Different Types of Outdoor Security Detectors

By: Art Gib

With so many different forces threatening the safety of our homes and businesses today, there are wide variety of options for security protection. One of the more effective methods is a security alarm system. There are two main types of alarm systems: industrial/perimeter protection and home security. When it comes to industrial outdoor security systems, the methodology of protection differs quite a bit from home security.

The first priority is to detect, second is to delay the intruder to increase the chance of capture, and third is to alarm. In big facilities, the outer perimeter or fence plays a large role in this list of priorities. Sensors are placed on the outer perimeter to detect and delay intruders before they can reach their target. There are several types of modern advanced that provide this protection. Here are just a few.

Vibration or Inertia Sensors

These simple devices are mounted on fences or barriers and rely on an unstable mechanical configuration that is part of the electrical circuit. When and intruder causes movement or vibration, the unstable part of the circuit moves and breaks the current flow, causing an alarm. Because of their low false alarm rate and affordable price, these sensors are reliable and commonly used.

Passive Magnetic Field Detection

This is a buried or mounted system that uses an electromagnetic field generator with two wires running in parallel. The wires are connected to a processor, which analyzes any change in the magnetic field. This system also has a low false alarm rate but, because of the nature of the technology, can't be installed near radar or airports.

Microphonic Systems

Many of these systems employ a variety of different designs but each is based on the cutting or climbing of a chain wire fence. Some of these systems use sensor cables attached to the fence, others are buried, but both rely on the sensitivity of the sensors to noise or vibration. These systems are cheap and simple but can have a high rate of false alarms because the sensors might be too sensitive.

Because the priorities for outdoor industrial alarms are to detect, delay, and alarm, these systems are designed to fulfill those functions. These are just a few of the methods employed in outdoor industrial perimeter detection. Also, because these systems are designed for industrial needs such as businesses and warehouses, they may vary from the home security systems used by top providers such as ADT.