A home security system doesn’t just keep your home and property safe, it also provides peace of mind. Statistics show that your home is three times more likely to be broken into if you have no security system.
Basic home security systems are made up of the control pad, a motion sensor (or possible several), a few magnetic switches on doors and windows and of course an alarm. The switches and motions sensors can be either wired or wireless.
More advanced systems may include video cameras and centralized monitoring by the alarm company. Monitoring gives you an extra level of security because you’ll have trained personnel keeping track of your security system.
One of the main advantages of having a home security system is its deterrant factor. If a potential thief sees the yard sign or sticker saying that your house is protected, or if the alarm is activated while they are attempting to break in, they’ll be less likely to go through with it.
Being the lowlifes that they are, they’re more likely to look for the path of least resistance and will find a home that doesn’t have protection instead.
There are 5 major components that almost every security system should include:
1. Control Panel
This is the control system for the alarm – the “brains” behind it. This is usually installed somewhere like the basement or in a closet, as it isn’t necessary to access it very often.
2. Keypad
The keypad is normally installed somewhere relatively close to the main entrance to the house. It lets you arm and disarm the alarm, as well as control the various other components.
3. Magnetic contacts
These contacts are installed on doors and windows and will sound the alarm if the contact is broken when the alarm system is armed.
4. Sensors
Motion sensors are the most common but there are also body heat sensors available. Again, if the system is armed these sensors will sound the alarm if there is any motion (or heat) detected.
5. Alarm
This is usually a loud siren or clanger and may include flashing lights for even more attention.
John Lenaghan writes about home security and other related topics on the Home Security Guide website. For more information visit http://www.home-security-guide.com
Filed under Home Security System by on Jul 30th, 2008. Comment.
Home burglar alarms were once only found on houses of the rich & famous. In recent years, however, they are becoming more and more common in the homes of “Joe Average”.
Many people choose a simple do-it-yourself security system. These systems can be either wired or wireless and will set off an audible alarm when an intruder breaks in or when they are moving in the house.
There are two types of burglar alarms – open or closed circuit. With an open circuit alarm system the alarm is set off when the circuit is closed. When a door or window is opened, it completes the circuit and sets of the alarm. A closed circuit system works in the opposite way – when a door or windows is opened, it breaks the circuit and sets off the alarm.
Motion sensors are a slightly more sophisticated option. They sense motion within a certain field around the sensor. When motion is sensed, a signal is sent to the control panel which analyzes it to see if it is enough movement to be suspicious.
The sensitivity of these motion sensors can be adjusted to account for things like air movement that might rustle papers or pets walking around the house.
Ideally, it’s best to use both magnetic switches and motion sensors in a burglar alarm setup. The switches protect doors and windows and motion sensors make it easier to protect large spaces like halls and large rooms.
Another option that many people use is video cameras. The cameras are mounted in such a way as to “see” strategic areas around the house. The images they pick up are displayed on a monitor inside the house, and may be recorded on videotape.
Most home security companies also provide remote monitoring of their alarm systems. If the alarm is tripped the security company will alert the police or may send its own security personnel to the home.
Four of the most popular types of burglar alarm systems include:
1. Single premise alarm systems
These systems are meant to provide protection against specific things, which include door alarms (to warn you if a door is opened), carbon monoxide alarms, heat/smoke detectors, etc.
2. Local alarm systems
These systems will sound an alarm in case of intrusion, but they are not monitored by an outside company.
3. Telephone dialer alarms
These systems will dial a specific phone number if the alarm is tripped. They may also be able to dial multiple numbers and will generally play a pre-recorded message when the call is answered.
4. Monitored security systems
These are the most effective systems because they are constantly monitored by the alarm company. If the alarm is tripped, a signal is sent to the monitoring station and they can follow up by calling the police or sending their own personnel to the home.
John Lenaghan writes about burglar alarms and other related topics on the Home Security Guide website. For more information visit http://www.home-security-guide.com
Filed under Home Security System by on Jul 27th, 2008. Comment.
You have a tight budget yet you still want to feel a sense of security in this troubled world. The first thing you want to do is start with the basics- meaning locks on every door and window in your house. Never take for granted the fact that the worst cannot possibly to you therefore you must take precautions to prevent it and have some sort of assurance that everything will be okay.
If at all possible you need to get one of those entry-level home security systems if you don’t have one setup already. Usually this involves having a technician come over to your home and setting up some wiring throughout your entire home in strategic places such as your windows and doors and every time they open it will trigger a alarm or silent alarm depending on what features you’re looking to get.
In general the system would require you to enter a pass code in order to shut down the alarm before it goes off and wakes up all your neighbors.
As part of your overall home security set up you also want to consider installing a motion detector to light up outside your front door so that it will deter anyone from even a tempting to come near your house. Speaking of motion detectors you could also set up cameras that will actually go off whenever there is something that triggers a motion alert within a certain radius.
Home security cameras and basic surveillance tips will exponentially improve the safety of you and your loved ones. Go to http://www.buysecuritycamera.com/ because in this crazy world… you just never know.
Filed under Home Security System by on Jul 24th, 2008. Comment.