Presence simulators: how can they protect your home?

What is a presence simulator?

It’s an electronic device designed to give the illusion of occupancy (by a person or even an animal) of the house or a room in the house when it’s actually unoccupied.

This product is mostly used as a solution to deter burglars. Indeed, the simulation of human activity inside the house can discourage criminals from intruding, as it will seem too risky to them. For example, they might see a light come on or hear a sound at random intervals, and decide it’s not worth trying to break into that address.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that occupancy simulation devices are no replacement for a full professional security system and should be used in combination with a security kit. This might include an access control system with a door code, surveillance cameras, door and window sensors and an alarm.

How does a presence simulator work?

Occupancy simulation solutions don’t all work in the same way: they can vary according to the model and brand. Most of them create the impression of someone being at home using a mix of lighting and sounds.

Some make use of advanced technology and can be programmed to turn a light on and off at specific times when you’re planning to be out, to best mimic the comings and goings of inhabitants through the different rooms in the house. They can also produce sounds like a conversation, a television, a baby crying... Some models also add a motion sensor to detect whether there is anyone in the vicinity and adjust a scenario accordingly. They may also offer a remote control function, allowing you to control the security of your home using a smartphone app. Occupancy simulation devices can either be battery operated or plugged into an electrical socket.

The different types of presence simulators

Not all presence simulators work in exactly the same way as each model can have its own specific features but they will all fall into one of the following categories:

Light-only presence simulators

As explained above, some devices use lighting to give the illusion that the residents are in, going about their business. In this way, the light will be automatically switched on at random or following a regular pattern in the room(s) of the house in which the device is installed. However, this type of product has a limitation: if thieves stake out an address for a long enough period of time, they may realise that a device is being used to control the lights automatically, for example if they always switch on at the same interval.

Sound-emitting presence simulators

These simulation systems use sounds to make it seem like somebody’s in. They can mimic the sound of a radio, a TV, a conversation between several people... But in this case there are still some limits. If burglars watch the house at night, they will soon realise what’s going on if no light comes on in any of the rooms.

Combined presence simulators

As the name suggests, this type combines both light and sounds to imitate human occupancy. This creates a more realistic impression of someone being in the house.

Advantages of a presence simulator

Deterring burglars

Obviously, the main advantage of occupancy simulation is to dissuade thieves and intruders from burglary, squatting etc. by using sound and lighting to make it look like the house or office is occupied, when it’s actually empty.

Lower energy costs

Most of these products switch the lights on and off at intervals. So they use significantly less energy than leaving the light on while you’re out. Indeed, leaving a light on all the time won’t fool anyone and isn’t so good for your energy bills...

Very easy to install and use

Presence simulators are generally easy to use and install. A number of models are equipped with timers and can be programmed in just a few minutes, ready for when you’re planning to be out.

Useful in a wide variety of locations

Although we usually talk about occupancy simulation in connection with home security, these devices can also help to secure offices, businesses and any other address which could be targeted by burglars or damaged by intruders.

How to choose your presence simulator ?

When choosing a product, it’s important to gather as much information as you can. You’ll want to consider several factors to find the one that best suits your needs.

• Type: first you have to determine your needs. Depending on the size of your house, how frequently you leave it empty and how long for, the location of your address, etc., you can choose whether you prefer light only, sound only or a combined model.
• Features: some models have advanced features, such as timer settings, motion sensors or remote control. If you’re planning to invest in this kind of security solution, think about which features are critical to you.
• Price: these systems can vary in price. It depends on the model, the brand, what features they offer...

Opt for a complete security system to protect your home

Although a presence simulator is an effective product, it should ideally be part of a complete security system for optimal protection of your house or apartment. Indeed, home security also includes cameras for monitoring the inside and outside of the property, well-secured doors and windows, an alarm in case of intrusion, motion sensors etc.