Still the cornerstone of intruder systems both commercial and residential, PIR detectors are an essential part of the installer's armoury. Here are some of the latest releases into the marketplace...

Performance and pricing

DSC says it has effectively blended performance with competitive pricing to produce the LC series of intrusion detection devices.

Designed for residential or commercial installation, the LC series provides protection in main rooms, corners and corridors. The series comprises four PIR motion detectors of various functionalities and a discreet glassbreak detector.

ASIC-based processing provides detection and false alarm rejection and Quad Linear Imaging technology provides sharp analysis of body dimensions and differentiation from backgrounds and pets. Sensors are able to provide detection while ignoring pets weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs).

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Aleph joins Norbain

Norbain SD has signed an agreement with intruder detector manufacturer Aleph Europe Ltd to be its primary distributor in the UK. All ranges of Aleph's internal PIRs, wall and ceiling mounts come with pet immunity and anti-tamper as standard. Built to the highest standard with a strong focus on innovation, Aleph products offer a cost effective solution to intruder detection needs, the company says.

"Norbain is continually expanding its intruder detection offerings to give customers the best choice of products for their application," says Dave Kelly, Norbain's divisional director – intruder products. "The Aleph range brings with it some highly innovative solutions that can't be found elsewhere in the market and its reputation as a reputable manufacturer fits with Norbain's high standards."

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Detector speaks volumes

Optex Europe has launched an "innovative, low cost and highly reliable" area detection device that not only detects unwanted intruders loitering in driveways or back gardens but can also warn intruders off the site with a series of sequential announcements.

The VX 402 Series uses multiple detection pattern technology developed from the company's long range external detector range that prevents false activation from pets, birds and small animals.

Two discrete detection areas are created and the alarm output is only provided when an intruder is detected in both areas.

Originally designed for small commercial and industrial applications, the unit has now been adapted for residential applications.

Hard wired or wire-free, it is "ideal" for event driven CCTV and allows the installer to record a customised warning message on-site. The volume can be increased by wiring a second speaker into the detector.

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Robust detector

Honeywell has introduced the IS215TQ quad element, a passive infrared motion sensor that conforms to the new Euro standards EN50131-1 Grade 2, Class II.

"Like having two detectors in one small discrete unit, the IS215TQ is a robust PIR ideal for small commercial or residential premises," Honeywell says. "As with all Honeywell sensors, it is easy to install – with direct in line switch programming and mounting flexibility on walls and corners for full coverage.

"It features the IntelliSense patented look-down mirror, giving an optimum detection pattern directly beneath the sensor. It also includes a solid state relay providing silent operation for quiet environments and a tamper proof design, as the alarm relay cannot be tampered with using a magnet."

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Anti masking performance

Optex has launched the CX-502AM plus, a fit-and-forget PIR detector with advanced Spherical Lens Protection giving "optimum anti-masking performance".

Designed for Grade 3 applications, it also features a Double Conductive Shielding capability and Quad Zone logic technology giving immunity to sunlight, RFI and false alarms caused by spot temperature changes.

It is said to be ideal for difficult environments where the installer may currently be using an Optex dual technology detector.

The built-in SLP anti-masking technology prevents and detects any interference with the lens and advanced Active Infrared anti-mask technology protects against "invisible" anti-masking attempts from clear spray or lacquer.

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More than meets the Eyetec

Siemens Building Technologies says its new Eyetec products "are much more than simply motion detectors – they're sophisticated integrated motion detection systems in compact, stylish housings".

Their anti-blocking feature, which detects masking attempts over a wide visual field, means that, according to SBT, these units are "the only products of their type which meet the stringent requirements for use in EN50131 Grade 4 applications".

"While a number of other detectors are available in the market which combine a PIR sensor with a camera, only Siemens Eyetec products perform a visual alarm analysis," SBT says. "This advanced functionality is made possible by a new CMOS imaging chip."

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Grade 3 addition

Texecom has launched the AMQD Plus Anti-Masking Digital Quad PIR, the latest addition to the company's range of Grade 3 systems solutions.

The detector is suitable for installation in harsh environments, and utilises optically enhanced active IR anti-masking technology.

The detector signals alarm, tamper, masking and fault conditions along a single pair of wires, requiring only one panel zone.

Features include 15m detector range, local and remote self test functions, remote LED enable, creep zone/crawl detection, sensitivity to both high and low level intruders, and wall tamper detection.

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Cooper's Xeridyne

A new range of Xeridyne professional movement detectors is available from Cooper Security.

The QPID series PIRs are all suitable for use in Grade 2 systems, along with the QTEC XQ dual detector. The three further models in the QTEC range are suitable for Grade 3 systems.

Features include quad PIR sensors, pet tolerance, a new lens material which the manufacturers claim "has higher infrared transmission properties than any currently used in the industry worldwide", a new IR Pyro-sensor, digital circuitry, a reduction in lightning and electrical problems, anti-masking, and a combo-bracket for both wall and ceiling mounting.

Cooper says that because the PIRs use solid-state relays, they are not vulnerable to magnetic interference.

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More PRO from Vision

Vision Fire and Security is expanding its range of PRO PIR detectors for use in perimeter and area applications. The range includes both curtain style detectors for perimeter solutions and volumetric detectors for area protection.

The PRO series features sensing areas that will detect people up to 150m away, depending on the model, by sensing temperature differences between them and the background. Vision says the unit's rugged construction allows for cost-effective outdoor installation.

The expanded series of PRO detectors fully complements the Adpro range of video security and transmission products for site protection and video verification.

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Turn on your Blue Line

Bosch Security Systems' Blue Line range – designed with a distinctive horizontal blue crescent from which it derives its name – comprises four models and a choice of camera modules. The detectors cover all ranges up to 11m (35ft) without adjustments and provide user-selectable, lock-down zones.

The Blue Line detectors feature an easy-to-mount, two-piece design. All electronics and a sealed optical chamber (providing draft and insect immunity) are incorporated into the front cover that attaches to the blank base. No adjustment is required for mounting heights of 2.25m to 2.74m. A convenient plug-in terminal strip makes for easier access to the wire terminals, whilst a screw-less cover lock also further simplifies installation.

The four models in the range include: the standard Blue Line P1 PIR Detector (PIR); the Blue Line P1-P Pet Friendly PIR; the Blue Line Q1 Quad PIR that incorporates two individual detectors; and the Blue Line D1-P TriTech PIR/Microwave detector.

The two camera modules comprise the Blue Line A1-CM Monochrome Camera Module, and the Blue Line A1-CC Colour Camera Module. Either module can be attached to any of the four Blue Line detectors.

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Grade 3 detection

Suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, the TMD 15 Grade 3 is a sequential confirmation detector from Pyronix.

Based on Pyronix patented technologies, the "unique" product boasts two non-overlapping detectors, a 15m volumetric PIR and dual technology in one robust housing.

It is for use on new fits or retro fits upgrading to PD6662/EN50131-1 Grade 3.

Featured are: 15m volumetric PIRs; 5-15m adjustable microwave; ability to operate as Two Movement Detectors or Tri-Cover; "Interdigitated fields of view"; patented anti-masking detection; ability to detect masking of PIR or microwave; anti-block technology; selectable end of line resistors; four LED indications; low power consumption.

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