Burglar Alarm Systems
The first step to home security is to install a burglar alarm system. You will want
to protect your home when you are both in and not at home and the obvious way to
do this is to install a burglar alarm system.
Usually burglar alarms come with a control panel which allows you to arm and disarm
the system. This can be done via a keypad or via infra-red control. A control panel
can also allow you to control the exclusion of certain zones within your house.
All sensors on the alarm circuit will be connected to the control panel and optionally
a telephone line may be connected for monitored home security. Control panels can
have LCD screens to provide additional information.
In order to detect movement inside the property PIR (Passive Infrared) Detectors
are commonly used and are also known as motion detectors. These sensors detect changes
in infrared energy levels in the form of heat and motion. They are typically installed
high up on walls, or over doors or windows.
To monitor your doors and windows, magnetic devices are placed along door jambs
and window frames are used to trigger the alarm system if doors or windows are opened
when the system is armed. Some systems include an internal chime that goes off whenever
a door has been opened. This can be very useful if you have young children that
have the urge to explore outside.
Glass is monitored by audio discriminators that are sensors that convert the acoustic
shock waves of glass breaking into an electrical signal that sets off the system.
Of course when an alarm is triggered, a loud noise is created to fend off the intruder.
Sirens come in the form of loud bells, horns, and/or strobe lights. Sirens can be
installed inside or outside your home and usually draw immediate neighborhood attention
to an intrusion.
Stickers and signs act as a visual deterrent and prove to be very effective in putting
off a potential intruder. These usually are included when purchasing a security
alarm system.
Smoke alarms and fire sensors are an essential safety add-on to your security system.
These trigger the alarm if smoke or fire is present in your home allowing neighbors
to alert emergency services if you are trapped inside.
You may want to add a video camera and monitor to your system, or a complex closed
circuit television (CCTV) with several cameras and digital recorders.