The popular saying that “prevention is better than cure” applies not only to individual health and the medical field but it has also a vital application on safety and security. Certainly, preventing a crime from happening is far way better compared to solving it and finding the culprits after the damage has been done. Metal detectors are examples of the simple yet effective tools that could help prevent a crime or security disaster especially on public offices and places. And to help secure more people, walk through metal detectors are musts.

505465149_92dc75a50e

What is a Walk-through Type Detector and how does it Work

For those who are not familiar with the these types of metal detectors, these are the large and door-sized detectors which are commonly installed on gateways of airports, public and private, buildings, courthouses, and other vital installations. They work in the same manner with all other types of metal detectors except that they can cater and scan larger objects and could continuously work automatically. All detectors work on the principle of electromagnetism. Inside the corners of walk through metal detectors are coils that could act as electromagnets which could detect metals and eventually trigger the alarm located on top.

There are two general types or categories for these large detectors, the single zone and the multi-zone detectors.

–Single zone walk-through detectors. The single zone types could detect weapons and metal objects simultaneously on both sides. But they don’t have the capability of telling which side the weapon or metal is detected.

–Multi-zone walk-through detectors. The multi-zone detectors are the more advanced types. All sides of the metal detector are working and can detect metal. Plus, this machine is capable of telling whether the concealed metal or weapon is located on the left side or right side of the person carrying it. The most high-tech multi-zones are even capable of pinpointing the exact location from head to foot. These are essential features of walk through metal detectors for security personnel to be able to react and engage precisely and more hastily.

The Advantages of using these Types of Metal Detectors

These larger metal detectors are bulkier and more expensive but shops, buildings, offices, and government facilities need to purchase and install them. Why?

–These metal detectors were built to accommodate and scan more people. Imagine if you would manually scan with an ordinary metal detector wand the entire flock of people entering a stadium, a mall, or a large building. That would be time consuming and costly. The larger walk-though types on the other hand can perform this task and could scan more people almost every second without assistance.

–It provides precision metal scanning. The key to preciseness is its size. The large size of these metal detectors allows the scanning of a person or cargo from head to foot or top to bottom. This is in contrast with manual scanning wherein a security officer can leave some spots unchecked.

–It allows non-contact metal detecting or scanning. Lastly, walk through metal detectors allow non-contact scanning. Non-contact scanning greatly reduces security risks, it allows security personnel to react swiftly, and that it would prevent issues that could be raised by sensitive individuals being scanned.

Brandon Allred writes articles related to security. He loves playing sports, spending time with family and likes people that smile. 

Image License: Creative Commons by Orin Zebest