How To Install A Wireless Home Security System
The installation of a
wireless home alarm system
does not usually require a professional to do the work for you. These systems are
generally much more straightforward than a traditional
hard wired home security system.
Hard wired systems have complicated wiring which requires a competent alarm installation
professional to carry out this kind of work. The good news is that you can install
your own wireless home security system with very little knowledge and a little DIY
skill. When you purchase your wireless system it will come with manufacturers instructions
so be sure to follow these to insure the correct installation.
The planning stage is first and foremost and is probably the most important stage
in the process of
installing a wireless system yourself.
There are several reasons why this stage is important and mainly it will determine
exactly what system that is right for you and your own requirements. Decide where
you want to monitor within your property. What do you want to protect? Entrance/exits,
hallways stairways, how many rooms – or ways into the rooms? Write down or sketch
out exactly where in your property you want to monitor.
There are several
types of alarm sensor
with the main two being door/window sensors (often magnetic type) and PIR motion
detector. Make a list of exactly how many alarm sensors you require based on your
survey. This will help to decide what sort of control panel is necessary to accommodate
the quality and type of alarm sensor. Essentially, make sure you choose a control
panel that will not only allow for the number of sensors that you have estimated
but allow for future expansion also. Also look at the spec for the control panel
to confirm it will allow the zoning of areas within your home. This is so that you
can, for example, switch on alarm monitoring for your downstairs and not upstairs
for at night when you are asleep.
Once you have decided on the
best alarm system
for your requirements, decide where to install the control panel. Choose to install
it near the entrance/exit that you use most. Some panels allow the addition of a
smaller sub panel add-on unit, so you can install the main control panel in a cupboard.
It would be also easiest to install it near an electrical outlet but don't choose
one that's switch controlled. If you are unsure with the electrical wiring then
call an electrician for advice. Some wireless alarm systems benefit from a wireless
keyfob remote control to arm and disarm the system.
The siren also requires an electrical supply and will need to be connected to the
control panel so it can receive the signal instruction to alarm. Locate the siren
so that it is well out of reach for the opportunist burglar to tamper with. Decide
if you want the siren to be prominent on display – to act as a visual deterrent
– or to be hidden more discretely.
Finally install the wireless alarm sensors based on your original plan that you
sketched earlier. These are typically straightforward to install with a few screws.
Program these into the control panel so that it receives information from them in
order to generate an alarm condition.
Always thoroughly test your new alarm system a few times so you are confident it
works correctly as the manufacturer intended. You need to be sure that every time
you set your wireless alarm system that it is protecting you and your family and
securing your home from intruders.