Although motion sensors are excellent, pairing them with security cameras or getting a modern model is your best bet for surveillance. Besides, purchasing one gadget is cost-effective, and you boost your home’s security while enjoying fewer maintenance costs.
Cameras used with motion sensor technology are less tedious as they give less footage. In addition, they only record special moments after detecting significant motion or intrusion into the targeted area.
Unfortunately, most homeowners have some queries concerning this technology, making them shy away from utilizing it. So, let’s address some of these concerns by answering the question, Are there Cameras In Motion Sensors?
Some motion sensors have a camera and record events if the device is tripped. Further, though the camera only records motion change when the sensor picks something up, you may not get a recording relayed to the DVR/NVR.
Thankfully, several motion detector brands provide integrations with external camera systems. Hence, you can use an existing camera to record events when the sensor detects something.
Moreover, the technology helps save space, and you do not need hours of skipping a recording to get unusual activity.
It is no secret that motion sensor cameras are the new face of home security. They even help troubleshoot system installation problems, making them a must-have.
Hence, this article seeks to beef up your knowledge of motion sensor cameras, how they work, and various installation and maintenance tips.
What Is a Motion Sensor?
A motion sensor or detector is an electronic gadget that detects and measures movement.
You’ll primarily find it in homes and business security systems or phones, game consoles, paper towel dispensers, and virtual reality systems.
Unlike other handheld and isolated devices, motion sensors have three primary components: the hardware or mechanical part, a sensor unit, and an embedded computer.
These parts vary in configuration and size as motion detectors are easily customized to accommodate highly specific operations. For instance, you can use the gadgets to trigger audible alarms, activate floodlights and switches, or alert the police.
Furthermore, motion sensors fall into the electronic sensor category, allowing you to embed them within customer-end appliances such as tablet computers, physical security systems, smart televisions, and smartphones.
Depending on the motion sensor’s ability and sensitivity, it detects motions within the targeted space or surrounding environment. Moreover, manufacturers connect the gadget to software and systems that process motion into information or action.
For example, smartphone motion sensors take input from users in multiple applications, including supported games.
Remember, motion sensors’ primary purpose is to sense intruders and send alerts to your control panel, which in turn alerts your monitoring center. Besides, the devices work when you indicate that you are not home.
Even better, you can program some security systems to capture events through cameras when they detect motion.
Motion sensors or detectors stand guard, ready to respond to various scenarios, such as widow breaking, door opening or closing, and movement in the living room. More common uses of the gadgets include:
- Alert you when your teen breaks curfew.
- Notify you when pets enter restricted areas.
- Alert you when kids enter restricted locations, like the medicine cabinet, workout room, or basement.
- Trigger a doorbell when a guest approaches the front door.
- Saves energy by using motion detector lighting in unoccupied spaces.
Typically, motion sensors detect movement using photoelectric sensors. These devices have two photoactive diode areas, converting infrared light from objects into an electrical charge.
The photoelectric sensors are next to each other to detect significant changes in the signal differential between them. For example, a person entering the targeted area causes the sensor to activate.
Furthermore, the gadget’s physical design has four photoactive diode areas, minimizing false alarms while improving its accuracy and performance. Also, state-of-the-art motion detectors accommodate the Internet of Things software for optimal efficacy.
Three Main Types of Motion Sensors
We classify motion sensors according to how they detect an object’s motion. Understanding how each type works is essential when choosing the most suitable home security system to protect your home.
Check out the primary classification and a brief explanation of their functionality.
1. Active Motion Sensors
These devices are also called Radar-Based Motion Sensors. They emit microwaves or radio waves across a room or the targeted surrounding, striking nearby objects and reflecting the image to the detector.
The gadget looks for a Doppler or frequency shift in the waves when an object or person moves in the motion sensor-controlled location. As a result, it indicates the wave has hit a moving object.
Further, the device understands these changes and sends electrical signals to the light, alarm system, or other connected gadgets.
Active motion sensors using microwaves to identify movement are mostly found in automatic doors in shopping malls. However, they can still be used for indoor lighting and home security alarm technology.
However, these devices are not the best for outdoor lighting as random moving objects like smaller animals, insects, and windblown items will trigger them, causing a false alarm.
2. Passive Motion Sensors
Unlike active motion sensors, passive ones do not send signals. Instead, they detect infrared or heat energy signals. In addition, they scan the room or monitored areas and check for heat radiated from living beings.
Interestingly, objects with a temperature above zero radiate heat and are easy to detect. Therefore, the alarm, light, or set application turns on when a heat-emitting object enters the space.
