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Electrical Wiring

Security system question....which forum?

9 years ago

I am having some minor security alarm issues which got me to wondering about my motion sensors and my system in general. The new system I am considering specifically mentions the motion sensors won't go off due to small dogs (under 30 pounds). Apparently HEAT is what triggers them, not actual movement like I had thought.The new system under consideration uses passive infrared/thermal.

My question is about my current sensors. My alarm company (not the one that installed it) could not really tell me if my small dog (11 pounds) would trigger it by going on and off the sofa. I don't know if mine are infra-red (heat triggered) or if they are actually triggered by movement. My system was installed in 1996.

Does anybody know what the standard type of motion sensor was in 1996?

Thanks

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Comments (2)

Ron Natalie
9 years ago
The IR systems use motion. They're not sensitive enough to use heat. I don't know many that are selective enough to reject smaller objects. If your dogs don't jump or get up the furniture, it's possible to get some that are selective enough not to look down low. Still it's somewhat problematic. I've got sensors on all the doors and windows and glass breaks and a few carefully placed IR detectors in places the animals won't be when the system is armed.
weedmeister
9 years ago
My parents alarm system had a 'Stay' and 'Away' mode. Only 'Away' activated the indoor motion sensors. And that was in rooms where pets were not allowed when away.
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