ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

To minimize false alarms, a PIR should be aimed in what direction?

1. Toward an outside window

2. Away from an outside window

3. Directly at the entry point

4. At the ceiling

The correct answer is: Away from an outside window

To minimize false alarms, a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor should be aimed away from an outside window. This is because infrared sensors detect heat signatures, and windows can allow external heat sources, such as sunlight or moving objects outside (like tree branches, animals, or cars), to trigger the sensor. If a PIR is directed toward a window, it increases the likelihood of detecting these unintended heat signatures, which can lead to false alarms. By positioning the PIR away from windows, the likelihood of these external heat sources activating the sensor is significantly reduced, allowing the system to function more reliably and focus on the designated entry points or areas of interest. This approach enhances the overall effectiveness of the alarm system while reducing unnecessary disturbances.