Driveway motion sensors are a reliable and inexpensive way to keep your property safe. You can monitor incoming traffic and see who is approaching your home. You can also be notified when pets or children leave the property, or warn you of suspicious activity.
When you are looking for the best motion sensors, there are a lot of options available. Not every product will have every feature but some of the best include:
1. Power Options
Driveway sensors may operate with batteries or may be hardwired into existing outdoor power.
Batteries need to be replaced so you’ll need to know what type to use and how often they will need to be changed. Some models allow you to choose between batteries and A/C power if you have an outlet available.
If you are using sensors or a transmitter that run on batteries, it’s great to know how much battery power you have left. Some models can even tell you which sensors’ batteries need attention. If your receiver has a status monitor, it can also tell you whether your system is functioning properly.
2. Operation Modes
If your family uses the driveway as a play or sitting area, you might want to look for a model that has the option of muting or turning off the sensors, as needed.
3. Sufficient Range
Make sure you take accurate measurements, on your property, before you purchase your driveway motion sensor system. You’ll want to be sure your sensors are close enough to your receiver to activate your alarm.
4. Sensor Sensitivity
Some sensors are more responsive than others and might set off alarms if they sense wind, shadows or wildlife. Consider whether you want to monitor children or pets or whether you prefer a system that needs to sense metal, so it will only detect vehicles. Infrared dual sensors provide another solution for false alarms since both sensors need to be tripped at the same time, for the alarm to be triggered.
With some receivers, you can increase or decrease volume, or change the sound of the alarm, according to your needs. You can even set the system to respond with your own voice. Also, visual alerts, such as flashing lights, are a great option if you are hearing impaired or sensitive to loud noises.
5. Multi-zone Monitoring
You can place sensors in several different places, around your property, and your alarm will tell you which location has been triggered.
Some versions require wires running from the sensors to the receiver. Some may even require wires to be buried underground. Others work by sending signals over wireless networks. While hard-wired systems used to be considered more practical and reliable, wireless systems are easy to install and are becoming more popular as technology advances.
6. Video and Voice Features
Some monitoring systems come with a camera, so you can see what is happening at your sensor location. You may also be able to hear and speak with guests who arrive at your gate or front door.
7. Ability to Expand
You may find you appreciate your driveway monitoring system and wish to add sensors in various locations, such as on windows and doors. Some models may allow for expansion, but others may not. Consider a system that allows you to purchase extra transmitters or receivers, as needed.
Driveway monitoring systems are a convenient way to safeguard your home. When it’s time to purchase your system, ask lots of questions and prioritize the features that are most important to you.