However, passive motion sensors are ineffective since they are triggered by insects and small animals moving in the detection range.
But you can adjust them to identify a certain heat level, such as only picking up movement from humans.
3. Combined (Hybrid) Motion Sensors
Hybrid technology detectors combine active and passive motion sensors. They activate the alarm or light when both gadgets detect motion, making them excellent for reducing false alarm triggers.
Nonetheless, these devices have drawbacks. For instance, they do not guarantee the same safety level as separate passive and microwave sensors since the alarms only go off when both sensors detect motion.
So, if a burglar escapes one of the motion sensors, the alarm system will not receive a signal and thus will not turn on. As a result, you are not sure of maximum safety.
Pros and Cons of Motion Sensor
Protection and safety are usually a priority when you own property, making it necessary to strategize on improving your security systems. Below are a few pros of setting up motion sensors.
1. Guaranteed Home Security
Malicious intruders, such as vandals and burglars, target homes when owners are away or asleep. Besides, no thief wants to be seen breaking into a facility since acquaintances may call the authorities.
As such, domestic protection experts recommend mounting outside lighting and alarms around your property. They detect intruders and deter them from focusing on your property or facility.
Furthermore, these lights or alarms activate mechanically when the sensor detects motions near the targeted location.
2. Enhanced Safety
Unfortunately, people, kids, and pets risk your property, especially if they are unwelcome. Moreover, depending on your neighborhood, mountain lions, coyotes, bears, and raccoons may come near your facility looking for food.
But thankfully, the lighting fixtures come on impressively quickly. They scare the intruders and method your property.
In addition, the lighting comes in handy in locations with bloodless winters. It also comes on when you get to the house, allowing you to safely navigate slick surfaces like ice and snow.
3. Added Convenience
It is troublesome to park your automobile near your home while keeping youngsters within sight. Well, here is where you need outside lighting from motion sensors.
The detector quickly senses motion as you pull into the driveway and triggers the light, meaning you don’t have to stress about running into anyone.
4. Energy Savings
Homeowners without movement sensors keep their outside lighting on all day and night. Although this practice guarantees 24/7 protection and comfort, it leads to higher energy bills.
Therefore, installing a motion sensor is prudent, as the light only goes on when it detects movement. As a result, you enjoy superior safety and rescued energy costs.
Unfortunately, motion sensors have various drawbacks, requiring due diligence before getting one. Check out the cons below.
1. Highly Sensitive
Passive infrared motion sensors sense temperature changes within the sensory coverage, meaning they respond within ten to 15 meters. In addition, they give false triggers when installed near air conditioning units or heaters.
2. Unresponsive in High Temperatures
Passive motion detectors struggle to function above 35 degrees Celcius. Therefore, they do not give prompt alarms, especially when the temperature does not drop at night.
3. Fail to Detect Slowly Moving Objects
The motion sensor does not identify objects moving slowly or directly toward it. Instead, the object should move horizontally to get the gadget’s attention. Thus, animals and humans aware of this fact can maneuver the system to prevent triggers.
What Is a Camera?
Generally, a camera is a hardware gadget taking photographs and consists of a lightproof box with a photosensitive plate or film. Its shutter opens and closes when taking pictures, exposing the film and light recording the image.
Further, webcams, digital cameras, and smartphones have replaced traditional cameras.
Cameras and motion detectors have a relationship as motion detector cameras use motion to capture images. When you turn on the device, it does not record 24 hours of footage. Instead, it only works when the motion sensor detects movement.
Further, motion detector cameras can be wired or wireless, depending on your project preferences. We prefer wireless ones for your DIY home security systems because they are affordable and easier to install.
Besides, it does not leave holes when you uninstall the equipment to relocate it when you move.
DIY systems also offer remote and professional monitoring to guarantee that someone continually monitors your facility. The unit controls your security, so you do not have to trust outsiders to watch your home.
What Is the Difference Between Motion Sensors and Security Cameras?
Motion sensors detect movement and alert you when uninvited objects or persons access your backyard. On the other hand, security cameras only record motion, saving bandwidth and energy.
Security or surveillance cameras record businesses and open areas in public places. They deter burglars from committing crimes, making the location a potential haven.
However, these devices are pricey and complex, as you need a complete system, including screens, for maximum protection. Thanks to technological advancements, you can stream footage on your mobile devices.
Unlike security cameras, passive infrared sensors detect body heat by identifying temperature changes. These devices are also widely used in home security systems as they promptly report possible threats.
Finally, the sensor can detect heat and movement after warming up, creating a protective grid. So, the infrared sensor alerts the alarm when moving objects block multiple grid zones, rapidly changing the energy levels.
