false alarms with PIR detectors (alternatives? , recommedations?)

Hi!

I'm getting extremely frustrated with false alarms from PIR detectors.

We have a cold storage building and here in northern europe temperature changes are problematic with pir detectors. Also some of the neighbours cats like visit our storage (there are a few places where they can get in and I have no problem since they are good for eliminating mice). Mostly, false alarms are caused by temperature changes (breeze inside the storage). Maybe even bugs, since some seem to be attracted by the detectors. I have changed once already some of the detectors to pir/microwave with no luck. Now I have eliminated some of the false alarms by increasing the activating time (from 1sec to 4/5 sec, which is a pretty long time, so it might reduce the ability to discover a burglar).

So... I'm looking for alternatives. Any experts here?

Door & window sensors are out of question since there are too many doors and once burglars went in through wall.

Active dual beam sensors have been in my mind, but due to the fact that we have a lot of stuff in the storage, it is really difficult to find good places for these kind of sensors. No idea about their reliability, any experience from others?

Part of the storage is pretty low, just around two meters (6' 6" or 11 bananas), so it might be challenging. However, there are a few places that burglars would definitely go through, so if there was some sort of detector that could be attached to ceiling, it could work. it doesn't need to cover a large area.

I welcome all ideas!

I think most pir's are meant to be mounted at least 7 feet. Did yours come with any other lenses that you cold try? Are you using wireless or hardwired sensors? A dual tec pir is about the only way I know of to cover a wide area with minimal false alarms which sounds like you've already tried. I think there are even tri-tech sensors but not sure how they work,

The only tip I have that I read from a pro installer, when you are unable to use motion detectors see if you can put the magnet contacts on drawers, closets, and storage containers as well. I still think that I would want sensors on doors. Even if they come in through a wall or window they might open the door to carry out a larger item. Also have you considered putting a ipcam out there? You could manage your detection zones and such with blue iris and quickly check to see if its a false alarm. That might be the simplest way if the staple alarm sensors aren't working for you.

wish I could help more.

yep, some on/off sensors, such as magnetic sensors or other switches (maybe even pressure plate, that activates when it is stepped on) have been on my mind. There are cameras of course, to check if it's a false alarm. but still waking up at 3 am for false alarm is not so nice. and also, alarm system is battery back upped, cameras are not. There has already been one situation where burglars cut off power.

How about those IR beam sensors that alarms when the beam is broken ? I have been thinking of using such in my yard, like a tripwire. I dont have any models to recommend becouse i have not done much reserarch in it yet.

surveillancelot said:

yep, some on/off sensors, such as magnetic sensors or other switches (maybe even pressure plate, that activates when it is stepped on) have been on my mind. There are cameras of course, to check if it's a false alarm. but still waking up at 3 am for false alarm is not so nice. and also, alarm system is battery back upped, cameras are not. There has already been one situation where burglars cut off power.

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Magnetic switches are cheap and should certainly be used. Extreme cold might have some impact on them. How cold is the cold storage?
Photoelectric beams are a good option for line crossing. If frost could form on the reflector if might be trouble. here's one: https://www.amazon.com/Seco-Larm-931-S35RRQ-Enforcer-Outdoor-Photoelectric/dp/B001LFPB0M/ that's less expensive than most.

As for motion detectors, you've tried a variety of sensors but neglected to share what specific models you've tried.

My first thought would be to try an outdoor motion sensor that's temperature compensated and rated for low temps. I'd probably choose one with dual pir elements and a microwave detector like the DSC LC-171 rated to -31F.

Ceiling mounted detectors are less likely to be 'pet' immune. I stumbled on the Leviton OSFHU-CTW which is designed to control light fixtures in cold storage in a high bay ceiling mounted configuration, harder to interface this with an alarm as it wants 120+ vac power.

The dual tech RCR-REX is rated to -20f Request-to-Exit | Intrusion Solutions | Interlogix Global Security Products
interlogix also makes outdoor detectors: Outdoor Motion Detectors | Intrusion Solutions | Interlogix Global Security Products

Optex makes tons of motion detectors, most are only rated to -4f (which might be more honest than some claims of -20f). Options include the HX40, KX-08, LX-402. I didn't find a specific product for low temps, if you contacted optex or an optex dealer they might have a recommendation.

thanks tangent for your reply. so far the best results I have gotten from this detector (it has been way better than brand models) WaterProof Outdoor Digital Motion Dual PIR Detector & Pet Immunity IP45 LU | eBay

I don't have now the models of the other detectors.

The temperature varies from -30 to +30 degrees celcius throughout the year.

It seems the main case for false alarms is actually breeze. There can been quite strong "wind" inside the storage where warmer or colder air makes sudden change which pir detector detects as movement. Part of the storage is insulated so that there is no such a wind and now that I went through the false alalrm history, I found out that there have been no false alarms there.

I will give beam sensors a shot.

surveillancelot said:

thanks tangent for your reply. so far the best results I have gotten from this detector (it has been way better than brand models) WaterProof Outdoor Digital Motion Dual PIR Detector & Pet Immunity IP45 LU | eBay

I don't have now the models of the other detectors.

The temperature varies from -30 to +30 degrees celcius throughout the year.

It seems the main case for false alarms is actually breeze. There can been quite strong "wind" inside the storage where warmer or colder air makes sudden change which pir detector detects as movement. Part of the storage is insulated so that there is no such a wind and now that I went through the false alalrm history, I found out that there have been no false alarms there.

I will give beam sensors a shot.

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Some outdoor motion sensors outside could be useful too to alert you before someone gets in.

Have u tried the Bosch 850.love it.it only detects people and cars.

OD850 Series Outdoor TriTech Detectors

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Optex beam sensors work great. AX series. 100% reliable for me so far.

CamFan said:

Optex beam sensors work great. AX series. 100% reliable for me so far.

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You can also get 'curtain' versions of things like this with multiple beams spaced a few inches apart.