.

 


What is the technology that drives motion detectors?

Sensing activity can be performed in several different ways, but motion detectors are usually placed into one of two categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These devices are deemed active, as they regularly send out signals like microwaves and then assess the rate of response. Activity is shown when the response time changes. While microwave sensors are most frequently used, you’ll also find active motion detectors that measure infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Frequently encountered within home security applications, PIR motion detectors function by identifying changes in the ambient temperature. ​​In essence, the device detects what the standard temperature should be within a specified area. If there are sudden heat increases, like an intruder skulking across the room, the detector takes notice and activates your security alarm. Since they aren’t continuously sending out signals, passive detectors generally need less power and are more cost-effective to run.

Along with active and passive, you may encounter hybrid motion sensors that use multiple technologies. These can help minimize false alarms, as every sensor has to be triggered before the warning siren goes off. Additional choices include vibration motion detectors and tomographic devices that are frequently used in more extensive commercial or industrial buildings.

How to use Fort Collins motion detectors

The chief goal of motion detectors is to spot activity within a designated area, usually as far as 50 feet away. You’ll frequently find them integrated into outdoor floodlights or as freestanding devices within the interior of your home. When motion is sensed, they’ll set off your alarm and notify your dedicated monitoring team.

But present-day motion detectors are more adaptable than ever before. In fact, they are able to communicate directly with other smart components. To illustrate, if movement is discovered, they may trigger your smart bulbs to switch on or your video camera to begin recording. They can even signal your smart thermostat to alter the temperature.

Receive immediate updates and customize settings for furry friends

One more great advantage of modern motion detectors is that you’ll have automatic alerts dispatched to your cell phone any time the sensor is triggered. If you own animals, you are even able to help ward off false alarms by adjusting settings to account for the size of your furry family members.

Customize Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Fort Collins

Now that you have a better understanding of how motion detectors work in Fort Collins, it’s time to include them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors oversee big areas, offer wide-angle capability, and last for multiple years without requiring a new battery. They’ll also work in perfect unison with your other home automation devices. Are you excited to get started? Dial (970) 703-0718 to converse with a helpful Vivint representative today.