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How Do Motion Detectors Work In Salt Lake City?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You most likely have a fairly decent grasp of what motion detectors do merely based on their title. Of course, they identify motion, but how specifically do they work? Take a minute to discover the technology that powers them and the various kinds of sensors you might come across. You’ll gain a better comprehension of how they work and how you are able to incorporate them into your modern smart home.

 


What is the technology that powers motion detectors?

Detecting motion can be performed in a few specific ways, but motion detectors are usually classified into either of these two categories - active or passive.

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

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Regularly found within home defense systems, PIR motion detectors perform by discovering variations in the surrounding temperature. ​​Essentially, the component notes what the standard temperature is supposed to be within a specified area. If there are rapid surges of heat, like a trespasser sneaking across the space, the detector observes it and sets off your alarm. Since they don’t constantly transmit signals, passive detectors typically require less power and are more cost-effective to operate.

Along with passive and active, you may find hybrid motion detectors that employ more than one technology. These can help minimize false alarms, as each sensor must be triggered before the alarm system goes off. Other alternatives include vibration motion detectors and tomographic sensors that are commonly employed in bigger industrial facilities.

Ways to implement Salt Lake City motion detectors

The chief purpose of motion detectors is to spot motion within a given area, usually up to 50 feet away. You’ll usually find them incorporated into outdoor floodlights or as standalone devices within your residence. When movement is noticed, they’ll trigger your warning siren and notify your 24/7 monitoring team.

But modern motion detectors are more adaptable than they’ve been in the past. In fact, they can communicate directly with other smart components. To illustrate, if movement is recognized, they may trigger your lights to turn on or your surveillance device to commence recording. They can even alert your smart thermostat to modify the temperature.

Get automatic updates and customize settings for animals

One more significant perk of current motion detectors is that you’ll get updates transmitted to your cell phone each time the device is tripped. If you have house pets, you can even ward off false alarms by customizing settings to accommodate the size of your furry family members.

Customize Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Salt Lake City

Now that you have a deeper understanding of how motion detectors work in Salt Lake City, it’s time to incorporate them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors cover big areas, offer wide-angle detection, and last for many years without needing a change of battery. They’ll also work in harmony with your other home automation tools. Are you ready to get started? Call (385) 350-4458 to speak with a helpful Vivint team member today.