What is a Microwave Motion Detector: A Quick Guide

Being able to trust that your home security system will help protect your property is the main reason most people invest in security systems. The main method for securing a property from unexpected intrusion includes motion detectors, also known as motion sensors.

Motion sensors are a simple, yet effective way to secure your home. They can be set to oversee motion on your property’s entryways and other vulnerable points in your house. Usually, door and window sensors will identify any sort of unauthorized entry; however, if someone does manage to breach your exterior security, you’ll want to know where unwelcome guests are while remaining inside of your home.

While the simplest motion sensors use radar or microwave technology, many can be employed utilizing radar, photosensors, or infrared motion detectors. All the various models of motion detectors are invaluable for security, but there are some differences.

What is a Microwave Motion Sensor?

How does a microwave motion sensor work? A microwave motion sensor uses electromagnetic radiation. It emits waves which are then reflected back to the receiver, and the receiver analyzes the waves that are bounced back.

If there is an object moving in the room, these waves are going to be altered. The microwave detector can sense changes from moment to moment. If no motion occurs, the signal is expected to remain static, receiving the same waves back again and again.

Because of the way that microwave motion sensors detect fluctuations in reflected signals, they can be set to have more or less sensitivity, allowing for different amounts of ambient motion to be omitted. They can identify very minute changes if desired, which could be ideal for a completely empty house. Otherwise, these can be calibrated to require larger-scale movement to avoid false alarms by something as small as a cat, for instance.

How Other Motion Sensors Differ

There are motion sensors that differ from microwave security sensors, many of which are described more in our blog. The following are a few of the more common devices below.

Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors:

Instead of sending a signal and waiting for the echo, PIR sensors detect changes in infrared radiation. These pyroelectric sensors generate an electrical charge when exposed to heat, and they are sensitive enough to detect heat from a person moving within the sensor’s range of vision. Walking in front of this sensor alters heat patterns detected by these sensors, triggering an alert.

Due to infrared sensor’s reliability, effectiveness in low-light conditions, and low power consumption, they are great for battery-operated units that communicate wirelessly to home security systems.

Ultrasonic Sensors:

Ultrasonic sensors emit a different type of signal from microwave motion sensors. They detect motion based on sound wave reflections using high-frequency sound waves, not audible to the human ear. These units are effective in various environments and are more often associated with commercial property security monitoring.

What Are the Capabilities of a Microwave Motion Sensor?

More advanced microwave sensors can also detect whether an individual is moving towards or away from the sensor or moving randomly. These detectors are helpful to sense and differentiate between ordinary movement and intruder movement. This feature of these sensors makes them highly reliable.

Microwave sensors are completely safe to use. They can be employed both inside and outside a property and be placed across relatively large areas. They can also be configured to detect different types of activity, such as ignoring certain areas of the home, perhaps where pets or children might be active.

Benefits of a Microwave Motion Sensor

Microwave motion detectors can be used in virtually any environment, including those that are not otherwise hospitable to sensors, such as high-heat environments that can set off photo-electric sensors. This makes them one of the most versatile types of sensor systems.

Microwave detectors can go through walls and holes. This means they can cover a larger home or commercial property area, including large outdoor areas. Because of this, they’re usually good for those who need to secure large areas of land.

These detectors can also be programmed to reduce the number of false alarms without having to minimize the of correct positives, therefore improving accuracy and ease of use. Additionally, microwave detectors are generally less expensive to purchase, even though they may be more expensive to run.

When shopping for sensors, it’s important to remember the everyday instances that could trigger a false alarm, such as moving drapery or shifting sun patterns. Plus, the sensors require a continuous power draw; so, this is why they may be expensive to run. They also only work at intervals rather than working continuously, by sending out signals and then receiving them.

Microwave Motion Detectors: Pros and Cons

Perhaps you’ve made your pros and cons list and realize that your family needs more than just one tier of home security. Or maybe you’re looking for 24/7, professionally monitored protection. If you fall into this category, then consider securing your home with Brinks Home™.

Brinks is a trusted name in the home security space. With over 160 years of experience in the security industry, we’ve gained a reputation for stellar customer service and cutting-edge home security products to keep you and your family safe and secure.

Our line of innovative security devices includes motion detectors, door and window sensors, touchscreen control panels, indoor and outdoor cameras, and other smart home security equipment. Contact us today to speak with a Security Consultant who can provide more information about the different types of sensors available.