As the world progresses, new technology advances keep hitting the markets. Now more than ever, the need for top-notch security is increasing, and businesses and corporations are making considerable investments to ensure their properties and premises are safe. As a result, security metal detectors have become common at checkpoints in various places like schools, hospitals, airports, military establishments, court buildings, and more.
Handheld metal detectors are usually used together with walk-through detectors for utmost security. We’ve all seen these super scanners but do we know how these work?
The Working Mechanism of Hand-Held Metal Detectors
Metal detectors use electromagnetic fields to detect any metallic objects nearby. A handheld metal detector has two components: a transmitter coil that creates the electromagnetic field and a receiver coil that detects electromagnetism. The electromagnetic field generates from the transmitter coil, extending up to 20cm from the detector.
When a metal passes through this detector, it interacts with the electromagnetic field. The receiver coil then detects the new electromagnetic field, triggering an alert in the form of audible alarms, vibrations, or visual LEDs.
How To Scan People Using Hand-Held Metal Detectors?
The security personnel handling the handheld metal detectors are trained to use the gadgets effectively. While doing so, they minimize touching as it could cause grievous offense or legal prosecution. Therefore, professionals can use handheld metal detectors to ensure security while remaining respectful to the clients.
Keep Moving The Scanner
Handheld metal detectors are motion detectors. If they are used in a stationary position, no alarm is raised. That is why security personnel constantly move the scanner over the person from head to toe. The electromagnetic field’s movement over the object will trigger further electromagnetic fields around the object, causing the alert to go off.
Inspect Detected Metals
During scanning, the security personnel inspects the metal object if the metal detector triggers an alert. For example, if there is anything in the pockets, the security person shouldn’t reach into the customer’s pockets but instead, ask them to empty the contents into a tray. Afterward, they should carefully inspect these items before handing them back to the client.
Nowadays, security checkpoints are almost a paramount requirement before accessing any premises. While there are tons of metal detectors one can deploy, handheld metal detectors are known to detect even the smallest metal element in seconds. They are non-intrusive and have a fast scan rate. The handheld metal detector prices vary depending on the brand and performance. It’s recommended to go for a trusted brand and not compromise on security.
