Vivint Home Security Sensors

What sensors does Vivint use?

Like every home security provider, Vivint offers sensors for your windows and doors. These sensors detect unwanted entries and scare away intruders. As a high-end security company, Vivint also offers additional sensors that detect a variety of dangers, including CO leaks and broken windows.

These sensors connect directly with your Smart Hub control panel to offer remote access and instant alerts to any alarms. Adding these devices to your home means gaining the security, convenience, and value that sets Vivint apart from other home security companies.

Window/door sensors

Though window and door sensors are the most basic form of home security equipment, they are an essential part of your system. 

These sensors are designed for one simple purpose: to alert you when  a door or window is opened. You will rely on these devices primarily for security purposes, but they can also alert you to danger such as a child exiting the house when they’re not supposed to.

Vivint’s door and window sensors can be placed on every door and window in the house. Their peel-and-stick adhesive attachment makes installation easier, though you will get to leave that work to your professional installer.

So how do these devices work?

These sensors have two pieces that will be installed next to each other. One piece, for example, will be attached to the edge of the door frame while the other is attached directly across from it on the edge of the door. Both pieces contain magnets that connect when the door is closed. When the door is opened, this connection is broken and the sensor triggers your alarm.

Since you will only attach these devices with adhesive, they are a great option for temporary residences. If you are renting a home or apartment, you easily add and remove them without leaving holes in the wall.

That said, the adhesive may occasionally lose its stickiness. If either piece of the sensor falls while your system is armed, you will have to deal with an unexpected and loud false alarm.

Recessed door sensors

These devices work the same way, but they are more robust than the peel-and-stick options.

This equipment is mounted on the inside of the door. The placement makes them nearly invisible, minimizing the risk of an intruder tampering with them or noticing them until it’s too late.

To install your recessed door sensors, the Vivint technician will screw the device into your door and frame. Even if your door’s shape makes installation tricky, this design ensures that you can still arm it with a sensor. Thankfully, this more secure attachment also means you won’t have to worry about pieces falling and causing false alarms.

Both the recessed door sensors and door/window sensors operate on batteries, which can last up to 10 years. You may have to change the batteries sooner if the door gets a lot of traffic, but you should still get several years of life from them.

Motion sensors

While you hope that your door and window sensors are enough to keep intruders out, there is always the risk that someone will figure out how to get in without tripping them.

If this happens, a motion sensor is another line of defense. These devices use passive infrared (PIR) sensors to identify movement through body heat. If a person, or large animal, crosses its field of vision while your system is armed, your sensor will trigger an alarm.

When the Vivint installer comes to set up your home security system, they will help you pick the best location for your motion sensor. This device can sense motion up to 40 feet away and has a 75-degree field of vision. Ideally, it will cover both your front entry and central areas of your home.

Vivint’s motion sensors are also wireless, equipped with a battery that should last up to five years before you need to change it.

As mentioned, this equipment can also detect animals that enter its field of view. If you have a large pet that walks into the room while your security system is in Away mode, they may trigger an alarm.

Vivint has solved this problem by adding a Pet Immunity mode, which tells the sensor to ignore animal-sized movement. You can also adjust your motion detector’s sensitivity to further limit the chances of a false alarm.

Glass break sensors

The easiest way to get past a window sensor is to go through the window without opening it. Even though you might not always hear glass breaking in the middle of the night or while you’re away, Vivint offers a sensor that is always listening for this situation.

Glass break sensors are equipped with a small microphone that monitors sound frequencies. When glass breaks, the sound hits a specific frequency that the sensor is made to detect. If it hears this incredibly high-pitched sound, it will alert your security system and trigger an alarm.

Since sound travels out, you won’t place your glass break sensor directly on the window or sliding glass door. Instead, your Vivint installer will place your sensor in a room with a lot of windows and/or a sliding glass door. They will install the device on a wall facing the glass or on the ceiling to make sure it can pick up sound from all across the room.

If you want to cover rooms with doors, such as bedrooms, it’s best to put a sensor inside each room. If closed doors, walls, or furniture block the sound waves, your sensor may not be able to pick it up.

The sound of glass breaking hits a specific, but not unique, frequency. These sensors occasionally react to other sounds that reach the same pitch. It might trigger a response to a sound on TV, a small dog barking, or even broken dishes. Despite these potential false alarms, a glass break sensor is an important line of defense for your home’s security.

Safety sensors

We typically think of security sensors when considering home security systems, but intruders aren’t the only threats your family faces. Vivint covers a range of these risks with its safety sensors.

These smart devices are incredibly sensitive, reacting quickly to any smoke, carbon monoxide, and water that might threaten your home. They also integrate directly with your security system to alert you and the 24/7 professional monitoring team to the danger as quickly as possible.

Smoke alarms

A fire in your home can spread quickly, destroying your valuable belongings and putting your family at risk. The sooner you can get out of the house and notify the fire department, the less damage the fire can do.

Vivint’s smart smoke detectors use photoelectric sensors to detect both smoke and excessive heat. These devices are extremely sensitive. If a fire does start in your home, the detectors may alert you to the flames before you even smell smoke.

As with all of Vivint’s products, these devices do more than just identify and alert you to a threat. Each smoke alarm includes a wireless transmitter that connects to the rest of your smart home system. When the sensor is triggered, it will immediately send an alert to your Smart Hub control panel. 

The system will then notify Vivint’s monitoring team, who will try to reach you to make sure it isn’t a false alarm. If you don’t answer the first attempt, they will then send the fire department to your home. This 24/7 monitoring ensures a quick response at any time of day or night.

Your security system will also send an instant notification through both the control panel and the app. No matter where you are, you can act quickly to check on your family. If you have indoor security cameras, you can check your feed to see the extent of the danger.

