Wireless Home Security 101 – Listen Up! Glass Break Sensors Explained

Tradition has it that home security is built around door/window sensors and motion sensors, and that’s been true – just about every system includes both of these devices. But we also find more and more customers selecting glass break sensors to enhance a system, as an effective cost-saving device when protecting a group of windows in one room. And, unlike motions sensors, glass breaks are active in both the “Stay” and “Away” modes. For more detail on that important topic, here’s a link to my post on How to Arm Your Alarm System. Since folks are increasingly arming their systems when home at night, glass breaks could be the key. Today I’ll explain glass break technology – and why using these sensors could make sense for you. The Right Design Plenty of alarm companies try to fit you into a “one-size-fits-most” solution, instead of customizing your system to your specific needs. For instance, few of them focus on safer cellular monitoring. Our handy video on alarm system design touches on each device and how it is used, to help you make the right choice. Another thing to bear in mind is that our lives change – and so do our neighborhoods! You may want to add devices to your system to increase your peace of mind, or use your system differently – and having a system that is flexible and grows with you can be a real asset. This is another area where an easily self-installed alarm system offers a definite benefit: allowing you to add any device, at any time, easily and affordably. How Glass Break Technology Works So, how does a glass break sensor work? It listens for the specific frequency that is generated by breaking glass. Glass breaks sensors are active any time your system is armed, so once you turn your system on (even in the “Stay” mode!), you need to remember that accidentally dropping a glass could trigger an alarm. These sensors (and we use GE’s proven “ShatterPro II” technology) have a range of 20 feet in any direction. That means one sensor can cover lots of windows in a single room, as long as there are no doors or walls blocking the “sight” of the sensor. Where Do You Use Them? Clustered window areas like sunrooms are a natural spot – and one sensor is great for a room with several windows and a sliding glass door, in case the intruder breaks through the glass door. Other good areas are fixed windows (some of my windows are painted shut!), and vulnerable spots where my motion sensors will not be active in the Stay alarm mode. Wireless glass break sensors mount on the wall or ceiling, and don’t have to “point” at the glass they are protecting – they just need a clear “line of sight” to do their thing. Bad guys do break glass, often to reach in and unlock a window: it’s much more efficient to use a single glass break sensor than place a door/window sensor on every window in a room. Using the right sensor for each application is where good home security starts – and Frontpoint has built its approach around providing you with the protection and peace of mind you deserve. We continue to offer interactive, wireless home security solutions that lead the pack. And when it comes to customized, fully featured alarm systems, including glass break sensors, you can expect us to have the best advice you can find. We’ll be listening for you!