ADDED SECURITY
Sensors fall into several categories. In the broadest definition, a sensor is a device whose primary purpose is to detect events, or changes in its environment, and send the information to other electronics. In the electrical industry we have sensors for controlling alarm systems, lighting circuits, door entry, gate automation etc. This list goes on. Now in the security market, sensors and sensor lights go hand in hand with CCTV Systems. They both complement each other, to the mutual benefit of the home owner.
There is a sensor on the market with an 180° PIR sensor with scanning red LED’s, and a PIR motion detector. During the day when it is not acting as a lighting sensor, the red LED’s are scrolling and flashing. Now what is your visitor going to think? It has been proven that a red light does produce an alert to the brain. What is the person’s first thought going to be? Is this device a camera that has detected me? And at night this sensor has a dual purpose. The red LED’s are scrolling as your visitor comes up the path and when the PIR senses motion it will turn the outside lights on it is connected to. A double deterrent!
What about the twin LED sensor lights. You can also get a version of these with the scanning red LED’s. Strategically place a couple of these units around your house so if someone comes onto your property at night, the PIR sensor will pick them up and they will turn on. That additional light is great for cameras at night. By bringing the lights on, the camera will sense “daylight” and switch into colour mode which is like viewing and recording in normal daylight conditions. If you are going to recommend a CCTV system to a customer, then a good sensor light must be part of the package.
Why not use a sensor to bring on the driveway lights at night time when you come home from work. Imagine an unwanted visitor walking up your driveway and a row of lights come on.
Too often we invite unwanted visitors onto our dark and dingy property because we think it won’t happen to us. Well, it does happen to ordinary New Zealanders. The statistics tell us that.
Lighting has proven to be an effective tool in home security: both motion activated lights and street lights act as useful deterrents. Unfortunately, only 25 per cent of NZ adults say that they have motion activation lights installed, which highlights a great risk. Outdoor lights help make for an easy crime deterrent at night. Criminals don’t usually like to break down a door or bust out a window if they can be seen. Leaving an outdoor light on is one way to draw attention to them. Indoor lights can also work to help deter crime.
For some people, these tactics alone might be perfectly adequate. However, if you feel these tactics aren’t enough for your family, then you might consider investing in a security system for your home. Now, this isn’t to say that security systems are the be-all and end-all of total home security. Locking your doors and turning on your outdoor lights can complement a home security system. Covering all bases is generally encouraged. Not only will reviewing all your options help keep burglars at bay, but it’ll help give you the peace of mind you and your family deserve!
The job of the electrical contractor is to recommend the best solutions, and to install the best possible products for the consumer to keep them safe and secure. That means the products that will do the job they were intended for, and without failure. Remember, a happy customer is repeat business!