What is a smart home?
The smart home is a setup where all the appliances and devices are connected through the internet and can be controlled remotely. It allows the users to control devices around their house from their smartphones or tablets. Also, the IoT-based home security system could be triggered automatically based on the output of the sensor system embedded in the house.
Why is IoT based home security system required?
A home is a place where we feel the most secure. But with the rise in crime, it has become immensely important to guard our homes at all times especially when asleep or away. Not just the external factors, but our house remains vulnerable to mishaps that can happen due to gas leakage or fire breakout, or flooding due to pipe leakage when we are absent. With the advent of IoT in home automation, home security has become a very important feature, probably the most crucial one.
Sensors used in IoT-based home security systems are
There are various sensors that are used for the detection of various parameters to provide you with a secure home. From Motion detection to LPG gas detection, your house can provide all necessary alerts even when you are not around on a smartphone app. The home automation app lets you monitor and control lights, Fans, scheduling of AC or Geyser, and sends alerts when required.
Motion sensors in Automated home security systems
Motion sensor, as the name suggests, detects motion and movement in the area. These sensors act as your extra pair of eyes and alert you when there is movement in and around your home. This can be especially helpful when you’re not around the house. You can be immediately alerted in case of any suspicious activities and if you see a known face and want to let them in, you can immediately send a signal to let them in.
There are various kinds of motion sensors being used, like-
Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors
The most widely used sensors for home security with IoT, these sensors detect the infrared radiations that are emitted from the bodies of humans and animals. When the temperature in the sensor’s field of view rises from room temperature to body temperature and then goes back again to room temperature multiple times, the sensor is tripped.
Microwave (MW) Sensors
This sensor sends out microwave pulses that reflect back in the same phase normally but when it bounces off a moving body a phase shift occurs when it reflects.
Dual Technology Motion Sensor
This motion sensor makes use of multiple technologies. It generally has two sensors and both the sensors need to be triggered in order to detect movement. This helps reduce instances of false alarms.
Gas Sensor (MQ-2 Gas Sensor)
This sensor is suitable for gas leakage detection. It can detect hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, propane, alcohol, smoke, and LPG concentrations anywhere between 200 and 10,000ppm. It is a highly sensitive sensor and has a fast response time. The sensitivity of this sensor can be adjusted using the potentiometer. A change in resistor when gas comes in contact with it is what enables the sensor to detect these gases in the air.
Flame Sensor (IR Flame Sensor)
This sensor is used to respond in case of a fire. The response can include activating the fire alarm, fire suppression system, and deactivating fuel lines. IR-based sensors are highly sensitive and can detect infrared light with a wavelength ranging from 700 nm to 1000nm. The sensitivity can be varied on the potentiometer board.
Temperature Sensor
Generally used in the kitchen, these sensors are triggered when a certain threshold temperature is reached. If the temperature goes above the temperature, a fan is switched on automatically. This sensor can also work as a smart thermostat that gives the user control over the heating and cooling of the room from any location, this is a great way to conserve energy as well.
Water Sensor (Moisture Detection Sensor)
Extreme moisture and temperature levels can cause leaks and risk the freezing of pipes. So, these moisture detection sensors are placed inside sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, etc to detect water leakage. If the sensor detects unwanted water, it sends a notification immediately.
Automated door and window along with video doorbell
A video doorbell is basically a camera attached near your doorbell so that you can see who is trying to get into your house, if it is someone you want to let in then the door and window sensors let you give access to them remotely. These sensors can alert against potential intruders as they can detect a break-in attempt.
Automated garage doors are another variation of this sensor. Why keep wondering if you left the garage door open when you can control it from your phone, from anywhere.
Automated doors and windows combined with motion sensors can make an adequate anti-burglar system. With motion sensors detecting movement outside the house and door and window sensors sensing break-in attempts, an alarm can be set off to caution the people in and around the house. It will also send you alerts to your mobile phone so that you can immediately call the police.
How does the Automated Home Security system work?
IoT based Home security systems have 3 major components-
- Hardware
- Software
- Communication protocols
All three parts need to work in harmony for the automation system to work properly. Appropriate hardware has to be chosen keeping in mind the requirements of the homeowner along with proper software and communication protocols.
All these components are connected through a Control Panel. The Control panel is a computer that controls the security systems, communicates with all the different devices, is responsible for triggering alarms in case of any emergency, and communicates with an alarm monitoring system.
All the above-mentioned sensors through adequate communication protocols connect with the control panel to send out alerts in case of any anomaly. It is also responsible for storing the data in the cloud.
The Internet of Things has not only made our homes more secure but has also given homeowners more access to their houses. It has them covered on all fronts, from a house break-in to a fire mishap. This automation system is not only restricted to homes. Today most offices and commercial buildings also make use of this technology to keep their infrastructure safe.
Want to make your home automated to enhance security? Reach out to us at PsiBorg, an end-to-end IoT solution provider company, and we’ll help you out with IoT products and services to keep you and your home safe.
