Alarm System Glass break detectors- Glass break detectors are also known as “Audio Discriminators”.
They are a perimeter device because they catch a burglar trying to break into your home or business instead of walking inside and being detected by a motion detector. They are available in wired and wireless versions. The detector mounts to a wall or ceiling and listens to an area of approximately 35 feet in all directions. They don’t hear through walls or around corners or into a room because the door is open. The more windows you have in the protection area of a device, the better the value. Some examples of good coverage are as follows.
* If you have an open concept kitchen, breakfast nook, and family room, you can cover all windows with one device because they are within the 35-foot area.
* If you have a room with many windows you can cover them all because they are in the same area. Often the dining room is within the coverage area and can be protected with the same device.
* If you have an unfinished basement with windows, this is a very vulnerable area. You can cover all windows with a single device in most cases.
The glass break detector listens for the frequency of glass breakage and wood chips. In the not too distant past, the only glass breaks available were “unique technology” devices. They heard the frequency of glass breakage and wood splinters only. The problem was that sounds like a lightning strike, people sneezing, the clatter of two glasses in the sink, or the squawking of a pet bird replicated this frequency and caused false alarms that only the most astute detectives could decipher.
Although single technology devices are still in use today because they cost less for alarm companies to buy, an informed consumer would insist on the newer ones. “Duel Technology” device. New devices must hear a “Thump” and then a frequency bump, in that precise order to enter an alarm condition. Let’s see if you understand what I’m saying about the new technology.
Q: If you sneeze at the same time as your bird squawks and this causes you to hit your head against the wall, will this set off your alarm if it’s armed?
IN: (NO) because it did not happen in the correct order. First you would have to hit your head against the wall.
This small advance in the use of artificial intelligence has created a very reliant device that you can count on to defend your perimeter.
One of the downsides to sound discriminators is that they are expensive and you need one in every room that is vulnerable. These would be accessible windows on the main or lower level or upstairs windows with access to the roof or terrace. I recommend placing these devices in the areas of greatest concern and backing them up with a motion detector on the main floor. This way you won’t spend your children’s inheritance making your home in Fort Knox.
(WISE WORDS!)
The best security systems are the ones where you don’t put all your eggs in one basket!