 Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensors protect space by 'looking'
for changes in infrared (heat) energy levels caused by movement of an intruder. The
passive infrared detectors are passive devices. i.e., they do not transmit any form of
energy. When a person enters and moves within the detecting zone, his body which is at its
normal temperature of 98.6 degree F., radiates more (or less) thermal energy than the
surroundings and such minute difference in thermal energy is detected by the PIR. In
simple words, PIR keeps a picture of the heat levels in it's view and keeps on comparing
the new view with the stored one. In case there is any change then they activate the
alarm.
 PIR's come with a
wide variety of detection patterns to meet various needs of indoor movement sensing.
Depending upon the type of protection needed and the size of the protection area / volume,
the specific parameters of angular and area coverage can be chosen from the vast array of
PIR types available. The standard PIR has a wide angle coverage with a typical range of 20
to 30 feet. The Narrow angle PRI is for long range covering a long and narrow corridor.
The Extra wide angle PIR is for sensing movements through an angle of 150 degrees. Then
there are certain specialized PIR:
 Roof counted PIR to
detect movement in a circular space in the room.
Curtain type vertical
pattern to detect access through windows, doors and other entry points and also to give
protection to objects hung on a wall
Curtain type
horizontal pattern to detect access through ceilings or skylights
 When
installed outside the entrance, this may be used to warn of any one approaching the
entrance. Lighting also can be coupled to come ON automatically along with the chiming /
alarming on sensing movements. PIR's can be used as a stand-alone system (when connected
with an output device) or it can also form part of an integrated system along with other
types of security devices. If PIR is used as a sensor in a larger security system which is
controlled by a Control Unit (26) , then the Control Unit (26)
decides about the action to be taken.
Some PIR's units have a built in key pad to enter the password for activation and
deactivation. Some come with a remote control to activate and deactivate. Such PIRs
usually have a built in alarm also, which keeps on till it is deactivated.
Avoiding False Alarms With PIR
PIR must not point towards a heat producing source like
Refrigerator, AC, heater etc. Also, while installing it should be so positioned that the
intruder cannot approach the PIR without coming in view of the PIR else he can point the
PIR elsewhere or deactivate the same without sounding the alarm. Precaution is required if
there are pets in the house. PIR's are sensitive enough to detect dogs and cats. There are
special lens available (or a tape can be put on lower part of the existing lens) so as to
avoid detection close to the ground. At the same time, it should be kept in mind that the
intruder can also crawl and avoid detection. So placement and subsequent testing of PIR's
is a must to avoid false alarms.
If PIR is being installed outdoors then one must keep in mind that the large birds and
even pigeons can activate the alarm. So, it must be placed at such a location that PIR
does not aims at the flight path of the birds. Due to such restrictions it is not always
possible to use a PIR outdoors but it is one of the most used security device. |
