Car Alarm Sensors
Selecting the right car alarm sensors is as important as picking the right car alarm. It’s all about picking the right alarm sensor for the job.
I only install quality sensors which are suitable for your vehicle and needs. That way your car is protected against theft attempts without being a nuisance, or causing you got get a noise complaint from the council!
So, how do car alarm sensors work and which sensor is right for you?
Below are links to all the main types of alarm sensors. I explain how each one works, what to look for, and details about which vehicles they are suitable for.
Just click on the image for more details.
Bonnet Switch
Detects the opening of the bonnet.Should come as standard with all alarm systems and installed if the vehicle has a bonnet.Stainless or waterproof switches are the best as rusty ones can cause a false alarm, or simply not work at all.Some vehicles already have factory switches built into the bonnet latch.
Door & Boot Switches
Most vehicles already have these fitted as standard equipment.Part of my job as an installer is to check that they all work and make sure the alarm is wired up to them.I make the effort to wire the alarm directly to the doors circuit rather then the interior dome lamp (especially if it is a faded time out type) so the alarm can warn you if you leave one open when arming it.
Shock Sensor
These things give car alarms a bad name, especially in Wellington where even the wind can cause them to give a false alarm!Oversensitive impact sensors are the biggest cause of false alarms. The can be set off by large vehicle passing, booming exhaust pipes and the wind.I do my best to avoid installing them and turn the sensitivity down on systems that have these built in.
Level/Tilt Sensor
Level sensors learn what angle the vehicle is parked at when the alarm is armed. If it then gets jacked up the alarm will trigger.Great for protecting wheels from theft or even the vehicle being towed.Not prone to false alarms like shock sensors.
Glass Break Sensor
A Glass Break Sensor is a microphone that is tuned to detect the high pitched sound that a window makes when it gets smashed.These are not effective if you have a large vehicle such as a van where the sensor is some distance from the sound source or if the vehicle has aftermarket window tint film..
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic or volumetric sensors monitor the internal space inside a vehicle.They consist of a transmitter which sends an ultrasonic sound wave around the cabin which in turn is detected by the receiver.
If they detect any change from the wave pattern the alarm will sound.
PIR Sensor
Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR Sensors) are good for protecting Ute Canopies and internal space in Motorhomes and Caravans.They detect heat movement such as a human body coming into the detection zone.
Reed Switch
A reed switch is a turns on and off when a magnet goes in and out of range.These are useful when fitting a bonnet or door switch is not is not physically practical.Great for Ute tray lids and caravan doors.
Microwave Sensor
Microwave sensors are normally installed on soft top vehicles where ultrasonic sensor are not an option.They detect a mass (such as a human body) entering the zone.
While choosing the right sensors is crucial, ensuring they are correctly installed is even more important. See my car alarm installation service page for more details.
