Dec 19, 2011

Driveway Alarm | Driveway Security

A driveway alarm is used to protect a residential or commercial property from intruders. Unlike burglar alarm systems, which are typically used to monitor the interior of a building, a driveway alarm is used to alert residents when a vehicle or an individual enters the driveway. A growing number of people have begun using driveway alarms to not only monitor the driveway for intruders, but also to keep an eye on different areas of their property, such as their backyard, poolside or perimeter fences.

Different Formats

Driveway alarms are available in a wide variety of formats. The most common types include infrared alarms, magnetic probe sensors, rubber hose alarms, wired and wireless driveway alarms and long-range alarms. All these different kinds of alarms offer the same function. However, their capabilities vary significantly, which is why you need to do your research thoroughly before purchasing a home alarm system for bolstering driveway security.

Infrared Sensors

Infrared alarms use passive infrared sensors to monitor a driveway, as well as remote areas within a property. When the sensors detect motion within their coverage area, they send an alert to a transceiver located inside the house. The transceiver then generates a whistle or other audible alarm to alert the homeowner about the presence of a vehicle or an individual on the property. Some infrared sensors are designed to be installed on the ground or a wall close to the driveway. Other sensors are designed to be installed on trees and poles near a driveway.

Magnetic Probes and Rubber-Hose Alarms

Magnetic probes are also based on sensor technology. However, they are designed specifically to raise an alert when a large metallic object, such as a car or other vehicle, enters the driveway. The probes are usually buried under or close to the driveway that is being monitored. Meanwhile, rubber hose alarms, or pneumatic alarms, are usually laid out across a driveway. They are designed to generate an alert when anything heavy, such as a vehicle, moves over the rubber hose. All of these alarms are available in both wired and wireless formats.

Factors to Consider

There are several factors you need to consider if you are planning on purchasing a driveway alarm system to improve driveway security.

Generally, wired alarms are considered to be more secure and reliable than wireless alarms because the sensors are directly connected to the transceiver. However, wireless alarms have a much greater range. Some alarms can transmit signals of distances over 1 mile.
Passive infrared sensors can be used to detect the presence of vehicles as well as humans on your property. Magnetic sensors, on the other hand, are designed to detect only vehicles. However, infrared sensors are much more prone to generating false alerts compared to magnetic sensors.
When making a purchase decision, keep in mind how many locations you want to protect and whether you want to detect vehicles, people, or both vehicles and people. The size of the area you want protected is another key consideration.

Security alarms for the driveway range in prices from $220 to over $400. That’s a reasonable investment to make if you are concerned about driveway security issues.

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

Did you know that installing a security system is not only a great way to minimize the risk of a break-in or burglary, but it can also lower your home insurance payments? Insurance companies recognize that homes are indeed more secure when they have a home security system installed by one of the top alarm companies.

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