Door Sensor vs. Motion Sensor

The best security system is the one that ultimately keeps you and your family safe and your property secure. While a good security system isn’t necessarily hard to find, the technology and features provided can vary from brand to brand and package to package.

Consider, for example, the difference between a door sensor and a motion sensor. These sensors aren’t the same, and if you have one and not the other, your home may not be as protected as you think it is. Choosing the right kinds of sensors for your home means first understanding what they all do.

What is a door sensor?

A door sensor does what you might expect — it lets you know when a door opens. This can be a good way to monitor other people going in or out of the house, and it can also be an excellent way to alert you if someone enters who shouldn’t be there.

Door sensors specifically detect the opening and closing of doors. However, they do not detect other types of motion near or around the doors, outside your home, or in your home’s interior.

When placed correctly, door sensors do their job very well. Placed incorrectly, they can cause false alarms or, worse, fail to alert you when there’s an intruder.

How does a motion sensor work?

Successful security systems detect and deter intruders. Motion sensors do both of these things. Often, you’ll tie motion sensors to things like lights, alarms, or security cameras to capture and deter a burglary.

Additionally, motion sensors can detect motion in a house after someone has already broken in, triggering both alarms and cameras. This may not only drive the intruder away but can also let authorities see what the burglar looked like.

When choosing a motion sensor, consider the following:

• The range of motion the sensor detects

• Whether or not it automatically triggers an alarm

• Whether or not it notifies the authorities and/or a smartphone app

• If the sensor can trigger a camera or other type of recording device

• The cost of the motion sensor versus the value it offers

Choosing a security company to help with sensors

With a proper understanding of what you can get from a motion sensor, you can better determine if you need a motion sensor or door sensor or maybe both.

Most home security systems include both door and motion sensors. Having both external and internal motion sensors, along with door sensors, is one of the best ways to secure your home and protect your family.

Interested in monitored home security? Contact Brinks Home™ for details on alarm system options.

Jason Stevens is a senior writer for Brinks Home. He is a "tech guy" who enjoys sharing home security and automation tips with others.