Motion Sensor technology can be found in several electronic devices, and the technology allows these devices to detect movement. The technology is usually used in home and office security systems to identify trespassers. However, they can be found in various other devices such as smartphones, virtual reality technology, gaming consoles, and smart devices with numerous uses.
Given that motion sensors have multiple uses in multiple devices, let’s have a look at what role a motion sensor plays in terms of home security, and the types of motion sensors there exist.
Motion Sensors & Home Security
Motion sensors when used for home security purposes, are essentially used for their ability to identify trespassers in a specific area and alert its users in real-time, whether it is through an alarm that is instantly triggered or notifications sent directly to your devices. The sensors work whether you’re at home or out, or even when you just configure the system to work at any point of the day.
So motion sensors work in specific ways, the obvious one being where users can configure them to perform specific tasks when any motion is detected – for instance, they can be used to trigger the security alarm, activate any floodlights, or even alert the relevant police authorities of the area. These are some of the most common uses of a motion sensor when it comes to home security. However, with newer technology, there are more ways how motion sensors can help with home security. Smart doorbells for instance use motion sensor technology to trigger the device when someone approaches the door, whether they ring the bell or not. And smart cameras on the other hand can alert you whenever anybody enters the living room.
Types of Motion Sensors
There are different types of motion sensors that perform different functions. Read on below.
Passive Infrared Motion Sensors
Passive infrared sensors rely on body heat to identify motion. That basically means they detect motion using body heat, and by looking for changes in body temperature. These are quite commonly used in home security devices since they contain a filter that allows only infrared light to pass through them. Whenever an animal or a person walks into the detection range of a PIR sensor, there is a difference in radiation, which is detected and then triggers whatever the alarm response is set up by the user.
Microwave Motion Sensors
These sensors measure the reflection that comes off of moving objects. Compared to other motion sensors, these generally cover a larger area of detection but can prove to be more expensive and are susceptible to electrical interference that makes it easy to rig the functioning of the device, leaving it to eventually malfunction or set off false alarms.
Dual Technology Motion Sensors
These motion detectors work in such a way that they combine the functioning of several detection methods so as to reduce the number of false alarms. Dual technology sensors can, for instance, combine the use of both, passive infrared sensor and microwave detection technology. With the use of both kinds of motion sensing technology, the reason why dual technology motion sensors are less likely to cause false alarms is because both sensors need to become active to trigger an alarm.
Smart Devices That Use Motion Sensor Technology
As we already mentioned, home security systems usually feature motion sensor technology, but along with that so do some smart devices. Here are two smart devices that come built-in with motion sensor tech.
1. Video Doorbells
Smart video doorbells are the upgraded, smart, 21st-century version of a doorbell for your home. These devices are usually small in size and come with built-in cameras that sport HD quality video, and a speaker and microphone – with the ability to be answered straight from your smartphones!
As far as motion sensors are concerned, almost every video doorbell features motion sensor technology. How do they work? Well, with the Nest Video Doorbell for instance, users can set an Activity Zone that becomes a designated area where if there’s any movement within it, the device sends alerts straight to your smartphones. Motion sensor tech can also help differentiate between humans, objects, and animals – and can filter out alerts accordingly.
2. Smart Cameras
Smart cameras are the new surveillance cameras of this decade, and here’s why. These cameras are available in wired and battery-operated variants, allowing you to place them or mount them wherever you like – their small size also makes it much easier to do so. What’s great about smart cameras is that just like all smart devices these are also accessible through your smartphones; you can watch the live video feed as well as communicate with whoever is at the other end of the camera.
When it comes to motion sensor technology, smart cameras can alert you whenever it picks up on any movement within the camera field while you’re away. It enables you to always keep an eye on your home from wherever you are.
Final idea
If you’re looking for smart devices for your home security purposes, head on over to and check out FirstEnergy’s extensive catalog of smart home devices on www.firstenergyhome.com. Now that you’re aware of the kinds of different motion sensor technologies that exist, you would know what suits your home better!