Home security systems give homeowners peace of mind and could potentially save money through discounts on home insurance premiums. Basic systems typically consist of door and window sensors that communicate with a hub to send alerts when activated or sounding an alarm as soon as they detect activity.
Many companies offer DIY installation with various sensor types available and integration into home automation platforms, however, you should read the article below before undertaking anything of the sort, yourself.
Burglar Alarms
Burglar alarms use sensors to keep an eye on the perimeter of your property. Typically, they’re placed on doors, windows or conservatory windows. When movement is detected these triggers an internal sounder or alarm, as well as visual cues such as flashing strobe lights that alert both you and any monitoring station about any possible intrusion attempts. Some systems even automatically contact the police or send a notification directly.
The central control panel connects all detectors and sensors, sending any disturbance information directly to it. For instance, if a motion sensor triggers or a window break occurs, it triggers a countdown before sounding the alarm. After a preset period has elapsed, the alarm will sound unless an abort code is entered at the keypad.
Without aborting code entered at the keypad, your system will remain active until manually deactivated or rearmed. Home alarm systems like those from Third Eye intruder alarms often use various forms of communication methods including landline telephone technology, broadband technology or mobile cellular technology. Therefore, you should know exactly which system you use, when and how best to use it!
Reduce false alarms by decreasing sensor sensitivity or positioning them in locations less susceptible to movements such as gardens and roofs. Reduce nuisance alarms by only connecting to your phone when necessary and hiding away a coded keypad from view and reach often caused by insects or pets moving outside. Repeated false alarms may quickly wear down good neighbors who become reluctant to help when it really counts.
Security alarm systems can detect intruders entering residential or commercial properties and notify an operator for immediate action. Depending on the type of alarm, it could notify either the property owner or law enforcement to dispatch police or security forces as needed. These systems can either be hardwired or wireless. Hardwired systems provide greater security due to an anti-jamming feature that prevents interference with radio frequencies.
Burglar alarms can provide added reassurance that the property is being watched and protected by professionals, with 24-hour patrols, mobile apps for home monitoring and even voice or video calling capability with patrol officers available through your phone. While burglaries cannot always be stopped from happening, burglar alarm monitoring services provide some peace of mind while you’re away and can deter criminals from being present in your neighborhood. Go here to learn more.
Many security systems come equipped with a keypad that acts as the human-machine interface, with indicator lights and multi-character displays for use as a human interface. Some wall-mounted or portable keypads may be secured to the property structure for easy use from anywhere within the home. Other models offer additional key fobs to allow occupants to disarm the system remotely as well as change personal codes at will.
Most security alarm systems include an alarm verification feature that allows them to contact a predetermined number in case of a break-in or fire, who is usually the primary contact person in that instance. Their text communications system offers an innovative method for providing this functionality as it connects directly with every family member’s cell phone allowing for much quicker verification than traditional methods.
Panic Buttons
Panic buttons can be an invaluable addition to any home security system, enabling you to immediately notify authorities if you feel that your safety is being threatened, such as during an armed robbery or hold-up. They may also be used to notify a security company in cases of medical emergencies or domestic disputes where life-threatening situations exist.
Panic buttons are typically small enough to be concealed easily within a home and only accessible when necessary, as seen here – https://www.wired.com/story/best-personal-safety-tech/. They can be worn around the neck, on a wristband, or clipped to clothing. When activated they send out wireless signals directly to your control panel which are passed along to a monitoring center where trained response teams are dispatched immediately to assess your location and provide assistance accordingly. This might include police, fire or paramedic services depending on what assistance is necessary.
Your response depends on the nature of the alarm generated by your panic button as well as any additional settings programmed into your system. For instance, many systems come equipped with cameras that detect motion or sound and call police in cases deemed dangerous. Conversely for low-risk situations, like loitering, monitoring companies may use “voice down” technology to notify those being watched that they should leave immediately.
The control panel of any of these services serves as the hub of your home security system, acting like its brain. It receives signals from sensors and detectors, sounds alarms when zones are breached, communicates with other equipment, and usually features keypad and touchscreen for easy interaction. Some even feature voice or phone app integration allowing for control from anywhere!
Sensors communicate with your control panel via an alarm signal when activated, sending information that triggers it and notifies either an audible alarm or notifies you via text, email or the app on your smartphone of an issue requiring immediate action. Professional monitoring centers may even be alerted of potential dangers through your system if professional monitoring services are included with it.
A high-decibel siren or alarm is an excellent deterrent against unwanted intruders. Loud enough to alert neighbors, it will scare away criminals and keep them away from your property. Some sirens and alarms will trigger light displays for added impact at night.
As with any electrical installation, when connecting sensors, cameras, and alarms to a control panel you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Their schematics should clearly detail which terminal each wire will land on and its gauge requirements, along with its colors indicating what voltage each wire carries. It would also be beneficial if all wires were labeled according to function and color for easier troubleshooting should something go amiss.
