How To Install A Burglar Alarm Home Security System
After the planning stage and
buying your burglar alarm system
you will want to install it. A complex burglar system that involves installing many,
many sensors should be left to a professional alarm installation company unless you
are extremely competent at such wiring work and installation. For most simple alarm
systems, a do-it-yourselfer can certainly attempt the installation and will save
considerable costs in doing so.
The first task is to plan where you want the main control panel to be situated.
Decide whether you want it hidden away in a cupboard or out on view for easy access.
If you hide it in a cupboard, make sure access to the box is not awkward for running
cables to and from it. If it is a wireless alarm system then this is not an issue.
Supply power to the panel to make it live.
Next install the siren or bell box and where exactly this will go depends on a couple
of things that you must decide. You may want it predominantly on show so it is obvious
to any passer by that you have an alarm system installed. On the other hand, some
people like a clean look of their property outside and do not want it spoilt by
an unsightly siren box – the choice is yours. It you do not want the box on show
then consider installing it in your roof cavity. This way people outside can still
hear it, but it is hidden away and will not spoil the appearance of your home. If
installing the siren box outside, make sure it is well out of reach for the opportunist
burglar to tamper with it.
When you have installed the siren then next are the sensor devices or switches.
Carefully install the door/window sensors in edges of the windows and doors. These
will have a contact that will make or break depending on if the door/window is closed
or open. Be sure that the magnet and sensor are quite close together when the door/window
is in its closed position. Take time to adjust them until they are working correctly.
Usually, there will be one sensor on your circuit that allows a time delay before
sending the control panel into alarm mode. Make sure you put this sensor on the
entry/exit point that you use the most.
Similarly install the PIR motion detectors in exactly the place you chose at the
planning stage. Obviously, a hardwired alarm system will require running cables
back to the main control unit whereas a wireless system simply requires you to mount
the devices straight onto the wall. A wireless alarm system is so easy in comparison
to install, it can be seen why it is the DIY’ers favorite .
When the installation is complete, spend time testing the system thoroughly so you
are 100 percent confident it will work correctly when it is required to. Close and
open all entry/exit points and put someone in front of the PIR detectors. Make sure
the alarm is triggered every single time when it should.