Home Security Systems
Often we see and hear incidents of home invasion, burglary and house fires but dismiss it and assume it won’t happen to us. Unfortunately the harsh reality is that it can happen, and we need to prepare ourselves and our families by being as pro active as possible and by installing a suitable home security system.
When looking for a home security system it is essential that the system can provide both reliability and peace of mind for you and your family. To discover what home security system might be right for you and your family please visit our Top 5 Sites for Home Security Systems Below.
Sponsored Sites for Home Security Systems
ELECTRONIC HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS
There are numerous home security systems available which can be summarized as follows:
- Wireless home security systems - very useful for retrofitting to existing homes.
- Cabled home security systems - usually very reliable.
- The vast range of home security components, from window and door detectors to camera and motion sensitive devices.
Sophisticated electronic home security systems are ideal for security conscious homeowners. Every home and family will have different security needs and different factors to deal with when designing an integrated electronic home security system.
Most security companies supply set packages of components, which are generally cheaper than custom designed systems. But any of the components listed below can usually be combined to suit your home security needs.
There are various sensors which are designed for different applications so it is important to consider the potential entry and exit points of an intruder, as well as which rooms are likely to be targeted. Special consideration should also be given to the best position of control panels and keypads.
WIRELESS SYSTEMS VERSUS CABLED SYSTEMS
Both wireless and cabled home security alarm systems have advantages and disadvantages, the best option for you will be largely determined by the nature of your home and the practicality of the installation. Wireless home security systems are especially useful for retrofitting to an existing building, as installing cabling in existing multi level or double brick homes is not really practical. In some cases such as heritage listed houses a wireless system is probably your only option.
The disadvantage of wireless home security systems is that concrete walls can block wireless signals. Another problem is that in areas with a lot of radio frequency (RF) signals (for instance, where there are high tension power cables) a wireless system may not work at all.
Cabled home security systems do not suffer from these restrictions caused by interference and provided that the system can be installed without to many problems they are definitely a good option. For new homes a wired system is certainly the best option. In some cases cabled and wireless security elements can be used together in the same system.
COMMONLY USED HOME SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM COMPONENTS
MOVEMENT DETECTORS AND SENSORS
A motion sensor, motion detector or movement detector is a device that senses movement to help raise the alarm if an intruder breaks into your home. This ability means that a motion sensor can play a key part in your home's security system.
MICROWAVE MOTION DETECTOR
This type of detector emits high-frequency radio waves that are reflected by objects in their path. The movement of an intruder in the room will change the pattern of the radio waves, and the motion sensor will raise the alarm. Microwave detectors are highly sensitive and therefore can be prone to false alarms. For home security use, it is often combined with infrared motion sensors.
INFRARED MOTION SENSORS
Infrared sensors operate passively, becoming activated when an object cuts their fixed beam. Microwave operates on the same principle as radar - the alarm sends out a balloon of energy and waits for it to bounce back. If a person moves into the field, it changes the amount of time it takes for the signal to return, which triggers the alarm.
THE PASSIVE INFRARED (PIR) MOTION SENSOR
All living things give off infrared radiation, and this type of detector works by monitoring the levels of infrared radiation in the protected zone. If an intruder enters the space, the motion sensor will detect a change in temperature and trigger the security alarm.
THE ULTRASONIC MOTION DETECTOR
This type of detector has two parts: a transmitter that sends out very high frequency sound waves, too high for the human ear to hear, and a receiver that picks up the waves as they are reflected from the protected area. The motion of an intruder in the space between transmitter and receiver will change the frequency of the sound and trigger the security alarm.
HOME SECURITY USE
Most common movement sensors use either microwave or infrared frequencies to detect intruders. The most thorough systems are "dual-tech", combining both technologies.
The sensors cover a variety of angles depending on the shape of the area you want to protect. If you have pets, you may want to consider a movement detector that can distinguish small animals from humans.
SIRENS AND STROBE LIGHTS
Sirens and Strobe lights are simply an audible and visual indications of an alarm activation. The most important benefit they provide is that they let the bad guy know his chances of being caught just increased dramatically. He is then more eager to leave which minimises your loss or damage.
