Motion sensors for garage?

[teknikfrog]

I'm switching from ADT to a DIY system through alarm.com.

My new panel allows me to do things like arm some areas but not others. So I would like to basically put a motion detector in my garage and keep it armed 24/7 unless I'm in there.

My concern is that the garage temperatures range from like -20 to +120.

I haven't been able to find any specs on the (powerG) sensors that show what temperature ranges they can handle. Has anyone been down this road and found a sensor that can handle garage temps?

 

[rktinc]

Seems like sensors are pretty reasonably priced. Worth buying a couple to try. Only one way to find out.

You might also be able to mount them behind glass in a conditioned area looking into the garage?

 

[unslow1]

I've had one aimed at my garage doors from the inside for years. It's probably well over 100* in there right now. It was also below 0* for over a week during the winter. It got cold enough some paint cans burst but the sensor acts fine. I think it's a GE Simon 3. It was the house alarm. When I got the new house alarm I moved it to the garage.

 

[teknikfrog]

Seems like sensors are pretty reasonably priced. Worth buying a couple to try. Only one way to find out.

Yeah until unseasonable heat or cold or other conditions triggers a false alarm at the wrong time. I had the fire department out here one time due to a false smoke alarm already. (truly a false alarm, no cooking or anything)

For a decent powerG sensor I'm looking at like a hundred bucks so I don't just want to buy a bunch and find out which work in a garage environment long term.

 

[BrandonV]

I install these all the time professionally for UL installations that can't have false trips.

PowerG Wireless Dual Technology (Mirror Optic & Microwave) PIR Motion Detector | DSC Alarm Systems Security Products | DSC

In order to avoid false alarms, this motion detector uses dual technology PIR and K-Band Microwave frequency. It has a vandal resistant design to keep you safe.

www.dsc.com

 

[teknikfrog]

I install these all the time professionally for UL installations that can't have false trips.

PowerG Wireless Dual Technology (Mirror Optic & Microwave) PIR Motion Detector | DSC Alarm Systems Security Products | DSC

In order to avoid false alarms, this motion detector uses dual technology PIR and K-Band Microwave frequency. It has a vandal resistant design to keep you safe.

www.dsc.com

Uhhh. do you install those in garages in Arizona?

Because they have a max temp of 131F according to the spec sheet. I grew up in AZ and that is nowhere near enough margin of safety.

 

[BrandonV]

Uhhh. do you install those in garages in Arizona?

Because they have a max temp of 131F according to the spec sheet. I grew up in AZ and that is nowhere near enough margin of safety.

I've installed quite a few of them in environments that exceed the specified temperature range, though these aren't UL certified installs at that point.

At some point, you have to look beyond the specification sheet. Many vendors and manufacturers won't guarantee their devices at extreme temperatures, such as those found in Arizona. However, this doesn't mean the devices won't work. When you're outside the recommended temperature range, it's best to use something less prone to false positives, like a dual technology detector.

I've seen many cameras with a maximum ambient temperature rating of 122°F, and they all still function outdoors in direct sunlight in Phoenix.

 

[teknikfrog]

I've installed quite a few of them in environments that exceed the specified temperature range, though these aren't UL certified installs at that point.

At some point, you have to look beyond the specification sheet. Many vendors and manufacturers won't guarantee their devices at extreme temperatures, such as those found in Arizona. However, this doesn't mean the devices won't work. When you're outside the recommended temperature range, it's best to use something less prone to false positives, like a dual technology detector.

I've seen many cameras with a maximum ambient temperature rating of 122°F, and they all still function outdoors in direct sunlight in Phoenix.

Fair enough, a solid response!

I'm debating using this, versus a detector with more temperature range (but more expensive), versus just putting magnet sensors on my garage door and rollup door.

 

[BrandonV]

Fair enough, a solid response!

I'm debating using this, versus a detector with more temperature range (but more expensive), versus just putting magnet sensors on my garage door and rollup door.

Might be a good purchase if you're looking for something that has a wide temperature range.

DSC PG9994 PowerG Wireless Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor | eBay

DSC PG9994 PowerG Wireless Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor - New in Box<br>

www.ebay.com

 

[teknikfrog]

Might be a good purchase if you're looking for something that has a wide temperature range.

DSC PG9994 PowerG Wireless Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor | eBay

DSC PG9994 PowerG Wireless Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor - New in Box<br>

www.ebay.com

That's the one I was looking at. Crazy that it's so cheap on ebay ($80 vs $321 on amazon). Ebay is banned in this household sadly.

 

[BrandonV]

That's the one I was looking at. Crazy that it's so cheap on ebay ($80 vs $321 on amazon). Ebay is banned in this household sadly.

Bummer.

Is it really crazy effort to run a hardwire back to the panel? Lots of great options when you're not bound with the wireless construct.

 

[teknikfrog]

Bummer.

Is it really crazy effort to run a hardwire back to the panel? Lots of great options when you're not bound with the wireless construct.

How would that work on a typical panel (I have IQ Panel4)? I thought the panels themselves were either hardwired or wireless. Is it possible to add wired sensors on to some of them? What is the process for that?

Anyway, I do have a fiber optic run to my garage, so while I can't run a "wire", I do have connectivity. It's about 250 feet from my house.

 

[BrandonV]

How would that work on a typical panel (I have IQ Panel4)? I thought the panels themselves were either hardwired or wireless. Is it possible to add wired sensors on to some of them? What is the process for that?

Anyway, I do have a fiber optic run to my garage, so while I can't run a "wire", I do have connectivity. It's about 250 feet from my house.

Thought you might have had a PowerSeries Neo panel. With the Qolsys panel you're pretty much stuck with all wireless.

You could still connect a wireless PowerG magnetic contact sensor and attach a wired motion detector to the inputs.

PowerG Wireless Commercial Magnetic Contact with Auxiliary Input Security Products | DSC

www.dsc.com