Outdoor Perimeter Sensor: what it is

The use of an outdoor perimeter sensor is essential to ensure that a security and video surveillance system can increase its effectiveness by autonomously detecting any unauthorised presence in a specific area.

Companies that want to increase their level of protection and security should implement alarm systems that incorporate this type of perimeter sensors, as they will be able to control unauthorised access in different areas of their business (such as the car park, offices, production plant, warehouse, industrial warehouses, vulnerable areas, etc.).

What is a perimeter sensor and what is it for?

A perimeter sensor is a device designed to detect the presence or movement of people, objects or other entities within a perimeter (a specific area). These sensors are commonly used in security systems to protect industrial facilities, businesses, private areas and other areas where unauthorised access is to be controlled or activities and events are to be monitored.

Alarm systems that use a perimeter sensor establish a control barrier that significantly increases the security of a specific area or zone, automatically issuing alerts when a person, animal or thing crosses the set boundary.

Although the most commonly used perimeter sensors are those based on infrared technology, there are also other types that use microwave technology, ultrasound, magnetism, vibration detection, and even fibre optics (to detect variations in light).

With the use of these types of sensors, a “virtual wall” can be created around a specific area to detect any intrusion within it, issuing an alert or warning if this happens (an alarm that reaches the security officers automatically and immediately).

How the outdoor perimeter sensor works

A perimeter control system or electric fence uses motion sensors to monitor a defined area. When there is any variation in it, such as the passage of a person or animal, it will automatically issue an alert or warning so that security officers can verify whether it is an authorised or unauthorised access.

With the use of outdoor perimeter sensors, companies can cover large surveillance areas (typically these devices are capable of covering from 25 to 200 metres). For example, in Oil Refineries Perimeter Security, where the areas to be monitored and controlled are extensive, using access systems based on this type of sensor is essential to be able to cover the entire terrain and ensure that no one accesses dangerous or restricted areas.

The operation of motion sensors is based on two fundamental elements:

  • Emitter: It is responsible for transmitting infrared rays that are invisible to the human eye.
  • Receiver: It monitors the impact of these rays on the environment, detecting changes in frequency to identify objects, people or animals.

The use of infrared is essential in this type of alarm and surveillance systems, as it facilitates the identification of persons through the emission of human body heat and has a high degree of reliability in triggering unauthorised access alerts.

Why install an outdoor perimeter sensor?

Outdoor Perimeter Sensor

Access control and security systems using perimeter sensors offer many advantages, among which we can highlight:

Maximising the security of systems

Alarm systems based on this type of sensor are much more reliable and secure, as they have the ability to autonomously detect any intrusion within a defined perimeter. If a person enters an area monitored by this type of system, an automated alert will be issued, so that security officers can verify what is happening and act accordingly.

Monitoring large areas

Many industries and companies have facilities of many square metres, which makes the process of controlling and monitoring them difficult. A perimeter sensor can control access to a large area, and if a multi-sensor system is used, a surveillance infrastructure capable of monitoring large areas is available.

Cost reduction

Another major benefit of using outdoor perimeter sensor access control systems is the reduction of surveillance and security costs. By issuing automated alerts and monitoring large areas, the company will not need to hire a large number of guards or security personnel, thus minimising labour costs.

High return on investment

The cost of implementing a security system with perimeter sensors is really tight, so the investment made is profitable. This high return on investment or ROI is achieved thanks to all the benefits obtained with this type of system, in exchange for a small economic investment.

Minimising false alarms

Current sensor technology makes it possible to implement truly reliable detection and alert systems, so the number of false alerts or false security incidents will be significantly reduced.

This type of sensors that autonomously control an area, streamline protection and security systems, and avoid wasting staff time by only issuing alerts when there is an intrusion or unauthorised access to the controlled area.

We have talked about the outdoor perimeter sensor, what it is, what it is used for, how it works and the advantages it provides to companies, organisations and industries. Current technology makes it possible to implement this type of sensor efficiently in advanced security and alarm systems, which means that the level of protection is really high (even when it is necessary to monitor and control large areas or extensions).

At Microsegur we are specialists in security in business and industrial environments, so do not hesitate to contact us for personalised attention to the particular characteristics of your company.