Introduction to the Optex REDWALL SIP-404/5 and its key features
The Optex REDWALL SIP-404/5 is a purpose‑built outdoor perimeter PIR detector engineered for long, narrow coverage and reliable activation of video systems. Designed for professional security and CCTV integrators, this hard‑wired detector provides 40 × 4 m main coverage and a dedicated, adjustable creep/under‑unit zone. Key features include automatic sensitivity adjustment, three independent zone outputs for PTZ/camera cueing, active IR anti‑masking, and an anti‑rotation accelerometer for tamper detection. The unit is weatherproof (main unit IP65) and supports a range of power options and an optional heater for extreme environments.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The SIP-404/5 uses Passive Infrared (PIR) detection combined with adaptive detection logic. The detector automatically adjusts sensitivity according to ambient temperature and illumination, which reduces false alarms caused by heat sources, sunlight or rapid environmental changes. Active IR anti‑masking detects deliberate masking attempts while an anti‑rotation accelerometer alerts to tampering or vandalism.
The main detection pattern is a long, narrow 40 × 4 m field ideally suited to approaches and perimeter fences. A dedicated creep/under‑unit zone provides closer‑range coverage; this zone is adjustable from roughly 3 × 5 m at a 2.3 m mounting height up to about 6 × 9 m at 4.0 m. The detector provides three independent outputs (far / near / creep), enabling separate alarm handling, different camera presets or selective video recording. This multi‑zone output capability is particularly useful for cueing PTZ cameras to different presets depending on where activity is detected.
The SIP-404/5 accepts 11–16 V DC or 22–26 V AC (24 VAC variants are available), and has a modest current draw depending on the supply and whether the optional heater is fitted. Typical current draw is approximately 40–45 mA on 12 V DC and around 75–85 mA on 24 V AC/DC, increasing when the heater is used. Operating temperature is specified from −25 to +60 °C in standard form and down to −40 °C if the optional heater is installed. The main unit carries an IP65 rating for reliable outdoor performance; note that some internal chassis/frame components may be rated at IP55. Physically the unit measures roughly 248 × 102 × 266 mm and weighs about 1.4 kg, suitable for pole or wall mounting at the recommended 2.3–4.0 m height.
Alarm outputs are configurable as N.O. or N.C., rated 28 VDC at 0.2 A for alarm/trouble conditions. A tamper contact (N.C., 28 VDC 0.1 A) supports enclosure tamper monitoring. The detector has a warm‑up period of about 60 seconds and typical alarm output pulses of approximately 2 seconds, which are well suited for camera cueing and recording systems.
- Reduced false alarms:Temperature and illumination compensation plus PIR detection logic lower nuisance activations.
- Actionable outputs:Three discrete alarm outputs make it straightforward to integrate with PTZ presets and VMS rules.
- Anti‑tamper and anti‑mask:Built‑in accelerometer and active IR anti‑masking increase system resilience against deliberate interference.
- Outdoor‑ready:IP65 protection and optional heater make the SIP-404/5 suitable for demanding outdoor environments.
Use cases and scenarios where the SIP-404/5 excels
The SIP-404/5 is designed for situations where long, narrow detection is required, and where integration with CCTV and PTZ systems is essential. Typical use cases include:
- Perimeter fencing:Long stretches of fence around industrial sites, utilities, car parks or storage yards where early detection of approach is needed.
- Access roads and driveways:Narrow approach ways leading to a site gate or building where activation should cue cameras and lights to inspect a target.
- Service roads and pathways:Areas where people or vehicles approach specific zones — the separate outputs let you trigger different responses depending on distance.
- Remote or unmanned sites:Pump stations, telecom sites and substations that require reliable, low‑maintenance perimeter detection and remote camera cueing.
- Integration with PTZ CCTV:Use the far/near/creep outputs to recall different PTZ presets: e.g., approach detection moves the camera to a distant preset, while creep/under‑unit activates a close‑up view.
