Pir Choice

[DamienGiles]

Hello,

I'm just in the process of selecting some suitable PIR's for our install.

I've been reading up and will probably be looking at the texecom range.

I understand the idea being Dual Tec's - but not so sure about the QUADs.

As I understand, the Dual Tec's use both microwave and PIR to detect movement - should one of the two trigger, no alarm will sound - should both detect then alarm will sound.

However, could someone provide a summary of QUADs and when/why they would be installed over standard PIRs?

The Texecom Prestige Quad is only a few quid more than the bog standard Prestige Compact IR but the Dual's are almost double.

Also, these mirrored optics - more expensive than the QUADs but cheaper than the Dualtecs - what's the benefit of them?

Thanks!

Alex

[DamienGiles]

P.S. I understand that both the 4 "box" sextions need to be activated before the alarm sounds but texecom advertise this for "harsh" env. yet some forum threads here use it as standard?

I don't quite understand that!

[alterEGO]

P.S. I understand that both the 4 "box" sextions need to be activated before the alarm sounds but texecom advertise this for "harsh" env. yet some forum threads here use it as standard?

I don't quite understand that!

i use quads as standard, less chance of false alarms. Not that much to think about, you have the right idea.

[Rulland]

Hi, Basically all movement detectors work on the same principle-they see movement of some description.

PIR's Should theoretically see heat movement or a change in heat distribution-but all PIR's are not equal.

Cheaper PIR's can react to certain movements that should be regarded as inoffensive-such as a curtain moving or a piece of paper dropping off a notice board-the better devices will discriminate between the two and provide more security against false alarms.

At the higher end as you have said combined infra red/microwave will meet the criteria but are more expensive.

A cheap PIR may well just send a beam out at and look for movement-a quad sends numerous beams out looking for movement and ascertaining wheather that movement should be regarded as a intruder situation.

This is a classic example of why the regs are being implemented/updated-The aim especially with monitored or policed systems is to reduce false alarms-and thus unwarranted police response whilst they could be at a more serious crime scene.

Obviously the better a detector is at doing it's job the more people will trust it for what it's supposed to do!!.

But the same applies for the domestic bells only system as well-you want to know that if it's gone off-It's gone off for a legitamate reason!.

Richard.

[Rulland]

Just a further note though-as per alterEGO-I always specify quad PIR's on all my quotes as a matter of course as well.

Regards.

Richard.

[billythebellbox]

A cheap PIR may well just send a beam out at and look for movement-a quad sends numerous beams out looking for movement and ascertaining wheather that movement should be regarded as a intruder situation.

WTF? passive infra red

[lawandorder]

WTF? passive infra red

Well we knew what he meant didn't we?

[kka]

i use quads as standard as well

[DamienGiles]

thanks for the replies - i'll buy them 4 beam ones hehe

so quads minimum then - any good manufacturers then? or is the texecom prestige a sure bet?

*beam me up scotty*

//gets my coat

[lawandorder]

thanks for the replies - i'll buy them 4 beam ones hehe

so quads minimum then - any good manufacturers then? or is the texecom prestige a sure bet?

*beam me up scotty*

//gets my coat

In my opinion, and it is only an opinion, the choice of manufacturer is often quite personal.

People tend to have their own favourites. Personnally I like Optex detectors but have fitted loads of Texecom PIRs (but not quads) and have found them to be as reliable as any other.