Introduction to the KX18DC Curtain PIR Detector and its key features
KX18DC Curtain PIR Detector, 18 m Vertical Beam, Dual-element, EN50131 Grade 2is a wired curtain-style passive infrared (PIR) detector designed for targeted, long-range protection of narrow zones such as shopfronts, display windows, counters and corridors. Its 18 m vertical detection beam (with an optional long-range lens up to 30 m) produces a narrow, curtain-like coverage that reduces unwanted triggering from adjacent zones while focusing protection where it is most needed.
Key features include BlueWave signal processing to minimise false alarms, selectable DEOL resistors for straightforward wiring, sealed optics for immunity to white light and insects, and front and rear tamper protection. The unit is EN50131 Grade 2 certified and intended for professional wired installations in commercial and retail environments.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The KX18DC brings a set of technical specifications tuned for reliable, low‑false‑alarm detection while remaining easy to integrate into existing intruder alarm systems. Below is a concise list of the most relevant technical data and the practical benefits each delivers:
- Detection pattern:Curtain lens with ≈20° coverage, 46 zones across 6 planes — provides a narrow vertical beam that keeps detection focused on entrances, glass panes and passageways, avoiding broad motion fields that might catch irrelevant movement.
- Range:18 m standard (long-range lens option up to 30 m) — long reach for shop fronts and large display windows; optional lens increases versatility for larger or deeper spaces.
- Sensor:Dual-element pyroelectric PIR — dual elements improve discrimination of human movement versus environmental noise, reducing false alarms from small thermal changes.
- BlueWave signal processing:Advanced digital processing reduces false alarms and enhances immunity to IR noise. Benefit: fewer nuisance activations from lighting, heating systems, or electrical interference.
- Digital temperature compensation & automatic sensitivity adjustment:Maintains consistent performance across the certified operating temperature range (−10 °C to 40 °C), particularly useful in storefronts that experience daily temperature swings.
- White light & UV protection:Sealed optics rated to 6500 lux and equipped with UV protection, plus resistance to insects and air currents — important in display cases or doorways where sunlight or drafts could otherwise trigger false alerts.
- Wiring and outputs:Selectable on-board DEOL resistors for easy compatible wiring with most control panels; relay output (50 mA @ 60 VDC) and tamper output (12 V 50 mA) simplify integration and supervision.
- Mounting & tamper protections:Supplied wall and ceiling brackets with front and rear tamper switches provide secure installation and an anti-tamper supervisory function to detect removal or interference.
- Physical & electrical:Compact dimensions (approx. 117 × 69 × 50 mm) and light weight (~125 g) make the KX18DC easy to fit in tight locations. Operates from 9–16 V DC (typical 13.8 V) with a quiescent current of ≈13–16 mA @ 12 V.
- Certifications & warranty:EN50131 Grade 2 and CE certified; environmental class II. Manufacturer warranty: 2 years (confirm exact terms with supplier).
In retail and commercial installations, the balance between sensitivity and false alarm immunity is critical. The KX18DC combines a focused curtain lens with dual-element sensing and BlueWave processing to reliably detect human movement while ignoring clutter — such as display reflections, small animals, or heating/cooling-related thermal variations. The sealed optics and white light protection are particularly important where strong lighting or sunlight hits display windows.
Use cases and scenarios where the KX18DC excels
The KX18DC is tailored for applications demanding narrow, long-range detection rather than wide-area coverage. Typical deployments include:
- Shopfront and display window protection:Mounted above or beside glazing, the curtain beam detects intrusions through windows or forced entries while ignoring general shop-floor activity.
- Glass counters and showcases:Curtain detection focuses on the vulnerable plane above counters and cabinets, helping to protect high-value merchandise from reach-in theft.
- Narrow corridors and aisle protection:In retail backrooms, corridors or service passages, the vertical beam monitors a walkway without covering adjacent goods or shelving areas that might cause nuisance alerts.
- Perimeter and doorway monitoring:Use beside doors, loading bays or secondary entrances where detection should be constrained to the doorway plane.
- Layered security installations:As part of a multi-sensor approach, the KX18DC can provide targeted perimeter detection that triggers additional sensors or cameras when crossed.
This detector is intended for professional installation. Correct mounting height and lens selection are essential: curtain mode can be mounted up to 4 m while the long-range lens has an optimum mounting height of 1.8–2.4 m. Follow manufacturer datasheet and local regulations; use the provided wall and ceiling brackets and verify DEOL resistor settings to match the control panel supervision scheme.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing a curtain PIR detector, installers typically compare the KX18DC against other curtain PIRs, dual‑tech sensors (PIR plus microwave) and wide-angle PIRs. Key comparative points:
- Versus other curtain PIRs:The KX18DC stands out for its BlueWave signal processing and sealed optics. Many basic curtain PIRs lack advanced digital processing and may be more prone to false alarms in bright display areas. The KX18DC’s selectable DEOL resistors and tamper protection options also simplify integration.
- Versus dual‑tech detectors:Dual‑tech (PIR + microwave) units provide cross-checking between sensor types and can reduce some types of false alarms, but microwave elements can cause issues near metal structures or cause cross-talk between adjacent zones. The KX18DC’s focused curtain approach avoids these problems in narrow applications and is often preferred for storefront glazing where microwave reflections could be problematic.
- Versus wide‑angle PIRs:Wide-angle PIRs are ideal for open spaces but can’t provide the focused plane detection that curtain lenses deliver. For display windows and counters, the narrow beam of the KX18DC is superior at detecting intrusion at the window plane while ignoring activity deeper inside the store.
Customer testimonials and reviews
Below are representative customer comments based on typical installer and end-user feedback for curtain PIR detectors of this class. These are illustrative and intended to reflect common experiences; confirm specific customer reviews with vendor references.
- "Installed the KX18DC across multiple shopfronts — the focused beam catches window break-ins and reach-ins without the false alarms we used to get from ceiling PIRs." — Retail security installer.
- "The sealed optics and white light immunity made a real difference for a boutique store with strong display lighting. False alarms dropped significantly after switching to curtain detectors." — Store manager.
- "Easy to wire and configure with DEOL options; tamper switches provide the extra supervision the client demanded." — Systems integrator.
Conclusion: Why the KX18DC is a strong choice
The KX18DC Curtain PIR Detector is a purpose-built solution for narrow-zone intrusion detection where precision, reach and false-alarm immunity matter. Its 18 m curtain beam (with an optional long-range lens), dual-element PIR, BlueWave processing, sealed optics and on-board wiring options make it particularly well suited to shopfronts, display windows, counters and corridors. EN50131 Grade 2 certification and a 2-year warranty provide assurance for commercial deployments.
For installers and security managers needing a reliable, focused detector that integrates easily into wired alarm systems, the KX18DC offers a compelling combination of performance and value. Suggested retail price: 16.99 (cost price 13.54) — check with your supplier for current pricing, volume discounts and warranty terms.
To get the best results, pair the KX18DC with correct lens selection, professional mounting and appropriate control panel supervision. When used this way, it delivers dependable, low‑nuisance perimeter protection that strengthens any layered security strategy.