Because the SIP-404/5 is hard‑wired and designed for professional installation, it is particularly suited to commercial and industrial security systems where reliability, predictable wiring and compatibility with existing alarm/VMS platforms matter.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting outdoor perimeter sensors, integrators typically consider curtain PIR detectors, active IR beam barriers, microwave sensors, or camera‑based analytics. The SIP-404/5 sits in the perimeter PIR category and distinguishes itself in several ways:
Many curtain PIR detectors offer long, narrow patterns, but not all provide multiple independent outputs or anti‑masking and tamper accelerometers as standard. The SIP-404/5’s three independent outputs and active anti‑masking make it a strong choice where layered response and deliberate interference are concerns. Additionally, Optex’s automatic sensitivity adjustment tends to reduce environmental false alarms versus simpler fixed‑sensitivity PIRs.
Active IR beam barriers (single or multi‑beam) are inexpensive and simple but are more susceptible to nuisance activations from birds, vegetation and dirt on lenses, and usually provide a single trigger point. The SIP-404/5 provides continuous coverage along a run and gives zone information (far/near/creep), which is much more useful for camera cueing and event classification. However, beam systems can be cheaper for single‑line detection and are simpler to deploy where only a single crossing needs monitoring.
Microwave sensors provide volumetric coverage and can detect through some obstructions, but are more prone to false alarms from large moving objects and environmental clutter. Combined microwave+PIR units offer better discrimination but typically do not provide the long, narrow pattern or the multi‑output zoning that the SIP-404/5 affords. The SIP unit’s tailored pattern is better for linear approaches and precise PTZ cueing.
Modern video analytics can detect and classify objects, but they depend on camera view quality and lighting, and typically require more processing and licensing. The SIP-404/5 is a sensor that triggers cameras and supplements analytics; many professional designs use a combination of sensor‑based detection and video analytics to balance reliability and verification capabilities.
Customer feedback and installer notes
No verified customer testimonials are provided here. Below are representative installer observations and common points of feedback reported by integrators who work with perimeter PIR detectors like the REDWALL series (presented as typical, illustrative comments rather than sourced endorsements):
- "Reliable activation, low nuisance alarms":Installers commonly note that adaptive sensitivity greatly reduces alarms from temperature swings compared with older fixed‑threshold PIRs.
- "Great for PTZ cueing":The three outputs make it easy to configure camera presets so that distant approaches get one preset and close creeps trigger another.
- "Solid build for outdoor use":The IP65 main unit and optional heater are frequently cited as important for sites in exposed or cold climates.
- "Requires professional wiring":Because the device is hard‑wired and has power/output choices, installers emphasize following the datasheet wiring diagrams and recommended mounting heights for optimal performance.
These comments reflect practical experience and expectations for professional perimeter PIR installations rather than individual verified customer reviews.
Conclusion: why the SIP-404/5 is a strong choice for perimeter protection
The Optex REDWALL SIP-404/5 is a focused, professional perimeter PIR detector that balances long, narrow coverage with smart detection features that reduce false alarms and increase actionable responses. Its three independent outputs for far/near/creep zones, active anti‑masking and tamper detection make it especially useful where camera cueing and site resilience matter. Weatherproofing and optional heater support outdoor deployments across a broad range of climates, and the adaptive sensitivity logic helps maintain reliability in changing conditions.
For security integrators and facility managers looking to create a layered perimeter protection system—particularly where PTZ camera activation and differentiated responses are required—the SIP-404/5 offers a capable, installer‑oriented solution. As with any wired perimeter device, correct mounting height (2.3–4.0 m), careful alignment and professional electrical installation are important to achieve the best performance.
Suggested retail price: 599. Warranty information: no warranty details provided (check with supplier or Optex for current warranty and certification information). Always consult the official Optex datasheet and installation manual for wiring diagrams, mounting templates and variant‑specific requirements before installation.
