Glass break sensors are audio sensors that trigger an alarm when they detect the sound of glass being shattered. Glass break sensors work by listening for sound patterns and frequencies of breaking glass, and multiple sensors should be installed to cover the target window area. They are especially popular among businesses that showcase high-value merchandise in a window display such as jewelry stores, luxury retailers and art galleries, which tend to attract “smash and grab” style break-ins. For these types of businesses, their business insurance provider would likely require glass break sensors as part of their comprehensive business security system.
Glass break sensors are effective at detecting breaking glass windows, but they can be tricky in a business security alarm system. High-pitched noises can cause false alarms, and some glass types don't shatter in a way that can be reliably detected. While glass break sensors are useful in detecting break-ins, they should be used as supplementary protection to a well-designed security system. Factors such as high-pitched noises, glass type, and noise-dampening materials should be considered before installing glass break sensors.
Pictured above: motion detector, glass break sensor, smartphone for scale