Sirens can be used both internally and externally. The external siren is designed to attract attention from people outside the building and internal sirens are designed to intruder to leave the building by emitting an unbearable piercing sound. One thing to be aware of however is that if your alarm can be heard in other houses, there are laws regulating the amount of time it can run for - these vary from state to state.
REED SWITCHES
Reed switches are usually fitted to doors and windows and will trip an alarm if the door or window is opened without warning. Reed switches operate using a magnetic field which can be set to either 'open' or 'closed'. A closed reed switch connected to a window or door alarm registers status normal. If the door or window is opened, the switch opens and trips the alarm. Reed switches can be configured to allow a window to be left partially open for ventilation if required.
GLASS BREAK DETECTORS
Glass break detectors are installed adjacent to windows and detect the sound frequency of breaking glass. They are most common for use in commercial shopfronts but are also suitable for houses which incorporate large expanses of glass.
BASE STATION MONITORING
Many alarm systems are 'monitored' by a base station. This means they are connected to a security control company so that if and when your home security alarm is triggered, the alarm will also alert the security company who will then dispatch a security patrol to your home. Automatic police notification works on the same principle, but summons the police to your home instead of a private firm.
DURESS BUTTONS/PENDANTS
Also known as 'panic buttons', these are a last line of defence for personal safety. They usually trigger your alarm system and are linked to the security company's base station and/or the nearest police station to elicit a rapid response.
CONTROL PANELS AND KEYPADS
The home security system control panel runs the system and can perform periodic tests with the monitoring centre. All the components of your security system link to the control panel. The keypad is a push button console from which the day to day functioning of the alarm system is controlled.
A PIN is entered to arm or disarm the system as you come and go. Separate users can have separate PINs, enabling you to keep track of who uses the system and when. Some new systems can use fingerprint or iris recognition to confirm a users identity.
CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION MONITORING
For the truly security conscious individual, a CCTV monitoring system allows you to see exactly who it is knocking at your door or other areas of your house. Add an intercom and automatic controls for locks and you can have complete control of who has access to your home.
NON ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEMS
Another effective way of stopping intruders is to use physical barriers. These include security bars for doors and windows, window locks, door locks, security screen doors and window security films.
SUMMARY
A combination of the technology described above will ensure your home and family is secure. At the top of this page are our Top 5 sites for security companies all of which are able to help with the individual design and installation of a security system that is right for you. Please browse their sites to find more information on the latest security alternatives and the benefits they can provide you and your family.
FAQs About Home Security Systems
by Rolf Wezinero
When you have your family's safety in mind, you may want to consider installing a home security system in your home or placed around your property. There are many different types of home security systems that you can choose from, and you can also choose the level of monitoring that you think best fits your needs. Your protection should fuel your desire to provide the best protection that you can for your home. The following are frequently asked questions about home security systems.
What types of home security systems can I choose from? There are several different types of security systems that you can choose from when you want to provide your family with valued protection. The most common kind is a security system and alarm that is installed in your home.
These are the kind that will beep when you walk in that the door. A keypad will be provided near the entryway or other door that you choose, and you will type in the number to disarm the alarm system. You can also choose motion detector sensors that can be put in place around windows or other doors to your home. Surveillance cameras are also very popular. These provide the protection for people that live in large homes or own a large amount of land.
Are home security systems expensive? The prices of home security systems will vary depending on the type of system you choose and the type of monitoring that you choose as well. Newer homes often come already equipped with a home security system. All you will need to do is to pay a monthly fee to an alarm company, in order to monitor your alarm. If your home is not wired for security system, then you can expect to pay between 100 and $1000 not including the monthly fee for monitoring. Of course, motion detector sensors and surveillance cameras will be more costly.
What other home protection measures can I use? If you choose not to have a security system installed in your home, there are certainly other things that you can do to help protect your home and family. Many safety experts recommend using landscaping near your windows with shrubs or bushes that have pointy leaves or thorns.
This type of landscaping and often deter amateur burglars from breaking into your home. Dogs are also a great way to deter invaders. Other people choose to place stickers or signs in the windows of their home saying that their home is being monitored by a security system. This may also deter break-ins.
Rolf Wezinero publishes normally for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com , an online publication with information about hurd dealer and hurd window parts. His work on hurd windows can be found on his website .