How Do Motion Sensor Cameras Work?
A motion sensor camera records objects after detecting movement in its field of vision. There are two dominant categories of motion detector cameras: passive infrared and software-based.
Passive infrared devices utilize hidden infrared cameras to detect body heat. Hence, the ambient infrared energy waves change rapidly when a warm body passes, triggering motion alerts. The camera records the event and possibly sends an alarm to you, depending on your device configuration.
On the other hand, software-based systems compare pixel variances between constructive frames. So, the gadget checks them and alerts the alarm or lights if someone passes in the target location.
Unfortunately, these sensor cameras are susceptible to false alarms depending on location. Thus, keep them away from areas with rapidly changing heat levels, such as heating vents and windows.
Computer Vision motion sensor cameras are a broader approach in which the software system analyzes sequential frames of live videos for differences. After detecting significant changes, it registers a motion event.
The CV approach incorporates multiple techniques depending on your technical preference and desired outcome. However, the general idea is the same with all motion detectors: they detect intrusion and determine the shape of the moving object.
Motion sensor cameras are perfect for your home’s safety thanks to the following:
- They Save Time. The camera records and sends an alarm when the motion sensor receives a trigger. Therefore, you do not have to spend a whole day watching recorded footage or camera continually. Even better, you can freely attend to other matters without monitoring the motion system.
- They Save Space. Recording every event fills the camera’s allocated footage. Thus, having a motion detection camera helps keep the recordings at a minimum, as the camera records when the motion sensors detect a trigger.
- They’re More Reliable. After detecting motion, the device will only alert you, so you don’t have to watch the entire recording. Also, you do not have to stress about skipping important events captured by your motion sensor camera.
Since passive infrared motion sensors monitor body heat, they filter inconsequential activity, such as changes in light coming from a window or curtains fluttering in the breeze, better than CV-based security cameras.
The detectors are also power efficient, making them ideal for battery-powered cameras. So, they remain in a low-power, non-recording state until the sensor detects movement.
Furthermore, they change to a high-power recording state for a fixed duration, capturing 30-second video clips or until the motion stops.
Unfortunately, passive infrared-based cameras take longer to activate and record than CV-based ones since they are mostly in low-power mode. Hence, you may miss the part that triggered the motion alert.
In addition, the gadgets are, by nature of the technology, incapable of picking movement through the glass. So, they are unsuitable for monitoring your yard through an indoor camera aimed at a window.
CV motion detectors have some advantages, too. For instance, they allow in-depth scenario analysis when identifying the trespasser. The gadgets also have facial recognition and person detection features to make work easier.
However, the device’s multiple algorithms making the above possible are computationally intensive for local use. Besides, the unit has remote servers in the cloud, requiring a paid subscription to unlock the events.
Further, false motion sensor alerts are the biggest sore point for security camera owners. Receiving an onslaught of notifications only to find out a pet or light snowfall tripped the gadget is tedious and annoying. So, most users tend to deactivate the system’s most important feature.
Fortunately, camera manufacturers present various strategies to reduce false alarms. For instance, passive infrared motion detection cameras allow you to lower the sensitivity level within the companion application. Hence, less apparent motion triggers the motion sensor.
Also, the lower sensitivity level requires the moving object to be closer to the camera or warmer to trip it.
Computer vision systems allow the user to set motion detection zones. This feature masks some field parts to signal the camera to ignore activity in those locations.
It is a reasonably user-friendly approach as your cameras focus on locations where movement indicates a breach.
Lastly, the devices make quick judgment calls depending on the geometrical attributes of the moving object. So, small objects like floating dust motes and large objects far away seem uninteresting and not notable.
Is There a Camera In Motion Sensors?
Generally, motion sensors don’t have built-in cameras, but you can attach one to enhance your security. Depending on your detector’s type, it works with an active emitter or a passive receptor, sometimes with a separate receiver.
Further, some cameras have attached motion detectors, but the latter work independently to control the camera.
Passive sensors detect items within their field of view, whereas active ones send signals to separate receivers or bounce the signal to a receiver on the motion detector.
We do not have cameras at this point. Instead, the motion detector relies on various radiation types to sense intrusion.
Motion sensor lights use passive infrared sensors. Moreover, since they are passive, they do not emit anything. Instead, they search for changes in infrared radiation caused by body heat.
But this aspect does not make the device a thermal camera. It only reads a location and sends an alert when something changes.
How Do You Tell If a Motion Sensor Has a Camera?
There’s no need to confirm whether motion sensors have cameras as they do not have an in-built one. In addition, you may never see a camera in a motion detector.
