ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What is created by mounting a PIR sensor upside down or in a way that establishes a dead zone?

1. Pet alley

2. False trigger

3. Alarm zone

4. Sound barrier

The correct answer is: Pet alley

Mounting a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor upside down or in a configuration that creates a dead zone leads to the creation of what is commonly referred to as a "pet alley." This setup allows for the detection of larger objects or humans while minimizing the responsiveness to smaller or lower heat signatures, such as those produced by pets. When configured this way, the sensor is designed to ignore movement in certain areas, particularly where pets may typically pass. This is critical in residential settings where pets are present, as it allows homeowners to avoid false alarms triggered by their animals while still effectively detecting intruders or larger movements within the primary security zones. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the outcome of this configuration. A false trigger refers to an unintended alarm activation due to environmental factors or improper sensor installation, which is not the intended result of creating a pet alley. An alarm zone is a designated area monitored for intrusion, while a sound barrier pertains to sound attenuation rather than motion detection. Thus, creating a pet alley serves a functional purpose in balancing effective security with the presence of pets in the household.