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Home security is essential, but it doesn't come cheap. Property crime is still one of the most common offenses in the US, so it's no surprise that many homeowners are looking at ways to protect themselves and their homes from criminals. This is where installing a driveway alarm can help add the first line of defense to your property.
But are driveway alarms reliable and are they easy to install? Do you even need a driveway alarm if you already have a system operating inside your home?
Of course, you may just want to be notified when a visitor shows up on your doorstep. But, to answer these questions we will look at what components make up a driveway alarm and how it can be useful in preventing your home from being a target. This article offers a quick overview of "how wireless driveway alarms work." If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us.
How Does It Work?
Wireless driveway alarms are devices that send you an alert when someone has stepped foot on your property. This can be especially useful if you have a long driveway where the entrance cannot be seen from the house. Plus, having that extra layer of security gives many homeowners peace of mind not just throughout the day but also at night.
The alarm is made up of two parts, the transmitter which detects motion, and the receiver. Transmitters are normally placed in a discreet area near the entrance of the driveway and the receiver is kept inside the house in a wall socket. Once the transmitter detects movement, it sends a signal to the receiver which gives off an alert.
There are of course hardwired versions of driveway alarms, but the main advantages of wireless alarms are that it's easy to install and the receiver is also portable. Wireless alarms are battery-powered and usually only require an occasional change of batteries when it comes to maintenance.
Types Of Driveway Alert Sensors
There are a few different types of sensors that detect motion, and which one you choose will depend on what type of movement you want to monitor. For example, you may want to monitor vehicles only and not people coming down your driveway.
Passive Infrared Driveway Motion Sensors
This type of sensor uses heat to sense motion, whether it's a person, an animal, or a car. Passive infrared sensors have a beam that can sense when something or someone passes through.
If you're looking for an affordable option, these types of motion detectors make a good choice. They're often easy to install and their lower price point makes them an excellent option if you need to secure multiple entry points.
Magnetic Probe Sensor Driveway Monitors
As the name suggests, a magnetic probe has sensors that only detect metal objects. This makes it ideal for property owners that do not want to be alerted by anything that moves, such as animals and birds.
It is a more expensive type of sensor, but it is completely hidden once installed and weatherproof. The magnetic probe has both wired and wireless versions, with the wireless version being simpler to install.
For long-term protection without the hassle of changing batteries, the wired version of the magnetic probe is worth installing. However, wireless versions can work just as well, with high-quality alarms that can often reach across wide ranges.
Break-Beam Sensor Driveway Alerts
These are alarms that have more than one photo beam sensor. For the transmitter to send an alert with the break-beam sensor, all beams must be disturbed/broken at once. This type of sensor is especially useful if you want to detect people but avoid false alarms from animals crossing through the beams, as it is virtually impossible for them to break all the beams at the same time.
Other Considerations
When looking at the different types of sensors, you will also need to think about the width of your driveway. Because if the area is too wide, you may find that the sensor may not work. Longer distances will require a stronger sensor for the beam to detect movement, so be sure to check this before buying.
Another thing to consider is how far away your home is from the entrance of your driveway. What if you plan to bring the receiver with you out into the backyard? Will the signal from the transmitter be strong enough to reach you?
Distance is not the only factor that can hamper the signal from a driveway alarm. Living in an area with dense forest cover can also be a problem, as some transmitters will have trouble sending signals through trees and woods.
The thickness of the walls in your home is another area that you should take into account. Although wireless technology is very advanced these days, the transmitter might be unable to penetrate through your property. Should this be the case, then more often than not, the best option would be to use a wired driveway alarm.
What About Driveway Alarm Cameras?
For those of you looking for some extra security enhancements, connecting motion-activated cameras can instantly show you a live feed. For homes with long driveways, multiple cameras and sensors will need to be placed strategically to capture all angles. Of course, if you have a shorter driveway, then one sensor should be enough to provide you with a full view of the area.
Are Driveway Alarms Right For You?
Burglaries don't just happen out of the blue. Criminals tend to scope and mark properties in advance before making a move. So it can be especially helpful to have an alert that will draw your attention to early signs of threat.
Regardless of whether you currently have an internal alarm system set up, driveway alarms will ensure that you are fully aware of what goes on outside of your home. Additionally, it can be a great deterrent for would-be burglars.
Securing your home doesn't have to be hard. If you're looking for more advice on the best wireless alarm systems for your home, then be sure to contact our friendly team for more information.