Archive: Oct 2017

1. 5 Types of Motion Detectors

   October 20, 2017 8:21 am Leave a Comment

   We gave a basic overview of alarm system motion detectors in an earlier blog on how alarm systems work. Today, we are getting into the nitty-gritty of the 5 different types of motion detectors. Motion detectors, as you can imagine, are designed to detect motion. However, they don’t all detect motion in the same way and each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. What’s right for one person’s home may not be right for another person’s business. So, let’s take a look at the options available to you.

   Passive Infrared (PIR)

   PIR sensors work by detecting body heat and movement. If a moving object is large enough and gives off enough heat, the sensor is tripped. Of all of the sensors, these have the shortest range—about 30 feet.

   Strengths:

   • Pet friendly! Heat sensitivity can be adjusted to prevent false alarms from dogs, cats, or other small animals.
   • Inexpensive, use very little energy, and extremely durable.
   • Perfect for simple home security and covering small spaces.

   Weaknesses:

   • Ineffective at covering larger spaces.
   • Be careful if installing them yourself. If angled incorrectly they may not cover the right space.
   • Need line-of-sight with moving object to sense motion.

   

   Microwave

   Unfortunately, there is no life-hack that turns your microwave into a motion detector. Likewise, there’s no chance of being cooked like a microwave burrito every time you activate these sensors—the radiation is so extremely low that it’s harmless. Microwave sensors work in the same way as a radar gun. They sense movement by sending out microwaves. The sensor then records how the waves bounce off objects which shows if they are moving or not.

   Strengths:

   • Longer range than PIR sensors (400-1500 feet).
   • Microwaves can sense movement through most walls and around corners.
   • Not affected by harsh environmental conditions.

   Weaknesses

   • Prone to false alarms. Cars, pets, even large insects—any moving object can trigger the highly sensitive motion detector.
   • Does not run constantly. The sensor uses a lot of power, so it only sends out signals in intervals.
   • Does not penetrate metals. This creates “dead zones” behind metal objects.

   Ultrasonic

   Ultrasonic motion detectors would be perfect for Bruce Wayne’s Batcave. These sensors use echolocation—the same technique bats use to fly in the dark—and are very sensitive and expensive compared to microwave or infrared sensors.

   Strengths:

   • No “dead zones” in its area of coverage
   • Most sensitive type of motion detector
   • Good for indoor spaces with many barriers and objects (office spaces, restrooms, etc.)

   Weaknesses:

   • Expensive and have a short operating life
   • Most prone to false alarms
   • Pets like dogs, cats, or fish may be able to hear the high frequency waves and be irritated.

   Tomographic

   Tomographic motion detectors are arguably the most effective option, but may be overkill for many situations. First, many nodes need to be installed around the entire area you want covered. Each node uses radio waves to scan the entire area. Once installed, a sort of mesh covers every inch of the space. Overall, this is a fool-proof option for air-tight security.

   Strengths:

   • Complete coverage of an area up to 5,000 feet. Great for factories or warehouses.
   • Detects motion through walls and obstructions
   • Almost no chance of false alarms

   Weaknesses:

   • Cost effective only for larger spaces.

   Combined Sensors

   Another option is to buy a motion detector that combines an Infrared sensor with either a microwave or ultrasonic sensor. To set off a combined sensor, both types of sensors need to be triggered.

   Strengths:

   • Minimizes false alarms by requiring both sensors to be triggered.
   • Effective in many different spaces and locations.
   • Uses less energy than a microwave or ultrasonic motion detector. The Infrared sensor needs to be tripped before the others are activated.

   Weaknesses

   • Greater risk of not being triggered by intruder (intruder may trigger one sensor but not the other).

   Ready to Install Motion Detectors?
   The questions can start piling up when you begin looking for motion detectors. You hop on google, and it turns out there are four different types. . . which type is right for me? Then you hop on Amazon and there are dozens of options for each type of sensor. . . which product is legitimate and effective? Then you need to think about the location where you are installing them. . . how many motion detectors do I need and where should I put them?
   At Central Alarm, these are the kinds of questions that we love to answer. If you are ready to install motion detectors, contact our security experts today to discuss your options! We are here to provide the best security solution for your individual needs.

