Pardon my ignorance, but do these pet motion sensors record video with sound when they light up? I have just finished a sit for HOs who are tech savvy and have a Ring doorbell, remotes for opening and closing the blinds, and motion sensors inside the home to monitor the cat when it’s left on its own. I’m aware that they knew when I was coming and going because of the doorbell, but yesterday it beeped about 10 minutes after I entered the house. I thought there might be someone at the door, but when I checked there was no-one there. Having read a previous thread about indoor cameras with which some HOs are flouting the rules set by THS, I started to feel increasingly uncomfortable about the motion sensors in the house. There is one in the living room which activated every time I moved in the vicinity of the sofa. The cat has a bad habit of scratching the sofa, which is probably the reason for its location. But there was one on each of the upstairs landings. One was activated every time I crossed the landing from the bedroom to the bathroom. Should I have been worried?
HI @Surbitonsue, MS generally don’t record audio/video.
Just in case, for your peace of mind:
The Pyronix KX10DP (or KX10DP‑WE) motion detector does not record video or images—it’s a PIR (passive infrared) sensor only. It senses changes in infrared radiation and triggers an alarm via a control panel; it does not have any camera or recording capability recorded locally or remotely
Thank you for that reassurance. But what kind of alarm does it trigger? Does the HO get an alert on their mobile?
Usually they trigger burglar alarms, if system is armed.
The second question is unfortunately more complex.
Google says:
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By default: Most systems only send motion notifications when the alarm is armed (Away or Home mode).
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However, many systems allow customization:
- You can enable motion notifications even when disarmed through app settings or automation rules.
- These notifications are usually informational only, they won’t trigger the siren or emergency response.
Thanks for the extra info. Maybe I’ll plead ignorance and ask the HO why they have these next time I sit for them.
Right now, I’m seeing two of those sensors in the house (in two adjoining rooms).
When we arrived at the sit, HOs told us it wasn’t necessary to arm the alarm.
The neighborhood seems very safe, but most of the houses have alarm systems (you can see the flashing lights at night).
We understand that it’s mainly for deterrence.
I think the society we live in today feels the need to have control over what’s happening minute by minute, all the time, and there are cameras everywhere, even inside the house. It’s a bit excessive and sometimes cause paranoia.
It’s always better to discuss this with the owners before starting the sit (in our case, during the initial video call, we always bring up the topic, clarifying that it’s just protocol to avoid offending any HO)
If you’re not sure or it makes you uncomfortable not knowing whether the motion sensors send notifications, I suggest you ask and see how honest HO)Ç is.
Communication is key
Motion detectors are always on in many alarm systems, even when the alarm system itself isn’t activated.
The sensors can trigger and the homeowner has no clue — I’ve owned several homes and alarm systems and get no notice unless the alarm system is actually on. Otherwise, homeowners would be driven nuts by endless alerts, like say anytime someone or some pet or robovacuum happened by a motion sensor even when the alarm system isn’t on.
If you look around the home, usually near the front door, you will probably see an alarm box which they normally use , the sensors will be linked to this.
Thanks Colin. I will definitely bring it up with the HOs next time.
You are right! I will mention it to them next time.