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How Motion Sensors Work

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 10:00 am 1 Response »

Apr 252012

There is definitely some mystery surrounding motion sensors. They are a core element of most alarm systems, and it’s rare that I see an alarm system without at least one motion sensor. So, let’s dig into what they really do.

Motion sensors detect and report motion – in most cases when nobody is home. That’s why they are normally not “awake” when you arm your system for the night (see my recent post for a reminder on “Stay” vs. “Away” arming). It’s usually not practical to puta sensor on every window, and you usually don’t need to, since you can use motion sensors and glass break detectors to get the protection you need more affordably. Plus, motion sensors have come a long way from the original models – much more reliable, and less prone to false alarms.

How do they work?

The early motion sensors were considered “active” devices, because they emitted energy (microwave or ultrasonic) to see what was happening around them. There are some still some microwave sensors being installed in commercial spaces. Today the most common motion sensor uses PassiveInfra-Red energy to detect heat given off by people (and animals!) – hence the name “PIR” given to the device. The smart detectors look for objects warmer than the normal background temperature, using a special lens to create “beams” of passive energy, and then look for motion: when the sensor detects a “warm” object moving across several beams within a specified time frame – that trips the alarm. If you want more of the science, here is a great link for the specifics. Read More »

Wireless Home Security – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Strikes Chicago Home

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 12:29 pm No Responses »

Mar 062012

It was a close call for two adults and two children who were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. I recently came across this story, reported from Englewood, a section of Chicago, IL, and it reminded me that several states (including California and New York) have passed legislation requiring certain homeowners to install carbon monoxide sensors. It remains to be seen how many residents of these states will comply with the new laws aimed at saving lives.

A 52-year-old woman, a 22-year-old man and two children became ill Sunday night from elevated carbon monoxide levels in a South Side Englewood neighborhood home. Fire Media Affairs reported at 11:35 p.m. that a Level 1 Hazmat response was called to the 7100 block of South Winchester Avenue due to high carbon monoxide levels. Read More »

CO Poisoning

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 10:00 am 3 Responses »

Feb 132012

Winter is far from over, and the snow drifts are still piled high in many parts of the country. Plus, we have plenty of cold weather still ahead of us. That’s why life safety authorities in a number of jurisdictions around the US are issuing renewed warnings about carbon monoxide – the odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas that results from partial combustion. In December I posted on a family’s close call with carbon monoxide– and here’s a recent article from Abington, MA, just outside Boston:

With snow piling up around and on top of businesses and homes, fire chiefs are warning people to keep their vents clear and avoid a potentially fatal backup of carbon monoxide. “You just have to make sure there is plenty of clearance,” Abington Fire Chief John Nuttall said. He warned in particular about power vents, located close to ground level on the sides of buildings. Because they’re installed so low, snow can cover them easily and cause carbon monoxide to back up and become trapped inside. Read More »

Colorado Community Sees Unusual Spike in Burglaries – Crime Hits the Slopes in Vail, CO

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 5:02 pm No Responses »

Sep 122011

The recent increase in home (and business) intrusion that has plagued many portions of the US has brought crime to locales that have been relatively free from burglaries up until now. Sometimes these supposedly “safe havens” are in rural areas, which we have seen are no longer immune to break-ins. And in other situations, the perps are preying on resort communities where we don’t think of crime as an issue. Two recent articles on Vail, Colorado prove the point (click here or here for details).

We like to think of the Vail Valley as a safe place. And it is, mostly. That means much of what property crime we do have is fairly easy to prevent. Detectives with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office are investigating several burglaries right now, all of which have taken place over the past month. Those crimes range from items stolen while a house was being painted to burglaries at occupied homes in Beaver Creek to taking money from an ATM on Vail Mountain. Read More »

Biggest Lies Alarm Companies Tell

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 10:00 am 2 Responses »

Sep 092011

One of my colleagues here at FrontPoint suggested today’s blog topic. Ken Lawshe has spoken with thousands of alarm shoppers (many of whom are now happy FrontPoint customers!), and shared with me what he hears in the marketplace. There’s also plenty of online evidence that not all alarm companies are telling the truth – sadly. So here’s a list of the Top 10 lies that alarm companies use to get your business – and if you’re one of the nearly80% of US homeowners without a monitored alarm system, you’ll want to keep this info handy when you do start shopping for peace of mind. Note: the links below provide helpful background on each item.

“You really don’t need cellular monitoring.” This is probably the biggest fib out there.Burglars cut phone lines – and even if they didn’t, if AT&T and other carriers get their way, there won’t be any traditional phones left in a few years to cut. The only safe and reliable monitoring method is cellular. By the way, Internet monitoring is just as bad as a phone line: it’s every bit as easy to cut your internet connection as your phone line – same $3 pair of wire cutters. Read More »