2. Security and Alarm Systems to Protect your Business

   October 10, 2017 8:43 am Leave a Comment

   Earlier on the blog, we showed that installing an alarm system for your home can be simple. You don’t need to pull a Home Alone to protect your home. Similarly, unless you are worried about Indiana Jones breaking in, you don’t need to pull a Temple of Doom to protect your business. Forget the poison darts, leave out the pressure plates, and scrap the massive rolling boulder.
   Instead, there are plenty of security and alarm systems for businesses that are significantly more advanced, effective, and secure (and less lethal). Here are several options for security and alarm systems that will protect your business.

   Fire Alarms

   Fire alarms are a basic necessity for every business. A fire isn’t like a burglar. A fire doesn’t care how secure your business is. Cameras, guards, high-tech locks, lasers, a moat—it doesn’t matter. If there is a fire, everyone needs to know as quickly as possible. Fire alarms are also necessary to make sure local authorities arrive soon enough.
   When installing fire alarms make sure they meet the local fire codes. If you already have fire alarms installed, it’s also important to ensure the sprinkler system and fire extinguishers are in working order.

   Video Surveillance

   Seeing cameras in a business is unnerving for a potential burglar. Installing a Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) will let you monitor your business and help prevent break-ins in the first place. The question then is, What camera system is right for your business?
   If you walk into a bank or a hospital, you’ll see cameras covering every inch of the building. For those businesses, full coverage is necessary. But for your business, it might be unreasonable to install that many cameras. Perhaps you need cameras pointed at building entrances. Maybe your business needs cameras covering outdoor areas. At Central Alarm, we can work with you to design a system that is perfect for your security needs and your budget.

   Card Access Control

   It’s the 21^st century, but most people depend on a 19^th century technology to protect their homes and businesses: a lock and key. For homes and small businesses, lock and key works pretty well. For larger businesses with many entrances, however, old-fashioned locks with keys are rather outdated and insecure. Hard keys are easily copied and many locks are quickly opened or broken by moderately skilled thieves. However, installing a Card Access Control system solves all of these problems. Card keys are extremely difficult to copy and the locks record when and where a door was opened (especially useful when cameras are watching the doors). Furthermore, it is quick and easy to transition from traditional locks to Card Access Control. It’s high-tech without being high-stress.

   Cybersecurity

   Crime has evolved with technology. Today, the black-clad cat burglar is less of a threat than a skilled computer hacker. Whether you own a small business or run a large corporation, cybersecurity needs to be a priority. In fact, Entrepreneur.com published an article saying “It used to be that some businesses were small enough to not matter to attackers. . . But with the volume of the attacks and the automation levels of the attacks, any business that is connected online needs to be prepared with proper security measures.” Cybersecurity can be hard to conceptualize, but there are plenty of options to begin fortifying your business’ online security.

   1. Internet Monitoring: Analyzes who is accessing your internet connection and what they are using it for.
   2. Firewalls: Prevents unauthorized users from getting into your system. Many computer attacks look for weaknesses in firewalls, so ensure yours is strong.
   3. Data Backup: Saves all your data so you don’t lose any information if there is a security breach.
   4. Password Security: All passwords should be strong with a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Two-Factor Authentication is probably the most secure option.
   5. Educate Employees: Train employees to be aware of cybersecurity, like how to spot a breach, protect passwords, and avoid dangerous websites, downloads, and email scams.

   Next Steps

   Operating a successful business is difficult—long hours, hard work, no short-cuts. That’s why at Central Alarm we take no short-cuts in securing your business. We believe no business owner should show up to work to find a broken lock, a burned building, or an email about fraud on the company card.  If you are ready to protect your business, contact our security experts here at Central Alarm. We will work with you to find the best possible solution for your security needs.