Security Mirrors
LEARN ABOUT SAFETY / SECURITY MIRRORS
Convex mirrors are employed for the following reasons:
• To remove a blind spot
• Solve a traffic issue
• Avoid a potential accident
• As a security surveillance measure in retail outlets
In general, convex mirrors are employed in the above situations because they give a wider field of view than a normal flat mirror will afford. However the quality of the resultant image will be poor if the curvature of the mirror and coating of the surface are not up to standard and hence with making an investment in these mirrors, it's crucial you buy a quality mirror and don't base your purchasing decision purely on price because as with a lot of things, there are cheap and nasty safety & security mirrors available and here's some examples:
This row of 4 images shows a cheap style of mirror sold by many outlets.
• The mirror in image 1 (on the left) is an “outdoor” mirror that unfortunately hasn't been sealed against moisture. The image is not uniform and rolls off the edges...can you tell there is a car on the bottom of the image?
• Image 2 shows indoor use and it's virtually impossible to see any detail. It has also been installed sideways and because of this, the correct down tilt could not be employed hence the mirror may as well not be there.
• In image 3, you'll note the clamp attaches directly to the rear of the mirror which is made of plastic. Tightening the clamp merely crushes the plastic and will eventually break it.
• Image 4 shows cracking of the back of a poor quality mirror. This backing was low grade plastic that really wasn't meant for this purpose.
The above examples merely highlight the characteristics of mirrors made to a price and it's unlikely these sorts of things would be pointed out to you by someone marketing these types of mirrors. There are many of these type of outlets selling cheap imports that are not up to the standard of our mirrors.
WHAT LOOK FOR IN A GOOD QUALITY SAFETY MIRROR:
• Well designed and engineered hardware
• Robust fittings that provide maximum adjustment and ease of installation (not plastic!)
• A mirror that produces a clear, non-distorted image
• One that is properly sealed (if using it outdoors)
• One that is designed to actually perform the application for which it was intended
WHAT TYPE OF MIRRORS ARE AVAILABLE:
Quarter Dome Mirrors
• Indoor applications such as blind corners in offices, reception areas, waiting rooms etc
• Made from 3mm optical grade acrylic
• Provides 90 degrees of vision
• Lightweight design
• Fittings supplied
Half Dome Mirrors
• Indoor applications ideal for “T” intersections in offices, warehouses etc
• Made from 3mm optical grade acrylic
• Provides 180 degrees of vision
• Fittings supplied
Full Dome Mirrors
• Provides a full 360 degrees of vision
• Made from 3mm optical grade acrylic
• Indoor use in corridors or for general use in retail giving a broad view over displays and shelving
• Installed in the ceiling or suspended at the appropriate height
• Supplied with fittings and suspension kit for hanging by chain
Econo Indoor Convex Mirrors
• Most popular design
• Used exclusively indoor for safety & security applications
• Ideal for use in retail for security applications for observation of difficult areas
• Infinitely adjustable to any angle
• Requires only 2 screws to install (fittings provided)
• Made from 3mm optical grade acrylic
• Zinc plated steel fittings
• Can be mounted to wall or ceiling
• Available sizes: 45, 60 & 76cm
Outdoor Convex Mirrors
• Outdoor use in laneways, loading bays, car parks, exit/entry points to buildings
• Extremely robust design
• Super strong “D” bracket supplied for strong fixing to walls, poles etc
• Mirror face made from 3mm optical grade acrylic
• Backing frame made from 8mm rot proof Celuka (PVC based material that is UV stable and will not warp)
• Zinc coated steel fixtures
• Available sizes: 45, 60 & 76cm
WHAT TYPE AND SIZE MIRROR TO USE
Quarter Dome
• Generally used in narrow corridors (blind spot) or small enclosures (lifts or small rooms)
• For larger areas, consider using a convex mirror
Half Dome
• Perfect for corridors ending in a “T” intersections
• Also used mid wall to provide broad vision
Full Dome
• Used for broad observation at crossways and open intersections
• Ideal for standard ceiling heights. Use suspension chain for higher than normal ceiling heights
Econo Indoor Convex Mirrors
• Ideal for security use in retail outlets
• As a general rule, the combined distance between the mirror and observer and the distance between the mirror and the object to be viewed will determine the correct size mirror:
• Combined distance 1 – 5 metres, use a 45cm mirror
• Combined distance 5 – 10 metres, use a 60cm mirror
• Combined distance of 10 – 15 metres, use a 76cm mirror
• Over 15 metres, use a 76cm mirror
Outdoor Convex Mirrors
• As a general rule, the combined distance between the mirror and observer and the distance between the mirror and the object to be viewed will determine the correct size mirror:
• Combined distance 1 – 5 metres, use a 45cm mirror
• Combined distance 5 – 10 metres, use a 60cm mirror
• Combined distance of 10 – 15 metres, use a 76cm mirror
• Over 15 metres, use a 76cm mirror