About Driveway Patrol Alarms

Driveway patrol alarms can be used on any length driveway. The alarms alert the homeowner that someone has entered the driveway and can give the homeowner a few minutes to prepare for an unannounced visitor. It also tells the homeowner when an expected visitor arrives, so the homeowner can meet the visitor outside if she wishes.

Advantages

A driveway patrol alarm can also be used on the entrance to a deck or porch. The alarm sends a signal that you can hear alerting you when someone enters the area the alarm is set up. It can also be used to monitor the mailbox. There are different ranges for the driveway alarms up to 400 feet.

Disadvantages

Driveway patrol alarms work via an infrared signal. When something interrupts the signal, another signal is sent to the receiver box inside. This means that most driveway alarms cannot tell the difference between a human, car or animal. The alarm may go off in heavy storms where there are a lot of branches moving around or being ripped from trees and tossed into the signal. If there is a lot of wildlife in the area, the alarm will sound if an animal enters the area covered by the infrared signal---even a squirrel. Since the driveway patrol unit uses batteries, in order to keep up the protection, you will need to check and replace the batteries as needed. The battery life depends on how often the alarm senses movement in the covered area.

Types

There is one type of driveway patrol alarm, though there are many different brands. No matter which brand you choose, they work the same. The average area covered is 400 feet from the sensor to the receiver. The sensor is mounted at the area you need to monitor, and the receiver is mounted inside the home. Most brands use three C-cell batteries in the sensor and a 9-volt battery in the receiver. Some use a 9-volt battery and three AAA batteries, which may require more frequent battery changes.

Concerns

The outside sensor of the driveway patrol alarm is waterproof and can be mounted in any area that needs to be monitored. Minimal tools are required to install the sensor and the receiver, making this security system easy to install and use for the person who does not have tools or does not know how to use tools. The sensor does not need to be mounted high, affording even the person who cannot climb a ladder easy installation. Because of the ease of installation and because the unit works on radio frequency and does not use wiring, the average homeowner can easily install a driveway patrol alarm.

Conclusion

The driveway patrol alarm can be a lifesaver if the homeowner is diligent in making sure the batteries are working in both the sensor and the receiver. You should never count on a set battery life and should test the sensor at least once weekly to be sure the system is still operating properly. If you live in a dangerous neighborhood, always use caution when going outside to meet the person who tripped the sensor unless you are expecting a visitor.