Glass break detector
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Collins Fix It Manual was published in 2003. It was created for HarperCollins by Jackson Day and conceived by David Day, Simon Jennings and Albert Jackson. It defines a glass break detector as: ‘a device that triggers an alarm system when it detects the particular frequencies generated by door and window glazing being shattered’.
[edit] What does a glass break detector do?
Glass break detectors are also referred to as glass break sensors. A glass break detector is a type of intruder alarm that senses unauthorised entry into a site, building or room. The signals from these sensors are sent back to a central control unit that may be located in a remote facility where staff members can monitor activities, mobilise security personnel or contact the police in an emergency.
Intruder systems may also emit an audible alarm. This serves two purposes: it draws attention to the break-in and makes it unpleasant for the intruder to remain onsite. Many glass break sensors can detect broken glass within six to eight metres.
This type of security technology can be effective when used around glass doors or glass storefront windows. These devices can be particularly useful in areas where motion detectors are not used.
[edit] How glass break detectors work
Glass break sensors typically use a microphone to detect intrusive activities. There are two types of glass break detection sensors: vibration and sound.
[edit] Vibrations
Shockwaves that reach a certain frequency level trigger an alarm. Vibration detectors typically use a sensor that is attached with an adhesive to the inside of the glass.
Vibration thresholds can sometimes be designated by the user so levels can be analysed by the detector’s technology before triggering the alarm. This can be helpful when addressing false alarms that may be caused by something as innocuous as a strong gust of wind.
[edit] Sound
Intruders may generate sounds at both high and low detectable frequencies. These will be picked up by the sensor and activate the alarm.
If the frequency level is too sensitive, false alarms can be triggered by sounds such as barking dogs, broken dishes or other noises that are unrelated to security issues. Like vibration sensors, sound sensors (also referred to as glass break acoustic detectors) may require sensitivity adjustments. While most sound detectors work in a similar manner, there can be important variances that should be considered.
Sound sensors may also be referred to as acoustical glass break detectors (AGBDs).
[edit] Detector technologies
The earliest form of glass break sensors depended on wired technology. Many of these are still in use. They require a constant power supply, which means they will not work if there is a power outage (unless they are supplied with backup power). These devices are thought to be moderately reliable.
There are now wireless devices as well. These are powered by batteries, which means they will operate during power outages. However, battery levels will need to be regularly monitored.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
From the UKs largest manufacturer and supplier of lime.
From mud bricks to smart concrete
A brief history from 7000BC to a future on the moon.
Regulator of Social Housing publishes latest fire safety report
Covering remediation of 11 metre plus social housing sector buildings.
Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024
Approved for priority drafting by Government of Ireland.
The long list with in the frame of key historical events.
Competence frameworks for sustainability in the built environment
Code of practice, core criteria consultation draft for comment.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Sept update
Pilot version for testing and feedback on its adoption due.
New Floods Resilience Taskforce
With a wet met office autumn prediction.
National Retrofit Hub takeover of Net Zero stage
At Birmingham UK Construction Week in October.
AT Awards 2024 finalists announced
With more to come, prior to the Awards ceremony in October.
London construction cools as hotspots appear nationally
Increases in the East of England, Yorkshire and Scotland.
ARB proposals for a new Architects Code
Announced in the shadow of the final Grenfell Inquiry report.
Combining human creativity and tech innovation now and in the future
Building automation and control systems market study
BSRIA 2024 North America BACS software & services.
Impact of digital technology on productivity in construction
New CIOB academy guidance for companies of all sizes.
Demolition and retrofit approaches in Planning Policy
MHCLG demolition and retrofit survey to inform future updates to national planning policy.
Expert taskforce to spearhead new, new town generation
Sir Michael Lyons given 12 months for recommendations.
Government policy statement on new towns
A coded vision for a new generation of new towns.