Motion Sensors Without a Neutral Wire

When it comes to older homes, homeowners can run into the issue of not having a neutral line. That can make it harder for them to get and install a proper home security system. Most of these systems need that neutral wire to operate correctly. Without it, the system won’t always read correctly or operate the way a homeowner wants it to. There are ways to work around the neutral wire issue, and that can make it easier for any homeowner to have the motion sensors and other devices they really want.

The biggest thing with motion sensors is they must be calibrated, and they have to have a steady feed of power. If that gets interrupted, the sensors can miss things — and if they miss things, a homeowner can.

Why is a neutral wire needed?

Neutral wires are designed to provide more safety and security in a home’s wiring system. They reduce the chance of shocks and electrocution, and they also reduce the possibility of fires. But that doesn’t mean that houses without a neutral wire are dangerous — they are just older, and they don’t have the same level of wiring technology that was available on newer homes.

A neutral wire can be added, but it’s expensive to rewire a home.

That’s why a lot of homeowners avoid having anything that requires a neutral wire, or they buy plugs that allow for a three-prong corded device to be plugged into a two-prong outlet. That doesn’t solve the problem of not having a neutral wire, but it lets a homeowner use the devices they want to use.

What do motion sensors do?

With home security, motion sensors are a big part of the package. They’re designed to do just what their name implies: detect motion, and communicate motion to the homeowner. Whether that’s through sounding an alarm, turning on a light, or something else, it’s important for any homeowner to know if there’s motion in or around their house that’s not supposed to be there. These sensors need to work properly, and if there’s no neutral wire, not all of them can be used. Fortunately, there are many options that don’t require a neutral wire.

Regardless of the age of your home, Brinks Home™ can customize the perfect home security system for you and your family.

Linley Stringer is a copywriter for Brinks Home. She is passionate about telling stories that keep consumers informed and protected.