Making Sure False Alarms Don't Steal Your Summer

With summer in full swing, and the school holidays underway, homeowners look forward to long, relaxing days and peaceful nights, and making the most of the warmer weather. However, a common issue that can quickly dampen this peace is the frequent false alarms triggered by their security systems.

These frequent false alerts caused by small animals, long grass or trees swaying in the wind can erode trust in security systems, leading homeowners to either disable their alarms or ignore potential threats. Everyone is familiar with the tale of the boy who cried wolf. False alarms in anti-intrusion systems work on the same principle. Understanding what causes false alarms and how to prevent them can help ensure a stress-free summer.

The myth of the one-size-fits-all solution

Residential properties typically use mid- to low-range cameras, which, although these can be inexpensive, they are more prone to trigger false alarms, especially if used in an outdoor environment. By adding a reliable outdoor sensor as a trigger to the camera, the level of nuisance alarms will drop dramatically. Therefore, the key to reducing false and missed alarms lies in choosing the right type of sensors and strategically positioning them around the property.

At OPTEX, we offer a wide range of products and technologies that fit different types of locations, needs, and security levels. Above all, our recommendations regarding the equipment in use must be tailored to the user’s requirements. One-size-fits-all solutions should not be used.

The role of dual-technology sensors

Dual-technology sensors, or dual-tech detectors, combine passive infrared technology, which detects heat from warm bodies, and microwave technology, which detects motion. This dual verification process ensures that an alarm is triggered only when both the PIR and microwave sensors detect an intruding object or person.

Dual-tech sensors are particularly beneficial in challenging weather conditions and environments where factors like strong sunlight can quickly raise infrared energy levels and trigger false alarms. The microwave component of these sensors remains unaffected by such environmental changes, ensuring that only genuine intrusions trigger an alert. This dual detection method, often called bi-volumetric detection, provides reliable security with significantly fewer false alarms.

Tailored solutions

The security needs of a property are influenced by several factors, including its location, whether it is open or enclosed, and its surroundings. For example, a detached property or a villa will have different security requirements compared to a house bordering public areas or an apartment.

Enclosed perimeters

For properties with enclosed perimeters, it's essential to analyse the type of physical protection in place. Whether you have a wall, fence, or gate, you need to determine whether its primary purpose is aesthetic or security-related. Infrared (IR) beams, such as the AX series, offer a versatile solution. These compact beams can be mounted on top of walls or fences, detecting any attempts to climb over them. With detection ranges from 20m up to 200m, they are designed to minimize false alarms caused by falling leaves, birds, and other accidental beam interruptions.

Open perimeters

In the case of open perimeters, IR beams can be mounted on poles or stacked into towers, creating a virtual barrier around the property. The SL series IR beams are particularly durable and resistant, making them ideal for areas near water surfaces or those prone to extreme weather conditions.

OPTEX's advanced detection solutions

OPTEX offers a comprehensive range of sensors designed to ensure reliable detection in various environments. With over 45 years of expertise, OPTEX's sensors are built to perform under all weather conditions, providing homeowners with peace of mind. High-quality design and components, from the lens to the pyro element, ensure high performance and reliability. Each sensor undergoes 150 rigorous tests before release, ensuring reliable detection performance.

Conclusion

Ensuring the security of a property doesn't have to come at the cost of constant false alarms. Imagine being able to fully enjoy your summer vacation, knowing your home is secure and your security system is dependable. With OPTEX, you can have that peace of mind. Our commitment to quality and innovation means you won’t be plagued by false alarms while you’re out soaking up the sun or exploring new destinations.