Vivint also takes this smoke detector one step further. Along with telling the control panel to send notifications, the safety sensor will connect with your smart thermostat. It will tell your HVAC system to shut off airflow to any rooms that contain smoke. Without this continuous flow of air to feed the flames, the fire won’t be able to spread as fast to the rest of the house.

The smart smoke sensor will also automatically unlock any smart locks to make it easier for your family to get out and for emergency responders to enter.

These devices are wireless with a five-year battery life, so you won’t have to worry about changing batteries frequently. Your Smart Hub also contains backup batteries to ensure quick action, even during a power outage.

The Vivint technician will replace your home’s current detectors with your Vivint devices. They may also choose a new location if the current placement isn’t ideal.

You can choose to equip your home with one smart sensor or replace all of your existing smoke alarms. Vivint’s smoke detectors integrate with your existing network to gather data from the entire house. If any of your sensors detect smoke, the smart sensor will jump into action.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Fires aren’t the only dangers that can unexpectedly enter your home. You can also be threatened by a carbon monoxide leak that can easily creep in undetected.

Vivint’s CO detector uses electrochemical sensors to continuously check the air for any traces of carbon monoxide. Your sensors will alert you to even a hint of this toxic gas, giving you the time you need to get away before you’re affected by it.

These sensors are essential for your family’s safety, both when you’re at home and when you’re away. If you have a pet at home while everyone is at work or school, quick detection allows you to send help and get home to rescue them before it’s too late.

Like your smoke detectors, Vivint’s CO monitors integrate with the sensors you already have in your home. Whether you use one smart sensor or replace them all, you will be alerted to a carbon monoxide leak anywhere in the home.

Whenever your system does detect a leak, the sensor will alert the control panel. You will get a notification through the app and Smart Hub while Vivint’s 24/7 professional monitoring team is also notified. They will then contact first responders for you to send help as quickly as they can.

Vivint’s home automation will also work to keep you safe. If you have a smart thermostat, your CO sensor will increase the airflow from your HVAC system to maximize the clean air in your home. Your smart locks will automatically unlock to make exit and entry quicker. Your Smart Hub will also disable your window and door sensors so you can easily open them for increased airflow or escape.

This sensor is wireless and battery-powered to prevent outage-caused dangers. These batteries will last about five years without needing to be changed.

Water sensors

Though you typically receive advance warning for any flooding caused by outside conditions, you may not discover a flood inside your home until it’s too late. A simple leak can quickly turn into thousands of dollars of damage to your floors, foundations, ceilings, and more.

Thankfully, you can use your Vivint system to protect against this danger with its smart water sensors.

These small devices quickly detect standing water, leaks, and moisture where they shouldn’t be. As soon as it is triggered, the sensor will alert your control panel. You will then get an alert there and through the Vivint app. You can quickly see which sensor is detecting water and resolve the issue before a small leak grows into a flood.

With their discreet design, you can place these water sensors in any location that might be affected by water. The most common locations include:

• Basements – Whether your pipes leak or you have an issue with rain flooding your basement, a water sensor can notify you as soon as the problem is detected.
• Laundry rooms – When your washer leaks or overflows, it’s important to act fast to minimize the problem. Your sensor can detect any water that reaches the floor for quick action.
• Kitchens – If your dishwasher malfunctions or someone causes the sink to overflow, you may not know until your entire kitchen is flooded. With a water detector, you will always know as soon as possible.
• Bathrooms – From bathtubs to sinks to toilets, a lot of water moves through your bathroom. If any of that water threatens your home, you can use your sensors to discover and address the issue before too much damage is done.
• Near piping – You have numerous pipes running through your home, including under your sinks. If any of these pipes burst or leak, your devices can help minimize the damage.

Vivint has also built their water sensors with temperature gauges. If part of your house nears freezing temperatures, your detectors will alert you to the danger. You can then act to prevent any frozen or burst pipes.

These devices run on batteries with a five-year lifespan, so you can enjoy several years of use before you have to change them.

Depending on your home insurance provider and policy, Vivint water sensors may also help you save on your home insurance costs. Reach out to your provider to see if they have discounts for these sensors.

How much is a Vivint sensor?

Each of Vivint’s security equipment packages include door/window sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors. You can add additional sensors, including safety alarms, to any package. Call today to discuss the right Vivint plan for you.

How can I use my Vivint sensors?

You can use your sensors for any home use that meets your safety needs. Along with the more common uses outlined above, you can find more unique ways to monitor your home. 

Some of the ways you can use your Vivint sensors include:

• Putting door sensors on your bedroom doors if you have children or elderly parents that you need to monitor, such as someone suffering from dementia. If they try to leave the room without your knowledge, your system will notify you immediately.
• You can also place these sensors on cabinets that contain alcohol or chemicals to limit unauthorized access.
• If you have an area in your home that needs to remain secure, such as an office where sensitive information is stored or an attached apartment that you rent out, you can add a door sensor to prevent unwanted entry.

How many alarm sensors do I need?

Vivint includes enough sensors in each package to guard your primary entrances. For total security, you should consider adding more sensors to cover every vulnerable part of your home.

Do I need sensors one every window?

Ideally, yes. You should add a sensor to every window on the ground floor. If any of the windows on the second floor are easily accessible, you should cover them too.

Do I need sensors on every door?

You should definitely add a sensor to every door that offers entry into your home. Doors are the most common point of entry, so be sure to cover your front, back, garage, basement, and sliding glass doors.

Protect your family from any danger that can enter your home. Call our security experts at 855-707-3746 to learn more about getting a Vivint security system for your home today.