PIR motion detector sensitivity to light?

[[email protected]]

How sensitive are PIR motion detectors to sudden changes in ambient
light levels? I want to put one in my garage, and want to make sure
that the sudden transition from dark to light when the door opens won't
trip it. Because otherwise, it will be aimed at a portion of the
garage where I have valuable tools, etc. and will not see the movement
of the garage door or of people in the carports.
Thanks in advance.

Brian.

 

[4x4forfun]

Maybe use a dualtek... combo detector with both pir and microwave movement
sensor???

 

[[email protected]]

Maybe use a dualtek... combo detector with both pir and microwave movement
sensor???

I'm limitted to Ademco wireless detectors for the garage. :-/

Brian.

 

[Frank Olson]

How sensitive are PIR motion detectors to sudden changes in ambient
light levels?

Not very. The thing you have to worry about is sudden changes in *infrared*
levels within the protected area. Visible light changes won't affect a PIR.

I want to put one in my garage, and want to make sure
that the sudden transition from dark to light when the door opens won't
trip it.

Light isn't the problem. The difference in temperature would be. Is the
garage heated? How? Does the outside temperature in your local area fall
below the suggested operating environment of the detector? Are you aware
that lower temperatures reduce battery performance and make *any* PIR more
sensitive?

Because otherwise, it will be aimed at a portion of the
garage where I have valuable tools, etc. and will not see the movement
of the garage door or of people in the carports.

There are better ways of protecting your garage. We'd have to know more
about your particular situation before we can comment.


--
Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
Free listings for qualified dealers and industry professionals
You can read the ASA FAQ at
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/asafaq.htm

 

[[email protected]]

Light isn't the problem. The difference in temperature would be. Is the
garage heated? How? Does the outside temperature in your local area fall
below the suggested operating environment of the detector? Are you aware
that lower temperatures reduce battery performance and make *any* PIR more
sensitive?

Hi, Frank. The garage is not heated. The external temperature in the
winter will typically not drop below 35 degrees, and the internal
garage temp is at least 10 degrees above that. The directions with the
sensor talk about maximum temps of 90 to 105 F effecting performance,
but not minimum temps.

There are better ways of protecting your garage. We'd have to know more
about your particular situation before we can comment.

Basically there is the main garage door with electric opener, and
regular side door which will have a reed switch sensor on it. The
"shop" off the side of the carports will have the motion detector as
secondary security to the side door's reed switch and dead bolt lock.
This is for peace of mind when my wife forgets to put the garage door
down, mainly. *sigh*
But if there is a better way to go, I'm all ears.

Thanks.

Brian.

 

[Nick Markowitz]

Found biggest trick to keep PIR from falsing is not to point them at a
garage door but mount in corner of door
and project the beam over the vehicles. have not had sudden temp and light
changes effect them.
and still get good coverage.
There are several techniques to covering garages.
Im sure Frank will be able to give you the info you want.

Big problem i have encoutered over years with light effecting PIR is in
commercail buildings with big glass windows, apears car head lights can set
them off
and sun light at correct angle will do it .
Many takeovers i get becuse of constant fasling of PIR is bad placement .

--
Nick Markowitz Jr.
Owner
Markowitz Electic Protection
Private Industry Fire Investigator.

Contributing Editor Pa. Firemans Magazine
Staff Editor www.securitymission.com
Senior Correspondant www.1strespondernews.com
Exclusive Correspondant www.nbfd.us
Contract Broadcast Engineer WAVL 910 AM apollo Pa.

"To error is human to realy foul things up requires a computer"