Driveway Alarms: Choosing the Best Driveway Alarm System

A driveway security alarm is a device that alerts the house owner regarding intruders or incoming visitors. A driveway alarm system is a perfect addition to the existent home security system. This device not only helps protect the car, but it also prevents intruders from using the driveway as a means to reach the house. The alarm is a sensor-based machine that detects any motion in its sensor path. On detection of motion, it activates a signal and sets off an alarm, indicating the presence of a trespasser or guest.

Types of Driveway Alarms

There are two types of driveway alarm systems available in the market today: the wired driveway alarm system and the wireless driveway alarm system. Alarm systems use three types of detection systems: passive infrared (PIR), metal detection probes, and rubber air hose. Wired driveway alarms are more reliable as compared to wireless ones, provided the wire running from the sensing unit outside, to the monitor device inside the house is not nicked or damaged in any way. Installing a wired alarm system while building a new house is the most convenient way to do it. Cutting a trench in the driveway, fishing into the building, and burying the wires in an existing house or apartment can be quite cumbersome. Also, if the wire is needed to cover a long distance, the expenses can rise considerably. On the other hand, wireless alarm systems are easier to install, and can operate on a single 9-volt battery for almost a year. Also, they have only a short cable between the sensor and the transmitter unit. Good quality wireless alarms come with a lifetime warranty.

Selecting the Best Driveway Alarm Systems

While selecting the best driveway alarm system, a few parameters such as distance, detectors, and receivers should be kept in mind.

Distance: The distance between the indoor receiver (inside the house) and the sensor (outside the house) needs to be calculated, in meters. The distance also has to be checked for trees, buildings or any other objects. This is because whenever manufacturers quote the working distance, it's the distance of clear line-of-sight. This means that objects present between the two locations can reduce the signal to a great extent. For detectors just outside a building, the 100m alarm system will do. In the case of large stone houses, 250m-300m systems are required. For distances ranging from 300-900m, the 900m system is best suited.

Detectors: Whether one wants to detect vehicles, or people and animals, also has to be clarified. Alarm systems with one side PIR beams detect people and cars. Alarms with narrow and pet-friendly beams will avoid detecting small animals. There are alarms that are hidden underground to detect vehicles. Solar powered systems with twin beams, covering larger areas are also available. Thus, depending on the requirement, the alarm system can be chosen.

Receivers: Normally when an alarm system has been activated, any intruder can be detected. The signal is sent to the receiver, which responds in the form of a beep or chime. The mode of alerting can be of various types. 250-300-900m systems trigger indoor or outdoor alarms as alerts. Flashlights can also be turned on as an option. A simple switch can be attached to wires, which can control the time of the siren. The 100m alarm system has an inbuilt 100 dB siren, as well as a wireless siren (optional). Trigger dialer type systems send out pre-recorded text or voice messages to selected land lines or mobile numbers.

Driveway alarm sensors work the best when mounted at a height of 2-3 feet, on a tree or wall, at least 6 feet away from the area to be monitored. Driveway alarms are used for personal as well as commercial security purposes. It's a one time investment with no recurring costs. Thus, one should definitely get one installed!