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Home Security Systems
Posted: March 2009
By Paulette Dague
The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) notes that homes without alarm systems are as much as three times more likely to be broken into and suffer hundreds of dollars more in losses than those with systems. With the many reasonably priced systems on the market, and the savings you may realize in homeowner's insurance, it is well worth your time to check them out.
The Basics
All electric alarm systems feature the same components: a control panel, one or more keypads, sensors for windows and doors, motion detectors, and a signal device.
The control panel is the nerve center reading information from the components and triggering a signal in the event of a break-in.
The keypad arms and disarms the system and responds to a code (usually to disarm). Some have a panic button that also triggers the signal instantly. Industry experts recommend locating the keypad near the most used door-in most houses the access door to the garage.
The sensors feature magnetic switches that alert the control panel that a breech has occurred. One part of the sensor is fixed to the sash of the door or window, the other to the door or window frame. When the door or window is opened, and the parts separated, there is a break in electrical current tripping the alarm. Most door sensors have a time delay feature that gives you an opportunity to key in the code before the signal is sent.
Passive infrared sensors (PIR) detect body heat and motion sensors pick up the presence of intruders. Some are programmed to ignore anything weighing less than a certain amount so that pets won't trigger the alarm.
The signaling device may be simply an audible alarm-perhaps with flashing lights-or an alert to a central monitoring agency-or both.
Wired or Wireless?
Alarm systems are either hardwired or wireless-either of which may be a stand-alone system (sounding an audible alarm) or may require a central monitoring service. While they are both reliable, wireless systems are a bit easier to install. They use tiny radio transmitters for communication between the control panel, the sensors, the keypads, and the siren. They are convenient for use in existing homes-with no holes to drill or wires to pull-something that can usually be done by the average do-it-yourselfer. Additionally, they are portable and can be taken with you if you move.
Hardwired systems use wires between the components. The wires are usually hidden behind walls or in attics or crawlspaces so they are not intrusive. Because installation of a hardwired system is more complicated, it is best left to a professional installer-and the easiest time to install is at the construction stage, so new homes are good candidates for these systems.
Several options are available for home security systems. Following are some of the most popular.
Automatic light activation-turns on house lights when alarm is triggered. May also allow you to call from a cell phone to turn on interior and exterior lights before you arrive home.
Automatic paging, which calls your pager if alarm is tripped or for a programmed event (such as your child arriving safely home from school).
Smoke and heat sensors, similar to the standard units but are hardwired and alert a monitoring agency to call emergency services.
Remote operation, which lets you call the system to change settings and check status. Also allows the monitoring company to test the system remotely.
Welfare monitoring, which is great for the homebound, it alerts the monitoring station if the motion detectors sense no movement in a specified time period.
Special window screens, which trigger the alarm if cut or removed.
Glass-break sensors, which sound the alarm if they detect the sound of breaking glass.
Whatever system you eventually choose, remember that it only works if you are diligent about arming it regularly. Once you become accustomed to setting it every time you leave the home and at night before bedtime, it will become a normal part of your daily routine.
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