Home security sensors are a critical component of a house alarm system. It is extremely important for Homeowners to understand the types of home security sensors that are available to them. This awareness will allow Homeowners to make an informed decision in purchasing the right type of security to suit their needs.

Window and Glass Sensors

The most common type of home security sensors used are window and glass sensors. This device detects vibrations when a window or door is opened. If this device is hooked up to a house alarm system, when a window or door is opened, it will trigger the alarm.

There are also Glass Break Detectors, whereby this device is designed to react to sounds or vibrations of breaking glass. Once attached to a window, the alarm is triggered when the glass is broken. 

Motion Sensors:

Another type of home security sensor is an electronic motion detector. In a nutshell, this type of sensor detects motion and turns it into an electric signal which is sent to a base when movement is detected. Most motion sensors can identify movement of up to 15-25 meters (50-80 feet). If a motion detector is hooked up to a house alarm system, when movement is detected it will trigger the alarm.

There are 3 main types of technology used in motion sensors. The first type of motion detector is called a passive infrared sensor (“PIR”). This sensor looks for body heat. The second type is called a microwave sensor. This detector will send out microwave pulses, and look for changes in the frequency that is sent back. The last type of motion sensor is called an ultrasonic sensor. This uses sound or radio waves and will look for changes in the echo that is received back from the senor.

With the advancements in technology, there are illumination sensor that have been designed to ensure things like bugs, you pets roaming around the house or waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom will not trigger your alarm.

Heat Detector

A heat detector is a fire detection device and triggers when there is an increase in thermal energy. There are two main types. The most common is the fixed temperature detector. This device is set at a fixed temperature and once the thermal energy reaches this fixed temperature, it triggers an alarm. The second is a rate of rise device and is triggered when there is a rapid rise in temperature of 12-15 degrees Fahrenheit (6-8 degrees Celsius) per minute.