Tips for Installing and Using Your Home Security System

Key Features to Look for in Glass Break Sensors

19 November 2021

Dawn Garza

When installing a residential security system, most homeowners focus on security cameras and motions detectors. While the devices might protect the average home, you should consider adding glass break sensors to your home's security system, especially if you have a big property. Notably, glass break sensors listen to and trigger an alarm system at the sound of broken glass. However, choosing a glass break alarm system can be intimidating for homeowners or business owners. Luckily, this article can simplify the process by listing critical features to look for in a glass break sensor.

High-Quality Narrowband Microphone

False alarms are a major inconvenience for homeowners. Notably, a glass break sensor comprises a microphone that detects the sound of breaking glass within a given radius. Some microphones are so sensitive that they can detect breaking glass from far away, even when there is no burglar nearby. Unfortunately, frequent false alarms lead to a lax response, opening your home up to burglaries. Therefore, look for glass break sensors with high-quality narrowband microphones. The device only triggers an alarm system when it detects the sound of breaking glass a couple of feet away. Thus, it reduces the frequency of annoying false alarms.

Ceiling Mounts

Most modern homeowners invest in noise dampening materials to keep unwanted noise from their interiors. Unfortunately, the efficient performance of glass break sensors is significantly affected if you have noise dampening materials, such as thick curtains, carpets, and furniture in your home. It is particularly the case for glass break sensors installed directly on windows and doors since they cannot pick up the audio signal of breaking glass. In this regard, it is advisable to buy glass break alarm systems with ceiling mounts in addition to window brackets. Ceiling mounts negate the effect of noise-dampening materials, allowing the sensors to pick audio easily.

Glass-Centric Break Sensors

Glass break sensors are not a one-size-fits-all device. For instance, their performance depends on glass thickness, composition, and coating. Most sensors work best with plate glass since it is the easiest to detect. However, the breaking sound of glass types with wires or laminate coating can only be detected with devices equipped with shock sensors. Notably, such glass types are difficult to break or disintegrate; hence, sensors can only register the vibrations. In this regard, it is advisable to select a glass break sensor that matches the type of glass on your windows and doors.

For more information, contact security system companies. 

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