Selecting a Driveway Alarm
Buying a driveway alarm can be quite a confusing task. There are lots of factors to consider and lots of options to be made. When contemplating you buy the car you will come across 3 common types, each has its very own advantages and disadvantages. These different types of driveway alarms differ in the sensor technology being used; there are rubber hoses, infrared sensors, and magnetic probes.
driveway alarm system
- The rubber hose sensor is simply a long rubber hose which you lay across your driveway that may detect huge object moving over it. It'll often not detect people or animals since it requires the hose being compressed with considerable force to produce a signal. The drawbacks for this sensor, however, are how the rubber hose is exposed and will deteriorate with use and contact with harsh weather conditions. For example, if you reside in a location that receives snowfall, snowplows and freezing temperatures will damage the rubber hose and you will have to replace it all most of the time to as part of general maintenance on your driveway alarm system. driveway alarms
- The infrared sensor acts as an electronic eye that detects when something moves past it that is warmer than the surrounding air. This allows the sensor to detect people and animals. While this may be ideal in certain situations, most of the time you will also have several false alarms which could allow you to be desensitized for the alarm thus reducing its value to you personally. Infrared sensors will also be limited by wireless signals sent between the transmitter as well as the receiver. This will mean a simpler installation it also requires you to monitor the batteries and you can encounter issues with obstacles towards the wireless signal, cutting your transmission range. You can also purchase an imitation birdhouse to disguise your sensor and provide better protection to your infrared sensor.
- The magnetic probe is really a sensor which you bury measuring only triggered by way of a significant alternation in the electromagnetic field. The only things that may cause enough of a change would have been a moving vehicle or a lightning strike; this greatly decreases the number of false alarms. As the probe is buried you will find the substitute for wire it directly to your property. Having the sensor and wire buried does mean it is more discreet and doesn't change the aesthetic appeal of your dwelling. Also, by having most of the system underground, the duration of the system is a lot greater than the other two types of driveway alarms, especially if you encase it in conduit. With all the magnetic probe, you also have the option of having a wireless transmitter send an indication with a receiver in your house. Again, it is really an easier installation but it does require more upkeep of batteries. It's also much less discreet, as the transmitter box will have to be above ground and mounted on a tree or perhaps a post, which may even be enclosed within an imitation birdhouse much like the infrared sensor.
While the three types have their own use and cost the magnetic probe sensor kind of driveway alarm is the most reliable and most versatile because the systems are available as wireless or hardwired kits. If monitoring for pedestrian visitors are essential in your situation compared to the infrared sensor form of driveway alarm will be the only option. However, if you're simply thinking about detecting vehicles entering your property then your magnetic probe type driveway alarm is usually the very best purchase.