ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a type of pyro-electric sensor?

1. Passive Infrared Sensors

2. Interlocking Element

3. Active Thermal Sensors

4. Photonic Sensors

The correct answer is: Interlocking Element

A pyro-electric sensor is designed to detect changes in infrared radiation, typically emitted by objects like warm bodies. Among the options listed, the interlocking element is the choice that does not represent a type of pyro-electric sensor. Passive infrared sensors (PIR) are indeed a common type of pyro-electric sensor. They utilize the pyro-electric effect to detect motion by sensing the infrared energy emitted from objects in their field of view. Active thermal sensors are also related, as they can measure temperature changes via infrared radiation, making them part of the broader categorization of thermal detection technologies. Photonic sensors, while they may relate to light detection and could have applications in certain areas of surveillance and security, are not classified as pyro-electric sensors. The interlocking element, however, refers to a different design or mechanical component not associated with infrared detection, confirming that it does not belong within the category of pyro-electric sensors.