Let’s face it: by the time your traditional alarm system goes off, it’s too late. They will be in your house by the time you wake up, possibly with a knife to your throat. Outdoor intruder sensors and security beams detect intrusions BEFORE they become dangerous. But what exactly are security beams, and how do they work? That is exactly what we will do in this article.
What are security beams?
The light beams used by security systems are frequently referred to as point-to-point beams. Security beams, as an early warning system, allow stakeholders to quickly determine whether or not there is an intruder on the property. The transmitter, which is mounted on a wall or fence, sends out a pulsed beam of infrared light that is processed by the receiver. If an intruder breaks this invisible light beam, an alarm will sound, alerting security personnel to the presence of intruders.
Outdoor beams should be viewed as an additional security layer rather than a replacement for a traditional alarm system. Outdoor beams typically use a variety of technologies, such as infrared and microwave, and may provide the installer with a variety of detection options to accommodate different conditions. The goal is to provide maximum detection while minimising false alarms. When the weather changes, some detectors may automatically switch between detection modes.
Outdoor beams, like indoor PIRs or door contacts, can be connected directly to an existing alarm control panel and assigned an alarm zone, resulting in an integrated alarm system. When using wireless beams, a wireless receiver is required.
Security beam features
1. Laser aligned beams
Laser alignment beams are made up of a transmitter and receiver pair, as well as (usually) a pair of twin infrared beams. Protects a series of windows or doors, or between two points. The transmitter and receiver must be wired together.
2. Single beams
Single beams can be wired or wirelessly connected. The detection angle of the beams can be adjusted, for example, to 90° at 15 metres. Dual technologies are frequently used. Wireless beams are ideal for a simple, stand-alone system.
3. Butterfly beams
Butterfly Beams are installed in the detection area’s centre to protect both sides.
5. Curtain beams
Curtain Beams use a special lens to create a very narrow detection area (approximately 15°) and are suitable for installation in front of a window, for example. Curtain beams with direction recognition have an additional feature that recognises the direction of movement and will only be activated when movement is detected in a specific direction.
Types of outdoor security beams
1. Outdoor beams
Outdoor beams are weatherproof infrared detectors that are mounted externally, similar to indoor passives. These beams are installed on building walls and can detect movement up to ten metres away and within a 90° angular range. They are capable of detecting and alerting you to an intruder on your property. When triggered, the pulsed infrared light activates the alarm system and alerts the owner to a presence in their yard.
2. Point-to-point beams
Infrared beams, also known as point-to-point beams, are a dependable and stable form of intruder detection. These beams are used in pairs – a transmitter and a receiver – and are mounted on walls or brackets outside. The transmitter sends a continuous and undetectable pulse of infrared light to the receiver. An alarm will be triggered if an intruder or object, such as a person, dog, or falling branch, breaks the invisible beam. Outdoor beams are typically installed across a driveway or near an entrance, as well as around the property’s perimeter.
3. Strip beams
A strip beam is another dependable outdoor intruder detection device that is mounted internally on the walls of a house, such as on either side of window frames. This serves as a deterrent to intruders who have broken into the house. Strip beams are made up of four strips of receivers and transmitters that produce an infrared light that is invisible and pulsed. An alarm signal is immediately sent if movement is detected as a result of the pulse being ‘broken’ by an intruder reaching through the beam. These beams range in length from one to ten metres.
Security beam benefits
Here are some of the benefits of using outdoor beams:
- They function as an early warning system. Outdoor beams are mounted externally, so when they go off, you are notified that there has been activity in your garden or around the perimeter of your property. This is beneficial because it allows you to be proactive, especially if the activation was caused by something other than a non-threatening visitor or animal.
- They can be linked to your home security system. Outdoor security beams connected to your existing home alarm system allow an alert to be relayed to the Control Centre in the same way that a house alarm activation is relayed to the Monitoring Centre. This allows the security company to respond quickly, which can effectively assist you if the intrusion is caused by a malicious trespasser.
- They act as an additional deterrent to intruders on your property. Infrared sensors are frequently used in outdoor security beams. When an infrared beam is broken or motion is detected, an alarm is triggered, making a loud noise that often drives would-be thieves away.
