Closing the “Arm Stay” Protection Gap – Glass Break Sensors

Many basic home security systems have a gap in protection when the home is occupied; the time when the home should be most protected. A glass break sensor can provide additional protection to your family and property to close this gap.

The Protection Gap

The typical basic home security system is equipped with contact sensors at each external door along with motion sensors in critical parts of the home. This is cost-effective way to provide basic property protection while away from home. If unauthorized entry occurs at any of the external doors, which is where roughly 70% of all Columbus Ohio break-ins occur, the contact sensors will trigger the alarm. If entry is gained through some other means, such as a window, the motion sensors will trigger the alarm. This provides adequate protection for property while being away from home.

When the home is occupied, the security system is most likely armed in what is often called “Arm Stay” mode. This mode ensures that all perimeter sensors, such as door contacts, are armed. At the same time any interior sensors, such as motion sensors, are disarmed. This allows free movement about the home with the system armed. Unfortunately, with the motion sensors disarmed, there is no protection from forced entry through windows. This is a gap in protection from home invasion style attacks that can put you and your family at risk.

Most home owners would prioritize protection of family over protection of property and assets that can be replaced. There are a number of ways in which additional security can be provided to protect against break-ins that occur when the home is occupied. Often the most cost-effective way is to install glass break sensors near windows where forced entry could occur.

Advantages

A glass break sensor can remain armed whether the home is occupied or not. This provides protection for both family and property. This fills the security gap that exists when the security system is in Arm Stay mode.

Glass break sensors can often be more cost-effective than other means of securing windows. For example, modern open-style floor plans often include large open living areas with four or more windows. One option would be to purchase security window screens for each window. These provide great flexibility and security, but the screen for each window must be specially wired and secured. At the same time, a single glass break sensor and a few open/close contacts can protect all of the windows within a room at a lower cost than security screens.

A glass break sensor also has an advantage over other methods of protection such as motion sensors. The typical PIR motion sensor does not work through the glass of a window. It will not detect an intruder who is on the outside of the home. The motion sensor will only detect the intruder after they have entered the home. On the other hand, a glass break sensor triggers an alarm before the intruder has entered the home.

Disadvantages

Installing a glass break sensor effectively can be more complicated than other types of sensors. The placement and individual room acoustics have a large impact on the overall effectiveness of the sensor. After mounting the sensor, it should be tested with a glass break simulator to determine operating range, coverage and effectiveness.

Glass break sensors are only effective when glass is broken. If a window is left unlocked or open, then the sensor is unlikely to be effective. More expensive options, such as security window screens, should be considered for securing windows without these disadvantages. These provide much greater flexibility, but come at an additional cost.

Honeywell 5853

While there are many glass break sensors to choose from, the Honeywell 5853 is an excellent, best-of-breed option. The 5853 provides a 25 foot detection range, which is 10 feet more than some competitors. This allows the sensor to protect additional windows at a lower overall cost. The sensor is also aesthetically pleasing with a minimalist design that blends into the wall or ceiling where it is mounted.

Many glass break sensors in the past experienced false alarms. A joyful scream from children or other noises, at times, could trigger a false alarm. The Honeywell 5853 uses dual technology to help mitigate false alarms. Honeywell brands this as FlexGuard© technology. The sensor will not trigger an alarm unless it detects two events in sequence. It first expects the “flex” signal that is created from the force of impact. It then expects the audible sound of shattering glass within specific frequency ranges. An alarm will trigger only if these two events are perceived in sequence within an appropriate time frame.

The 5853 will also detect glass breaking for multiple types of glass including tempered, wired, laminate and ordinary plate glass. The sensor can operate in Supervised mode so that the home security system detects malfunctions. The sensor also includes a tamper switch for additional protection.

Key Points

• Many basic home security systems have a gap in protection when the home is occupied; the time when the home should be most protected.

• Glass break sensors can fill this protection gap to secure the home while it is occupied.

• A glass break sensor can be more difficult to install correctly than other types of sensors.

• The Honeywell 5853 is an excellent, best-of-breed glass break sensor.

Written by suretyCAM client and guest blogger, Nick Allen and originally posted on the suretyCAM website