Vivint Authorized Retailer Portland
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Portland & Surrounding Areas

How Do Motion Detectors Work In Portland?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You’ve probably got a reasonable understanding of what motion detectors do solely based on their name. Of course, they detect movement, but how precisely do they work? Take a little time to learn about the technology that powers them and the many kinds of sensors you might find. You’ll get a deeper comprehension of how they work and how you can integrate them into your contemporary smart home.

 


What is the technology behind motion detectors?

Sensing activity can be performed in several specific ways, but motion detectors are generally grouped into one of two categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These sensors are viewed as active, as they continually broadcast signals like microwaves and then measure the rate of response. Movement is signified when the time of response changes. Although microwave sensors are most common, you’ll also encounter active motion detectors that use infrared light or sound waves.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Regularly encountered within home security applications, PIR motion detectors operate by noticing variations in the surrounding temperature. ​​Essentially, the device detects what the normal temperature is supposed to be within a designated area. If there are sudden heat surges, like a trespasser creeping across the area, the detector observes it and activates your alarm system. Since they don’t continuously emit signals, passive detectors usually utilize less power and are less expensive to run.

Besides active and passive, you might find hybrid motion detectors that utilize more than one technology. These can help lessen false alarms, as every sensor has to be triggered before the alarm system goes off. Additional options include vibration motion detectors and tomographic devices that are commonly used in bigger commercial or industrial locations.

Ways to incorporate Portland motion detectors

The chief purpose of motion detectors is to identify activity within a designated area, typically up to 50 feet away. You’ll frequently find them incorporated into outdoor floodlights or as standalone devices within the interior of your home. When motion is sensed, they’ll trigger your alarm system and inform your 24/7 monitoring staff.

But contemporary motion detectors are more adaptable than at any time before. As a matter of fact, they are able to interact directly with other smart components. To illustrate, they can signal your integrated smart lights to illuminate or your video camera to record if movement is detected. They may even signal your smart thermostat to alter the temperature.

Receive automatic alerts and adjust settings for pets

One more great advantage of contemporary motion detectors is that you’ll get alerts dispatched to your mobile phone whenever the detector is activated. If you have house pets, you may even ward off false alarms by customizing settings to accommodate the size of your four-legged friends.

Start Designing Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in Portland

Now that you have a better understanding of how motion detectors work in Portland, it’s time to include them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors cover large areas, provide wide-angle capability, and last for many years without needing a new battery. They’ll also work in harmony with your other home automation tools. Are you prepared to begin? Contact (503) 213-9485 to talk to a skilled Vivint representative today.