The Hose

• The hose is the most visible portion of the driveway hose sensor system. The hose, commonly about 1/2 inch in diameter, lies perpendicular across the driveway. The hoses are anchored at each end and can be placed on any driveway surface. One of the drawbacks to a driveway hose sensor is it detects only vehicles and not visitors on foot.
  
  

Alerting the Home

• When a vehicle passes over the hose, a signal is sent to the home. Systems use either a wired system to connect the sensor to the home or a wireless radio frequency system. The wireless systems use a battery-powered transmitter to send a signal to the receiver in the home that acts similar to a doorbell. The range of the systems varies with the manufacturer. You can install additional sensors around the home or outbuildings to increase the area where the alert is sounded.
  
  

Visibility

• The black hose across the driveway is a visible indication that the visitor’s presence will be announced to the occupants of the home. Motion-detecting sensors can work in a similar manner but are less visible. The exposed hose can also be damaged during lawn mowing or snow removal.
  
  

Total Systems

• The driveway hose sensor only alerts occupants when a vehicle travels on the driveway. Coupling it with a closed-circuit television system allows property owners to also view the visitor. Motion detectors added in areas away from the driveway alert the home if visitors do not follow the driveway.