DIY Security Systems
Keeping the doors and windows closed and locked is one way of making sure that our house is a safe place to live. However, this does not assure that it can’t be picked by burglars. If you have a door alarm on every door of your home, you will be given alert when an intruder enters your home. If you are wondering how do door alarms work, it depends on the type of door alarm that you have. In this guide, we’ll go through the different types of door alarm and figure out how they work. Ensure that your home is safe and secured with the help of a door alarm that matches your window and doors.
How Do Door Alarms Work And What Are The Different Types?
If you think that all door alarms are the same, think again. There are different types of door alarms that you can install on your door or window. Each of the alarm has its unique feature that can suit the material that you have on your door and window. It is to make sure that it will stay in its place where you have it installed. Here are the different types of door alarms:
- Passive Infrared Motion Detectors
The passive infrared motion detectors will detect the spike of temperature coming from an intruder or a foreign object entering the room. Once it detects the sudden change of temperature, it will set off the alarm. - Ultrasonic and Microwave Detectors
Ultrasonic and Microwave detectors have similar features. The ultrasonic use high-frequency sound waves in detecting any movement in a small space. It is ideal to install this kind of alarm closer to the door so that it can pick up the sound of tiny movement from the door. On the other hand, microwave detectors use high-frequency radio waves that detect any movement in broad coverage. This kind of alarm can be placed anywhere in the room. It can also detect a glass being cut or broken even if the human ear can’t hear it. - Photoelectric Beam
The photoelectric beam uses infrared light or laser beams to trigger the alarm. If there is an obstruction of the light beam, an alarm is triggered. - Magnetic Switches
Magnetic switches are the typical type of door alarm. It is cheap and easy to use. There are two parts of this kind of alarm, the magnets, and the soundbox. If the magnets are separated or misaligned, the soundbox will be triggered, and it will make a loud alarm sound.
Where To Install A Door Alarm
If you are wondering how do door alarms work, there are specific areas where you can install them depending on its type. It is to make sure that it can detect an invasion and trigger the alarm. Here are some tips to where you can install the different types of door alarms
- Passive Infrared Motion Detectors, Ultrasonic, and Microwave Detectors
If you want to know how do door alarms work with detectors, these alarms should be above the door frame or window frame. Since these are heat and sound detectors, it can easily pick up signals from soundwaves, radiowaves, and heat waves that trigger the alarm. - Photoelectric Beam
To make use of the photoelectric beam’s full features, you will need to install two lasers in the middle part of the door. This is because some doors open towards the outside, and it will not obstruct the laser’s alignment if it is on the lower part. When someone tries to get in, the laser will be blocked by the intruder’s body, triggering the alarm. - Magnetic Switch
This type of alarm can be on the door or window. If the door or window opens, the magnet separates, and it triggers the alarm. But when you close the door or window, it aligns the magnet ending the alarm. The sound of the magnetic switch alarm is loud, where it can reach up to 130 decibels, which is already loud enough for your neighbor to hear.
Other Uses Of Door Alarms
- Keeps your outdoor equipment intact
Door alarms can also function as a security alarm for the things you have outside your home. These things can be a huge griller, outdoor furniture, or all of your hobby equipment that you cant bring inside your house. If the alarms are misaligned or obstructed, it will make a sound to notify you that someone is trying to steal your things. - Lifeguard
Kids are always curious and love to wander around the house. And once they learn how to open the door, you will need a door alarm on the gate, sliding door, or window that leads to your pool. - Keeps restricted areas secured
If you are hosting a party and want to keep everyone in one room, you can install one or two of the different door alarms in areas where you don’t want people to go.
Conclusion
Knowing how do door alarms work can help you identify which type suits the kind of door or window you have at home. It is because each of the door alarms has its unique feature to help you take care of the things and people inside your home. You have the option to choose from a simple magnetic door alarm, to a laser alarm, heat detector, and sound detector. No matter what you choose, what’s important is that you have one around your home. Find out more about Door Alarms.