PIR & Motion Sensors

A PIR detects the body heat of a moving person, while a dual-technology detector adds a microwave sensor and signals when the two sensors agree, which cuts false alarms from heaters, sunlight or draughts. The Pyronix KX10DP is a PIR; the Pyronix KX10DTP3, Texecom AKE-0001 and Optex FLX-S-DT are dual-tech detectors.

Yes. Pet-immune and pet-tolerant detectors are designed to ignore smaller animals, and examples include the Pyronix KX10DP and KX10DTP3, the Hikvision DS-PDP15P-EG2-WE(B) and the Ajax Superior MotionProtect Jeweller; the Texecom GDA-0001 and GDB-0001 have an optional PetWise mode. Mount and angle the detector as its instructions say, because pet immunity depends on it.

A detector that raises an alert if someone tries to block or cover its lens, so it cannot be quietly disabled while the premises are empty. Anti-masking models here include the Pyronix KX15DTAM, the Ajax Superior MotionProtect G3 Fibra and the Honeywell DT8016AF24, and they are usually specified for Grade 3 systems.

Where a wall position cannot see the whole room, or in an open area that suits 360° coverage from the centre. The Pyronix OCTOPUSDQ covers 12 m, the Texecom Capture CQ-W covers 9.3m through 360° on Ricochet, and the Hikvision DS-PDCL12-EG2-WE is a 12 m 360° wireless ceiling PIR for AX-Pro.

A PIR with a narrow, flat detection pattern, like a curtain, used across windows and doors or along a wall so people can move about the room without triggering it. The Pyronix KX18DC has an 18 m vertical beam, the Hikvision DS-PDC15-EG2(B) a 15 m curtain at 6.3°, and the Optex BXS-ST is an outdoor curtain PIR with dual output.

It must use the same wireless system as the panel or hub. Ajax wireless detectors use Jeweller, Texecom Capture wireless models such as the D20-W use Ricochet, Pyronix models such as the KX25LR-WE use Enforcer wireless, and Hikvision AX-Pro detectors such as the DS-PDP15P-EG2-WE(B) use Tri-X on 868 MHz. Check the panel make and system first.

External detectors built for weather and sunlight, such as the GJD ELITE GJD022 (10-35 m, IP55), the GJD320 D-TECT 60 (40-60m, IP65), the Optex QXI-DT-X8 dual-tech (12m, 120°) and the Pyronix XDL12TT-WE wireless tri-tech (12 m, IP55). Keep indoor detectors indoors, where their housings are designed to work.

A detector with a built-in camera that takes photos when it triggers, so the alarm can be verified visually before anyone responds. Examples include the Ajax MotionCam Outdoor PhOD (IP56, 15 m), the Hikvision DS-PDPC12PF-EG2-WE(B) ColorVu PIR camera (12 m), the Dahua DHI-ARD1731-W2(868) with a 2MP image sensor, and the Videofied OMV210 Outdoor MotionViewer, which records a 10 second video.

Use beams, long-range PIRs or radar along the boundary rather than detectors near the building. The Takex PB-50FA, PB-100FA and PB-200FA quad beams span 50 m, 100 m and 200 m, the GJD D-TECT 50 GJD350 covers 25-50 m, and the Axis 01564-001 security radar gives 180° area coverage with built-in analytics.

Grade 2 and Grade 3 are EN 50131 security grades, and a detector should list the grade the system needs. Grade 2 suits lower-risk sites such as homes and small shops, and Grade 3 higher-risk sites, with extra requirements such as anti-masking. The Pyronix KX10DP and Texecom GDB-0001 list Grade 2; the Pyronix FPTMD15G3-3 and KX15DTAM are Grade 3.