Motion Sensors

Placement is key to making sure your indoor motion detectors are effective. But all homes are different, so we recommend consulting with a Vivint security expert about where to place them on your property. Vivint wireless motion sensors have a wide range, so walls and ceilings are ideal installation spots for motion detectors. While they are not outdoor motion sensor alarms, indoor motion detectors can potentially deter intruders if placed near home entries. A professional installer can provide valuable input regarding positioning and range of detection.

Read more tips for placing motion sensors in and around your home.

Motion sensors are small security devices that are mounted on the wall or ceiling. When your security system is armed and movement is detected in the sensor’s field of vision, the motion sensor activates the motion alarm.

Learn more about the various types of motion sensors and how they work.

Residential homes are most commonly equipped with Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensors, which detect infrared energy released as heat from humans and animals. So, a PIR motion sensor could potentially be triggered by light but is only likely to react when placed next to an extremely hot light bulb, a heating vent, a radiator, or another strong heat source.

Motion detectors can be used to turn lights on, activate recording on security cameras, and set off burglar alarms. Vivint offers two wireless motion detectors that use infrared technology and feature a 90-degree look-down, ensuring intruders cannot pass by unnoticed.

Learn more about the difference between PIR motion sensors, photosensors, and active motion sensors.

Motion sensors will work in the dark, as long as the type of motion sensors you’re using doesn’t use images to detect motion. For example, instead of relying on images, Vivint Motion Sensors use infrared technology to detect body heat, so they are highly effective both during the day and in the middle of the night.

Though motion detectors work just as well in the dark, learn why it’s important to keep your home well-lit.

A motion sensor alarm is the alarm that sounds when a motion sensor is triggered. With Vivint, all of your security devices connect seamlessly on one simple platform, which means your motion sensors communicate directly with your alarm system and control panel. When the system is armed and motion is detected, your motion sensors will trigger the motion sensor alarm, alert you on the Vivint app, and contact our 24/7 monitoring team.

When it comes to the technology used to activate a motion sensor and motion sensor alarm, there are several different types. Each works in a different way. Some of the most common types of motion detectors include:

Passive Infrared motion sensors (PIR) – Most commonly used in home security motion sensors, a PIR sensor detects body heat in its field of vision.

Active motion sensors – Otherwise known as Microwave motion sensors, this type of sensor emits microwave pulses to a defined area, then measures the amount of time it takes the waves to bounce back. If a person or object interferes with the signal, it delays the return time, setting off the motion alarm.

Dual-technology motion sensors – Typically consisting of both microwave and PIR sensors, dual-technology motion detectors attempt to reduce false alarms because both sensors must go off to trigger the motion alarm. Pets have been known to trigger false alarms, but there are specific ways to prevent this.

There are pros and cons to each type of motion sensor, but see why the Vivint wireless motion sensors are the right choice for your home.