You’ll never want to open the door if you don’t know exactly who is standing on the other side. And the simplest way to ensure this is to use a peephole. The first peephole has been long used to add a layer of security and safety for residents in many areas. With technological advances, more sophisticated units are created to bring helpful features and functions.
When considering a peephole installation, many homeowners often wonder if they could see through this device from the outside. If this is also your question, then keep reading to find out the answer.
What is a peephole?
A peephole or door viewer is a small device with a fisheye-type lens which can be installed in a drilled hole through the entrance door of your home.
It will allow you to have an overall view of the front area and see who is on the doorstep without needing to open the door. In many cases, this will prevent opportunistic intruders from entering your home with a dangerous weapon in their hand.
Can you see through a peephole from the outside?
As said above, most peepholes are equipped with a fisheye lens which, in a single direction, can take a wide viewing field and focus on a small space. This part is mounted to ensure it would gather light rays from every angle on the outside, thus enabling you to have an overall view as well as increase the intensity for brighter vision.
The same process, however, won’t work in reverse. That’s why a person can’t see inside your home through a peephole from the outside. Instead, he or she just notice a small range of angles with blurred, dim images.
Another important factor that makes it nearly impossible to see through a peephole is that there will be more lights on the outside than the inside. Therefore, if you attempt to peer in, the reflection of the light will get in the way. In fact, this is the most critical feature that makes peepholes a great option to ensure security and safety for residential and commercial facilities.
Why install a peephole in your home?
One of the most common tricks for burglars in the book is to ring the bell or knock on the front door of your house to check whether anyone is home. In case you are at home, then it is better to let the strangers on the other door’s side realise it.
Also, it is wise not to unlock and open it until you know exactly who is there. This is where a peephole comes in handy.
With a simple-to-install and inexpensive unit, you can easily look outside without opening the door. This means that it is safer and more secure to check for the identity of a stranger, especially when you are staying at home alone. You can even install a peephole camera to improve your view outside.
When should you use a peephole?
When it comes to household security, it is a good idea to create a good routine to ensure safety. For example, you should get into the habit of looking through a peephole every time someone knocks at your door, both at night or day. It just takes you a few seconds but could save you from possible dangerous situations.
Even when you are expecting a friend or relative, do not forget to take a quick look through this device before deciding to open the door. Many people install this extra layer of security and safety, but fail to use it properly and end up putting their family at risks.
Where should you install peepholes?
Most experts in crime prevention recommend installing a peephole in combination with a door restrictor or door chain to the major door. If your house has more than one door which people often use to call, then it is better to secure all of them equally.
The decision is quite simple since most of the residential facilities are often equipped with only one door. However, some properties also feature back entrances and side doors. It is up to you to install peepholes in these parts. After all, safety is the top priority.
Who should use a peephole?
Every homeowner is susceptible to home intrusion and might face these dangerous situations at least to some degrees. For many of them, a stranger who forces his way in via a slightly opened entry seems to happen only in the movies.
However, it could happen to anybody, especially those who live in low-security neighbourhoods. This isn’t something we often think about, but it is obviously something all of us should. And a peephole can be a simple and affordable option to avoid this issue.
The usually vulnerable groups, therefore, should have peepholes installed on their front door. These typically include people living alone and seniors. Also, there are different kinds of burglars who target various groups. So it is important to be conscious and well-prepared for these common crooks.
I think this may be different for apartments. My inside has more light than the outside hall because of natural light, so I’m still wondering if I’m visible when using the peephole. Sigh.
Google “Reverse door peephole viewer”