Nov 28, 2011

Glass Break Sensor

One way to deter burglars from trying to break windows to gain access to a home or office building is to use a glass break sensor. A glass break sensor is a type of perimeter security device that can be installed on the ceiling or walls near any window that offers access to the interior of a building. The sensors are designed to generate a silent or an audible alarm when they detect the sound of glass being broken or shattered. As window alarms, glass break sensors work incredibly well.

How Glass Break Detectors Work

A glass break sensor is typically small in size and is programmed to detect the frequency of the noise that glass makes when it is shattered. Security industry analysts often refer to these sensors as ‘audio discriminators’ because they are designed to distinguish and differentiate the sounds of breaking glass from other sounds. Modern sensors can detect the sound of shattering glass from distances of up to 35 feet away from the source of the sound. A glass break sensor can either be a ‘single technology’ sensor or a ‘dual technology’ sensor.

Single Technology Sensors

A single technology sensor is designed to generate an alarm based solely on the sound of breaking glass. Such sensors are relatively inexpensive and can be an effective deterrent in most cases. However, one drawback with single technology sensors is the fact that they can generate false alarms. Often, such sensors can mistake other sounds with the sound of shattering glass and generate an alarm.

Dual Technology Sensors

A dual technology glass break sensor is more sophisticated. Such sensors respond only when a specific set of sounds occurs in a specified sequence. For instance, burglars often shatter a window pane by striking at it forcefully with a hard object. That action produces a specific sequence of sounds and glass-break vibrations. Dual technology sensors are programmed to listen for and respond to this specific sequence of sounds and vibrations, and are, hence, less prone to generating false alerts.

Wired and Wireless Sensors

A glass break sensor can be either wired or wireless. Wired sensors are typically associated with burglar alarm monitoring services. A wired sensor is usually connected to a central console or control panel. When a wired sensor detects a break-in, it sends a silent alert to the console, which, in turn, communicates with the security service provider’s monitoring center. Trained operators at the monitoring center receive the alert and inform police or other security personnel about the break-in. Wireless sensors are typically designed for do-it-yourself installation. These are easy to mount devices that can be installed and removed easily. Most wireless glass break sensors are designed to generate a loud audible alert when they detect the sound of breaking glass. Modern wireless glass breakage sensors can communicate with the central console from up to 300 feet away.

Affordable Security for Your Home or Office

Glass break detectors can significantly bolster the security of your home if they are deployed properly. Many modern homes are configured in a manner where the family room, dining area and kitchen are clustered together in close proximity. A single sensor that is placed strategically is sufficient to protect all three areas. Similarly, you will typically require just one sensor for covering your basement area or other areas of your home. You can buy a relatively sophisticated dual technology wireless sensor for as little as $75 these days. A glass break sensor can provide an affordable extra layer of protection for your home or office, especially if you deploy it as part of a holistic security monitoring solution.

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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