How Many Motion Sensors Should Be in a Home Alarm?

Entry Windows

• Determine the number of windows in the home that meet the necessary criteria: large enough for someone to go through if opened, and on the ground floor so that they are accessible without having to use a ladder. Windows of this type are candidates for a motion sensor, since wired security could be circumvented by breaking the glass from the window frame.

Accessible Balconies

• Check whether the position of the roof or ground to a balcony is such that an intruder could either drop down to the balcony or climb up onto the balcony. If this is the case, the balcony is a good candidate for a motion sensor.

Attached Buildings

• Look for a door that leads into the house from an attached building, for example, a door leading into the house from an attached garage. A motion sensor can be placed to provide protection against an intruder entering this area.

Open Backyard

• An open backyard -- one with no fence or enclosure -- is an ideal place for a motion sensor. Place the motion sensor against the wall facing the backyard, or connect it to a security floodlight as a replacement for a porch light.

Enclosed Driveway

• A motion sensor can be installed at the foot of a driveway and used in conjunction with a security gate to prevent anyone from driving a car onto the property. The sensor can be used to provide warning that someone has entered the property from the street, either by vehicle or on foot.