Review mirrors: types, features, method of application

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Currently, two types of equipment are used to monitor the boundaries of a separate area, whether it is indoors or outdoors: video cameras and survey mirrors. Surveillance cameras capture 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 area is hidden from observation. Unlike video equipment, survey mirrors provide a maximum of the viewed area, do not break and do not bite in price. They are more durable and do not require additional maintenance. What mirrors are, how to choose them correctly and where it is better to use, is described in this article.

What kind of mirrors are there

A review mirror is visually a convex or concave mirror structure. It can have a triangular, square, hemispherical and spherical shape. Depending on the size, the device expands the boundaries of observations to several tens of meters. By appointment mirror equipmentis divided into two main types:

• spherical observation mirror allows you to provide a viewing angle of up to 160°;
• dome or panoramic design increases the viewing angle up to 360°.

According to the way mirrors are attached:

• wall-mounted,
• ceiling,
• corner,
• hanging.

Domed and globular survey mirrors eliminate blind spots. This is achieved by a strongly curved hemisphere and a high location. However, it is important to be aware that too far a direction can significantly reduce objects and, therefore, impair visibility.

Differences of mirrors by production method

Manufacturers produce survey mirrors for indoors and outdoors.

• Interior 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.

Extruded plexiglass, polymethyl methacrylate, stainless steel, special plastic are used for the production of mirror structures. But whatever 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 mirror-like, a layer of amalgam is applied to it and fixed with a special compound. Priming materials are used to give the structure durability.

Scope of application

Review mirrors are widely used in various industries:

• in shopping malls;
• on underground and surface parking lots;
• in commercial establishments;
• on roads where visibility is limited;
• at service stations;
• in production;
• near children's educational institutions;
• in poorly visible areas.

The diameter of the mirror surface is selected taking into account the distance from the place of observation to the point where the object is located. In this case, it should be taken into account that the longer this distance, the larger the diameter of the mirror reflector. For example, if the distance to the protected object is 7 meters, the diameter must be at least 500 mm. And with a range of 15 meters - at least 900 mm.

How to choose the right one

When choosing mirror structures, first of all, you need to decide where they will be installed. When choosing a viewing mirror for a store, there are several factors to consider:

• Mirror surface must be absolutely smooth.
• Visibility should not be distorted.
• The diameter of the mirror sheet must match the distance.
• The bracket must be strong and reliable.

The above indicators are relevant for indoor premises: retail outlets, offices, production workshops, warehouse space. When it comes to choosing a mirror for outdoor use, the following criteria should be taken into account:

• The surface shouldmaintain good visibility in rain and temperature fluctuations.
• The design must be resistant to mechanical stress.
• It's good if the mirror surface is protected by a visor.

These recommendations are relevant for underground and surface parking lots, street spans, roads, open spaces. The price of a mirrored design will depend on the model, diameter, and retailer's markup. Therefore, in order not to overpay, you need to study several offers, and only then make a decision.