Assistance with placement of motion and glass break detectors

[tadr]

I will be doing the pre-wire for my house next week. The final thing to decide is placement of the motion detectors and glass break detectors. As you can see from the floorplan below, I live in an interior rowhouse, so I only need to worry about the two windows and door at the front of the house (bottom of the floorplan) and the french doors and window leading out onto the deck (top of the floorplan). The basement is unfinished so I can wire those detectors later.

Where do you recommend placement of the motion detectors and glass break sensors? Is it possible to have a motion detector just cover a door and activated in stay mode, or is that bad practice?

Here's the floorplan:

 

[ano]

I will be doing the pre-wire for my house next week. The final thing to decide is placement of the motion detectors and glass break detectors. As you can see from the floorplan below, I live in an interior rowhouse, so I only need to worry about the two windows and door at the front of the house (bottom of the floorplan) and the french doors and window leading out onto the deck (top of the floorplan). The basement is unfinished so I can wire those detectors later.

Where do you recommend placement of the motion detectors and glass break sensors? Is it possible to have a motion detector just cover a door and activated in stay mode, or is that bad practice?

Here's the floorplan:

You would be wise to select a few sensors and learn about their mounting needs from their instructions, which you can usually download for free. Generally, glass breakage detectors must be mounted across from each window and not too far off-center. Also, most senors will give you a mounting distance from the window that should be observed.

Passive motion sensors generally should not "view" a bright window, or anything that can change temps quickly, typically heating vents. Most important, these sensors detect people when they move ACROSS their field. If you point one at a door, you are doing the opposite, and they are LEAST sensitive when walking toward or away from them. Microwave and ultrasonic sensors (they don't use ultrasonic much anymore) are most sensitive toward or away from them, and NOT very sensitive across their field.

I'm not really sure why you would want an active motion sensor on when you are home. That is what AWAY mode and door magnet sensors are for.

 

[Sandpiper]

Two glass breaks. Place both on the ceiling on the centerline of the room. Place the first one 5 or 6 feet from the back wall, just about at the edge of the range. Place the second about 5 or 6 feet back of the front wall about on the centerline of the opening toward the front door and front hallway.

Motion detectors should not be used as a replacement for a door contact. Door contacts are much more reliable. I would place one motion detector in the living room in the corner facing toward the dining room and entry hallway. Place it high so that any window curtains won't block its view. If you want a second one, place it above the back door facing straight down the kitchen towards the dining room.