Currently, two types of equipment are used to monitor the boundaries of a particular area, whether it is indoors or outdoors: cameras and panoramic mirrors. Surveillance cameras fix all movable and immovable objects, monotonously recording the chronicle of events in a memory card. But like all equipment, they often break down and then a certain section is hidden from observation. Unlike video equipment, survey mirrors provide maximum viewing area, do not break and do not bite in price. They are more durable and do not require additional maintenance. What mirrors are there, how to choose them correctly and where it is better to use, is described in this article.
What kind of mirrors are
The viewing mirror visually represents a convex or concave mirror structure. It can have a triangular, square, hemispherical and spherical shape. Depending on the size, the device extends the boundaries of observations to several tens of meters. According to the purpose of the mirror equipment is divided into two main types:
- spherical panoramic mirror allows you to provide a viewing angle of up to 160 °;
- dome or panoramic design increases viewing angle up to 360 °.
By the method of mounting mirrors are:
- wall mounted
- ceiling
- angular
- hanging.
Dome and spherical panoramic mirrors exclude the appearance of blind spots. This is achieved by a strongly arched hemisphere and a high location. At the same time, it is important to know that a too distant direction can significantly reduce objects and, therefore, impair visibility.
Differences of mirrors by production method
Manufacturers produce survey mirrors for rooms and street type.
- Internal mirrors are used to prevent theft in retail outlets, parking lots, etc.
- External - to ensure a trouble-free situation on the road, reduce crime on the street.
For the production of mirror structures, extrusive plexiglass, polymethyl methacrylate, stainless steel, and special plastic are used. But no matter what material the manufacturer chooses, its thickness should not be less than 2 mm. The bulge is created using precision instruments and controlled by laser equipment. To make the surface mirrored, an amalgam layer is applied to it and fixed with a special composition. Primer materials are used to give durability to the structure.
Application area
Survey mirrors are widely used in various industries:
- in shopping centers;
- in underground and ground parking lots;
- in commercial enterprises;
- on roads where visibility is limited;
- at service stations;
- in the industries;
- near children's educational institutions;
- in poorly viewed areas.
The diameter of the mirror surface is selected taking into account the distance from the point of observation to the point of location of the object. It should be noted that the longer this distance, the larger the diameter of the mirror reflector. For example, with a distance to the guarded object of 7 meters, the diameter should be at least 500 mm. And with a range of 15 meters - at least 900 mm.
How to choose the right
When choosing mirror structures, first of all, it is necessary to decide in which place they will be installed. If you choose a viewing mirror for the store, then you need to consider several factors:
- The mirror surface must be absolutely smooth.
- Visibility must not be distorted.
- The diameter of the mirror web should correspond to the distance.
- The bracket must be strong and reliable.
The above indicators are relevant for closed premises: retail outlets, offices, production halls, storage areas. If it comes to choosing a mirror for use on the street, then the following criteria should be considered:
- The surface should maintain good visibility during rain and temperature changes.
- The design must be resistant to mechanical stress.
- It is good if the mirror surface is protected by a visor.
These recommendations are relevant for underground and surface parking, street spans, roads, open premises. The price of the mirror design will depend on the model, diameter, and margin of the retailer. Therefore, in order not to overpay, it is necessary to study several proposals, and only then make a decision.