The Make Up of Home Security Systems

Author: Rob Hargreaves

The benefits of having a quality made home security alarm system are obvious judging by the increasing demand to have thses systems installed. What is not so obvious anymore is the varying degrees of costs associated with alarm systems as well as the efficiency of the system that is installed.

It may not even be the system itself that is the problem, but rather on how it is installed. It may even be the location of the installation. As an example, a burglar may have a change of plans or breakin technique if he knows a home security alarm system has been installed in his target house. If they are very skilled a burglar may actually choose your home over others just because he knows what to expect and knows how to circumvent the system.

On the otherhand, they may also know that an installed alarm system may cause a delay in their breakin attempt so they leave your property alone and move on to the next target. Having said this, a quality made home alarm system will at least limit the options available for the would be thief. Some protection is always better than none at all.

So.....What exactly makes up a quality home security alarm system?

The majority of alarm systems on the market today rely on various mixtures of components such as motion detectors, contact sensors, control panels, keypads, sirens, and central monitoring stations if you have a monitored system.

Motion detectors are usually magnetized and attached to windows and doors throughout your home. Of course motion sensors will only work if they detect motion, which won't happen until after the burglar has already entered your premises without an invitation. Also, many burglars know how to circumvent motion detection components. The trick is to make sure they do not know of its' whereabouts. Nevertheless, it is still wise to install a number of sensors in all your main entry points. Glass break sensors are also highly recommended. Rather than detecting unauthorized movement or opening of your doors and windows, they detect when the glass breaks.

Other indoor Motion Detectors typically make use of either microwave, infrared or photoelectric technology where they sense movement inside your home. Thgese are especially designed for pets that move around.

Control panels are the primary components of an installed home security system and is considered the brain of the system. The control panel is also where the display panel is located as well as the back-up battery and the connections to your phone line.

Speaking of phone lines, there has been some controversy regarding burglars who circumvent this by cutting the lines. One company called AlarmForce has a patented technology they call - AlarmPlus. This technology enables the company to send a wireless signal to their monitoring station should your telephone line be tampered with in any way.

Another solution may be to place the telephone line underground until it reaches the interior of your home. This way the line cannot be tampered with until the burglar actually breaks in to your home. By then it will probably be too late as the breakin will have been detected by the monitoring agency who in turn will notify the authorities.

You will also find a Keypad close by to the control panel. This is uwhat is used to program your alarm system and to arm and disarm it. Some home security alarm systems come with a keypad which can be installed near your bed or in a location that is ideal for easy access. This can be a plus if a breakin has been made while you are sleeping as this setup can display the exact location of the burglar's movements and you can set off the alarm more easily. Another advantage here is that you can at least lock your bedroom door and set your alarm off and not be in harms way.

The Siren is the most important component as far as I'm concerned. When in panic mode, I want everyone to know that danger is lurking. Burglars specialize in stealth. They do not want to be detected and noise is one of their worst enemies.

A Central Monitoring Station will only apply to installed monitored home security alarm systems. In the event of a break-in alarm, a signal is sent through your telephone line with a message sent to the monitoring company. From there, the monitoring system sends an alarm either to the fire, police or medic departments to send help immediately.

One final point to remember about Home Security Alarm Systems - They do not, by themselves, necessarily prevent thieves form breaking in to your home. Alarm systems should always be backed up by other security measures and planning. In other words - make sure your doors and windows are locked; don't hide your key under your mat, etc. The more measures you take the more secure you become.

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