ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

Which is an example of a commonly used detection device?

1. Camera surveillance

2. Motion sensors

3. Control panels

4. Alarm sirens

The correct answer is: Motion sensors

Motion sensors are a widely utilized detection device in security systems due to their ability to detect movement within a designated area. These sensors work by sensing changes in infrared radiation, which occurs when an object, such as a person or animal, moves through their field of view. This makes them effective for monitoring areas to identify unauthorized access or movement. When integrated into security systems, motion sensors can trigger alarms, notify monitoring services, or activate recording devices, thereby enhancing the overall security functionality. They are particularly valued for their versatility, as they can be used indoors and outdoors, and can be configured to ignore pets, reducing false alarms. In contrast to motion sensors, options like camera surveillance primarily focus on recording video footage rather than detecting motion, while control panels serve as the central command for managing various security devices. Alarm sirens function primarily as an alerting mechanism rather than detecting intrusions themselves. This distinction highlights the specific role that motion sensors play in the core function of detection in alarm systems.