Also, the camera uses the motion sensor, not the other way around.
You can get a security camera that uses a motion detector. But making the distinction clear is essential.
Since once you spot a camera with a motion sensor, the latter does not use the former to detect motion. Instead, the camera uses the motion sensor to determine when to record.
Smart doorbells have built-in cameras, which allow you to connect and talk to a person who presses the device.
If it is a delivery person, you can ask them to leave the package at a safe location, or if it is a friend, you can explain you are not home.
The product also has a motion sensor to alert you when someone is approaching.
Consequently, the system acts as a security camera, alerting you when someone is hanging around your home without ringing the doorbell.
Further, it also includes passive infrared sensors as most lights, meaning they work excellently at night.
Tips for Installing a Motion Sensor
Motion detectors work with door and window sensors to deliver the core of alarm installations. These gadgets cover large surface areas within a building.
Therefore, installing fewer motion detectors is more efficient than having dozens of window contacts.
In addition, these detectors detect activities that most sensors miss. For instance, sometimes burglars enter a home without opening a door or a window. So, the sensors provide security and help you catch these activities.
This next section will discuss the best locations for mounting your motion detector and why corners represent the best place for them.
Also, we’ll demystify false alarms and give a few tips on how to cut them down.
1. Get the Most Efficient Spaces for Motion Detection
Generally, most homeowners think of burglars’ most likely entry points when designing alarm systems. Of course, they want to secure these areas and catch intruders as soon as possible.
Better yet, they’ll feel better when sirens start blaring before someone breaches our property.
However, it is essential to consider the building’s most well-used spaces or rooms when installing motion sensors. This way, you can catch burglars using unusual entry methods before they reach the target rooms.
For example, we often have motion sensors in hallways. Intruders breaking into bathrooms and bedrooms intending to roam your home will eventually end up in the hallway.
In addition, family rooms, living rooms, and other ‘central’ areas also make perfect landing spots for motion sensors. But still, keep an eye on intruders moving floor to floor inside a building.
- Secure the Staircases
Burglars have a list of rooms in mind when they enter a house. Further, entertainment and living rooms often have valuable gaming systems and televisions.
Also, offices have credit cards, cash, and computers, whereas bedrooms contain house jewelry and other records, such as information about bank accounts.
As a result, thieves generally travel to different floors and rooms until they hit all the rooms on their checklist. So, mount motion detectors to watch the staircases.
- Use Corners to Your Advantage
Install motion detectors as efficiently as possible. Furthermore, having the gadget in a room’s corner facing the entrance provides the best coverage.
The corner-mounted orientation helps the detector to focus on the room’s center.
In addition, corner installation eliminates blind spots caused by installing the unit at the center of the wall facing outward. Therefore, a person will not enter the room without activating the alarm.
2. Take Steps to Avoid False Alarms
A false alarm describes an alarm activation created by occurrences other than burglary or fire emergency. But interestingly, false alarms often indicate a properly-operating security system. Thus, fixing mistakes during the planning and installation stages minimizes and eliminates them.
- Animal-Related False Alarms
Install pet-immune alarms that need a specific weight amount to trigger. This way, your dogs and cats do not scare you with a false alarm.
Remember, even light animals jumping on the furniture and stairs in front of motion sensors cause false alarms. So, consider your surroundings before installing pet-immune detectors.
In addition, avoid mounting the gadgets in front of stairs or spaces without tall furniture.
Sometimes, you can experience false alarms from other animals. Surprisingly, even bugs and insects cause false alarms when they crawl inside the detector.
So, clean your motion detectors regularly to keep them from doubling as a bug shelter.
- Installation-Related False Alarms
Motion detectors detect motion by sensing heat shifts. Quick changes in the room’s heat index occur when a person enters the space. Hence, events other than those involving animals or people also cause false alarms.
For example, sunlight bursts through a window to replicate the heat caused by a person, triggering the alarm. Also, large plants or curtains blown by fans activate the security system.
Consequently, install your security devices away from windows. Pay attention to these risk factors when planning motion detector installation projects.
3. Correctly Install The Motion Sensor
A motion detector offers peace of mind and security when it lights up a dark yard, sidewalk, or driveway. However, following the correct installation guidelines is essential to get this convenience.
- Step One: Shut the Electricity
Switch off the power to the device at the main panel and test the wires to ensure the current is off. Next, rub one lead of a voltage tester against the ground wire, the other against the hot black wire, and the neutral white wire.
If the tester lights up, the power is still on, requiring you to shut off the correct circuit on the main panel.
