Be aware, summer is here, its false alarm season.
False activations prove to be particularly annoying as they cause disturbance, annoyance to the tenants but also to the neighboring environment, unnecessary mobilization of the police and gradually reduce the reliability of the system. Users of the system may ignore any activation, taking it as another incorrect activation, thus putting their property and possessions at risk.
False alarms should be investigated to identify the reasons of activation. False activations occurred due to misuse of the system, wiring problems (in the case of a wired system), network interruptions (in the case of a wireless system), and system failure.
During the summer months the increase in false alarms is mainly due to the fact that the common sensors of the systems (PIR) operate by detecting the heat energy emitted by the objects of the environment that they protect. By recording abrupt changes in temperature at a given point in the room / space are detecting a presence. For example, at a given point in the room the temperature may rise rapidly from room temperature to body temperature and return, indicating that someone has passed through the room. These sensors are common and quite effective, but not particularly so when used in certain rooms of the house during the summer months.
The use of detectors operating with this technology should be avoided in areas where large areas are covered by glass and in areas with high temperatures such as kitchens. In these areas during the summer the temperature rises significantly cause temperature change is perceived by the detector as an intruder movement and activates the system.
Dual technology sensors can be better utilized in the spaces mentioned above. These sensors use infrared technology just like ordinary sensors but have a secondary detection system that works at the same time. The second technology works with microwave detection that will not be affected by temperature changes. The presence of both detection technologies reduces the likelihood of false alarms.
The second reason that summer can be described as the season of incorrect activations is mainly because users often leave windows open either to ventilate a room and reduce the temperature or accidentally before leaving the house. In addition to the temperature changes that the open window creates in a space, it allows many bugs such as flies, butterflies and insects to enter and move freely in the protected area. Lower quality sensors can sometimes make it difficult to tell the difference between an insect and an invader if they do not have the technology to measure distance. Also, optical sensors (Optic Zoom) are much smarter and can tell if an intruder is in your home or if there is just a spider sitting very close to the sensor.
Finally, unmaintained systems, may activated due to a leak in the main panel battery, the external siren or even the detectors in case of a wireless system. The high temperatures of the summer damage the batteries, especially those that have been used for more than two years.
In case of summer getaways, make sure to eliminate the risk of false alarms of the security system to avoid inconvenience and disturbance on days of relaxation and rest. Ask a certified company to check and maintain the system, change the batteries, and if necessary replace common detectors in areas most affected by rising temperatures during the summer months.
Our company consultants can provide guidelines to avoid false alarms of security system in order to ensure their optimal performance and maximum protection.