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Home > Intrusion > Contacts & Sensors > Shock & Sound Sensors | Acoustic & Vibration Sensors

Shock & Sound Sensors | Acoustic & Vibration Sensors

For complete intrusion detection coverage, explore related PIR motion sensors, glassbreak detectors, door and window contacts, security sensors, and alarm system accessories for compatible security systems.

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Shock & Sound Sensors

Shock & Sound Sensors provide specialized detection for security alarm systems by sensing vibrations, impacts, or sound patterns associated with attempted intrusion and glass breakage. These sensors can add an additional layer of perimeter protection for windows, glass doors, walls, doors, and other vulnerable areas.

JBJ Supply offers shock sensors, vibration sensors, sound sensors, and glass break detectors for compatible security alarm systems. Choose from wired and wireless options, including sensors designed for glassbreak detection, early warning, impact detection, and professional security applications.

When selecting a shock or sound sensor, consider the protected surface, detection technology, coverage requirements, alarm panel compatibility, mounting method, and whether a wired or wireless installation is required.

Shock Sensors

Shock sensors detect physical vibrations or impacts associated with attempted intrusion. They can be installed on or near protected surfaces such as windows, doors, walls, and other building components where vibration detection is appropriate.

Many security shock sensors provide adjustable sensitivity so installers can configure detection according to the protected surface and application. Some models can distinguish or respond to different levels of vibration and may provide tamper protection or other features designed for professional security installations.

For example, DSC's SS-102 shock sensor can monitor minor vibrations and major attacks simultaneously, while providing sensitivity adjustment, tamper protection, and high immunity to certain unwanted vibration and radio interference.

Sound Sensors

Sound sensors used for security applications can analyze acoustic characteristics associated with specific events, such as breaking glass. These sensors are commonly installed in locations where acoustic detection can monitor one or more nearby glass surfaces according to the manufacturer's specified coverage.

Advanced acoustic sensors may use microphones and digital signal processing to evaluate sound characteristics and help distinguish glassbreak events from ordinary background noise.

Glass Break Sensors

Glass break sensors are designed to detect characteristics associated with broken glass and are widely used as part of intrusion alarm systems. They are available in acoustic, shock, and combination configurations, depending on the product.

Acoustic glassbreak sensors listen for sound patterns associated with breaking glass, while shock glassbreak sensors detect physical vibration transmitted through the protected glass or structure. The appropriate technology depends on the protected area, installation requirements, and security system design.

ADI's current Glass Break Sensors category includes products from manufacturers such as Honeywell Home, DSC, 2GIG, AJAX, alula, and ELK Products, with wired and wireless products and multiple mounting configurations.

Acoustic Glassbreak Sensors

Acoustic glassbreak sensors use a microphone and electronic processing to analyze sound associated with breaking glass. Depending on the model, the detector may incorporate frequency analysis, white-noise rejection, sensitivity adjustment, alarm memory, or other signal-processing features.

DSC's Acuity glassbreak detectors, for example, use an omnidirectional microphone, microprocessor-based processing, white-noise rejection, selectable sensitivity, and other signal-protection features.

Vibration and Impact Sensors

Vibration sensors detect physical movement, impact, or shock rather than relying primarily on an acoustic signal. They can be useful where early detection of an attempted intrusion is desired or where the protected surface itself provides a suitable path for vibration transmission.

Wireless shock detectors can provide additional installation flexibility and may support early-warning detection before an intrusion reaches the interior of a protected area. Visonic's SD-304 PG2, for example, is designed as a wireless shock and contact detector for applications involving windows, doors, walls, and roofs.

Wired Shock & Sound Sensors

Wired shock and sound sensors connect to compatible security alarm zones or other system inputs. Wired products can be a practical choice for new installations or properties where security sensor wiring is already available.

Before installing a wired sensor, verify the required zone configuration, electrical specifications, end-of-line requirements, alarm and tamper contacts, and compatibility with the security control panel.

Wireless Shock & Sound Sensors

Wireless shock and sound sensors communicate with compatible security panels or receivers without requiring a dedicated wired connection between the sensor and control panel. Wireless models can simplify installation and are available for specific security platforms and communication technologies.

Wireless compatibility is system-specific. Confirm the wireless frequency, receiver, security panel, enrollment requirements, battery specifications, and supported sensor type before purchasing.

