We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Motion Detector Phone?

By Pamela Pleasant
Updated: May 17, 2024

A motion detector phone can detect an intruder in a home or apartment. It looks exactly like a regular phone, but it works differently. One phone number is programmed into the phone, which is automatically dialed when motion is sensed. When a home owner is away, it can be used to automatically alert a neighbor or a relative. The motion detector phone should be placed in a high-traffic area.

High-powered microphones like those used as listening devices are used for the motion detector phone. When a homeowner is notified of an intruder, he is able to listen in and hear what is taking place at home. This can eliminate any false alarms or unnecessary calls to the police. If intruders are unaware of anyone listening in, they may even give specific clues as to who they are.

Typically, when an intruder enters or leaves a home he does so through a window or door. The motion detector phone should be put close to one of these places. It can also be helpful to place the phone facing the middle of the living area or family room. If an intruder has to pass through this area to find expensive jewelry or electronics, he can be easily detected.

Small children and animals can accidentally trigger a motion detector phone. The phone can sense movement from 30 feet (nine meters) away but it does have an indicator light which puts out a type of signal strength. These strengths can be adjusted so that no false alarms happen when animals walk by. For example, if an animal weighs less than 25 pounds (11 kg), the phone can be programmed to ignore anything under this weight. A motion detector phone can also be placed in a higher spot so that it is able to detect adults and not small children.

The motion detector phone does not need any extra extension cords or electrical sockets. It generally plugs into ordinary phone jacks and looks like an average phone. Motion detectors phones can be useful in isolated areas because while loud alarms can scare off intruders, if there aren’t any neighbors to hear the alarm they can be useless.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon165945 — On Apr 06, 2011

One nice feature should be added for a good phone. it should be able to silently accept any incoming calls when the phone is armed. it would allow the homeowner to dial in any time and listen to what is going on.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-motion-detector-phone.htm
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.