Driveway Alarms Can Give You That Peace of Mind



These alarms generally work by having infrared sensors attached to your house, gate or driveway entrance. Then a transmitter sends a signal to the receiver in your home. Other systems may emit a dark green light. Whatever system you choose, a 'light wire' is tripped when either a person or vehicle passes through the beam. Alternatively you might choose to buy a system that has a pressure-sensitive tube in the ground of your driveway. Another alternative is one with a magnetic probe which alerts you to metal objects such as cars and vans.

Whatever system you eventually buy the reason for buying them is the same. You want to be alerted when someone comes to your house. It's not just about alerting you to intruders but also for other reasons. Perhaps you are awaiting a delivery van or workmen.

Look out for models which have a motion detector as this will be able to sense movement of a human. The advantage of this is that someone may step over the driveway beam so not activate it. These units generally can sense movement from around 800-1200 feet away.

If you are willing to pay extra, you can even find driveway alarms with extra features such as an intercom system. This will come in useful if you want to know if the visitor is expected or not.

Video cameras are also becoming more popular due to the prices coming down in recent years. Simply by seeing someone approaching your home can quickly put your mind at rest. Plus if in the unfortunate event that you are burgled, video evidence will come in useful if going to court.

There are even more features available to you such as having your garage door open when you arrive home. Or you can have the house light switch on and have the front door open automatically.

If you are worried about your alarm not working in the event of a power-cut, look for one with a battery backup. Some experienced intruders may disable your power system if they know you have a driveway alarm.

Other features you should consider include connection to a home PC network, sound volume control and waterproof transmitters. Above all, you want a system that can tell the difference between different objects. It's no good if dogs and children riding by are constantly setting your alarm off. It would make the system useless.