- Step Two: Mount a Larger Box
If the existing electrical box is too small, you’ll have to get a replacement. Plastic boxes have their sizes stamped to help you distinguish them.
- Step Three: Wire the New Fixture
Install the motion sensors according to the product manual or manufacturer’s instructions. You can even check a tutorial online for a better understanding.
Then, connect the hot black, neutral white, and bare or green copper ground wires with wire connectors.
- Step Four: Mount the Fixture
Screw the unit correctly, and ensure that the rubber gasket seals the box’s edges. This way, moisture won’t enter the project and cause fire hazards.
Alternatively, apply a clear silicone caulk bead around the box’s edges if necessary.
- Step Five: Aim the Security Sensor
Target the device at the intended field of view. If you are working with light bulbs or a camera, fix it in the targetted area but as far away from the detector as possible.
- Step Six: Set the Controls
Adjust the sensor’s distance range as desired. You can also reduce it later when needed to reduce nuisance trips.
In addition, set the timer’s shutoff control. Most units have it set to after one, five, or twenty minutes.
- Step Seven: Limit the Field of View
When necessary, cover a portion of the light security sensor lens using plastic tape. This narrows its side-to-side view more than adjustments can allow.
4. Additional Installation Tips
Ensure the electrical box’s cover is waterproof, especially outdoors. In addition, seal the rubber gasket properly and caulk it when placing the device against a rough surface.
Remember, moisture can seep into the sensor and light sockets, ruining them. Therefore, locate the divide under an eave or other protected areas.
Alternatively, buy a fixture with bulb seals and angle the bulb downward to keep water from running into the socket.
Moreover, heat from the bulb can confuse the motion sensor, so keep it as far away from the unit as possible.
Finally, adjust the field of view and correctly set the motion detector distance range to prevent nuisance trips from animals, water pools, heating vents, windblown trees or shrubs, passing traffic, and air conditioners.
Here’s a Video Tutorial On Motion Sensor Installation:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Motion Sensors Record Activity?
Motion sensors cannot record activity unless you equip them with a surveillance camera. The detector picks up microwave reflections or heat signals from objects, and then the camera toggles recording.
You can use the existing video surveillance unit for added security. Also, most cameras integrate perfectly with sensors to allow motion-based triggers. Therefore, the strategy will still serve the purpose of keeping you updated.
- What Is Motion Detection Recording?
This concept allows security cameras to record movement within the frames. Moreover, the detector checks two sequential frames for differences and alerts the camera to start recording.
If the motion detector connects to a DVR, you can customize the recordings to your preferences. But remember, setting up the trigger area, the gadget’s sensitivity, and the field of view requires rigorous testing.
- How Do Motion Sensors Detect Motion?
The detectors are passive infrared collectors awaiting heat signals. They detect motion when an object is too close to the unit, triggering the alarm.
However, some motion sensors use microwave-based proximity or sequential checks to assess triggers.
Motion sensors also use other technologies, such as ultrasonic waves and vibrations. However, these types are uncommon and less effective than microwave and passive infrared detectors.
Finally, the gadgets do not detect motion through hard objects. The waves fail to pass through such items; thus, the sensor does not pick up any changes.
Therefore, position the sensor strategically to cover all key or choke house locations.
- Do I Need Motion Sensor Cameras?
Motion sensor cameras are a perfect addition to your home security system. First, the unit saves cost as it does not record 24/7, preventing video footage from taking up too much storage space.
In addition, you won’t have substantial file backups or pricey cloud storage solutions since cameras record when there is motion. So, instead of 24 hours of footage per day, you’ll have less than 30-minute clips.
Motion sensor-activated cameras give live notifications, allowing you to see what’s playing out in your home. Hence, you can detect danger and call the authorities when necessary.
The system also allows you to stop animals with light or noise instead of dealing with annoying clean-up the next day.
Conclusion
Home safety and security systems have come a long way. Besides, technological advancements are game changers in detecting intrusions and keeping people safe in their homes.
These improvements include motion detectors, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and motion sensor lighting.
Further, nowadays, security cameras are famous devices used in motion detection technology. They are also a must-have as they help decipher the threat established by motion sensors.
The above article explains why home safety professionals highly recommend these gadgets and how to get the best from them:
Are there Cameras In Motion Sensors?
Motion sensors have cameras that turn on after the former detects motion. In addition, instead of recording 24 hours’ worth of footage, the camera only captures when the detector senses motion.
Lastly, though we have wired or wireless motion sensor security cameras, consider the latter for a better outcome. The system is also easy to mount, affordable, and does not leave holes after uninstallation.