Photoelectric Detectors

Photoelectric detectors use infrared light to detect an object or person passing through a beam. If you have ever walked into a store and a heard a bell then this is a photoelectric detector at work. On one side of the entryway is a device with either a white light and a lens or a low-power laser. Meanwhile, on the other side is a device that can see the light. Therefore, when someone crosses the beam of light they break the beam and the alarm/bell/beep sounds.

When it comes to home security, photoelectric detectors can be designed for indoor use, outdoor use, or either. When purchasing such a device, make sure the mounting equipment is included. You will also want to know if there is surge protection and if the parts are impact resistant. In addition, you should know what the detection distance is.

For the most part, photoelectric detectors are simple to install. While doing the installation, do not focus the photoelectric detector’s beam on an area where a pet roams on a regular basis, as this would likely cause false alarms. Rather, you should aim and install the photoelectric detector where you think an intruder will pass by.

Photoelectric detectors can also act as a smoke detector, but are not recommended to be used as your primary smoke detection source. If it ever got really smoky enough to block the light beam, the alarm/bell would then go off. However, this detection is not sensitive in any way and there are other photoelectric detectors designed specifically to work as smoke detectors.