Mounting Options

Shock and sound sensors are available in different mounting configurations depending on the detection technology and intended application. Current security products include wall-mount, ceiling-mount, surface-mount, and other installation configurations. ADI's Glass Break Sensors category currently lists wall, ceiling, surface, and flush mounting options.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommended mounting location, orientation, surface requirements, and coverage specifications for the selected sensor.

Security Applications

Shock and sound sensors can be used in residential and commercial security systems to provide additional protection for vulnerable areas. Common applications include windows, glass doors, storefronts, offices, commercial buildings, and other locations requiring specialized perimeter detection.

These sensors can complement other security devices such as PIR motion sensors, door and window contacts, glassbreak detectors, and security alarm panels to create multiple layers of detection.

How to Choose a Shock or Sound Sensor

Selecting the correct Shock & Sound Sensor depends on the protected area and the type of event the security system needs to detect. Consider the following factors:

  • Detection method: Choose shock/vibration detection, acoustic detection, or a combination according to the application.
  • Protected surface: Determine whether the sensor will monitor glass, a window frame, door, wall, roof, or another structure.
  • Wired or wireless: Match the sensor communication method to the security system.
  • Alarm panel compatibility: Verify that the detector is compatible with the intended control panel or receiver.
  • Sensitivity: Select adjustable sensitivity when the installation requires configuration for different environmental conditions.
  • Coverage: Check the manufacturer's specified detection range and protected area.
  • Mounting: Confirm the required wall, ceiling, surface, flush, or glass mounting configuration.
  • Tamper protection: Consider models with tamper detection when required by the security installation.
  • False-alarm resistance: Review the manufacturer's specifications for noise, vibration, RF, and environmental immunity.
  • Certifications: Verify applicable UL, ULC, EN, CE, or other approvals for the specific product.

Shock & Sound Sensor Features

  • Shock and vibration detection
  • Acoustic glassbreak detection
  • Wired and wireless sensor options
  • Adjustable sensitivity on selected models
  • Digital signal processing on applicable glassbreak sensors
  • White-noise rejection on selected acoustic detectors
  • Tamper protection on applicable models
  • Wall, ceiling, surface, and flush-mount options
  • Glassbreak detection for compatible glass types
  • Early-warning shock detection on selected models
  • Residential and commercial security applications
  • Compatibility with professional security alarm systems

Security System Compatibility

Shock and sound sensors are not universally interchangeable. Some products use conventional alarm contacts, while others are designed for specific wireless platforms, receivers, or security control panels.

Before purchasing, verify the exact alarm panel, receiver, communication technology, sensor type, wiring requirements, and manufacturer compatibility information. Resideo, for example, maintains separate VISTA categories for glassbreak and shock sensors, while DSC offers dedicated shock and glassbreak product families.

Shock & Sound Sensors FAQ

What are shock and sound sensors?

Shock and sound sensors are security sensors designed to detect physical vibration, impact, or acoustic events associated with intrusion or glass breakage. They are commonly used as part of perimeter security systems.

What is a shock sensor?

A shock sensor detects physical vibration or impact on or near a protected surface. Security shock sensors may be used on windows, doors, walls, and other structures depending on the manufacturer's specifications.

What is a sound sensor?

A security sound sensor detects specific acoustic characteristics associated with an event. In intrusion security, sound sensors are commonly associated with acoustic glassbreak detection.

What is the difference between a shock sensor and an acoustic glassbreak sensor?

A shock sensor detects physical vibration or impact, while an acoustic glassbreak sensor listens for sound characteristics associated with breaking glass. The correct choice depends on the protected surface and security application.

Are shock sensors and glassbreak sensors the same?

Not always. Shock sensors detect vibration or impact, while glassbreak sensors can use acoustic detection, shock detection, or a combination of technologies. Always check the specific product's detection method.

Are shock sensors available in wireless versions?

Yes. Wireless shock sensors are available for compatible security platforms and can provide flexible installation without dedicated sensor wiring. Wireless compatibility varies by manufacturer and security system.

Can glassbreak sensors detect all types of glass?

Detection capabilities vary by model. Always review the manufacturer's specifications for supported glass types, detection range, mounting requirements, and installation conditions.

Are shock and sound sensors compatible with every alarm panel?

No. Compatibility depends on the sensor's electrical interface, wireless technology, communication protocol, and the security panel or receiver. Verify compatibility before installation.

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