Alarm System Overview
Alarm systems have long been used by homeowners to raise an alert in the event of a breach in home security. Across time, people have tried everything from trained guard dogs to the old cans-stacked-by-the-back-door trick. As early as 1853, however,
electro-magnetic alarm systems were being designed and developed as a more practical means of providing home security. Here, find a brief overview of modern alarm systems that may help you narrow down your options to make the best choice for your
household.
Helps Protect Your Family & Valuables
Having a security system will certainly help deter the crime away from your home. Burglars can recognize a home with a security system, since security companies install a sign and probably an outdoor siren. Assuming a burglary
attempt occurs, the security system will notify authorities or the home security company and they will take immediate action. This notification will certainly help to reduce or eliminate the damage caused by the burglary. Having a system installed on
various entrance points of your home (doors, windows, roof) will give you a sense of security and peace of mind.
Alarm systems only helps protect windows and doors that are actually wired into the system. If you only wire your front door, back door and windows on the lower level of your home, an intruder could potentially prop a ladder against your home and
enter undetected via an upstairs window or balcony door.
Some systems employ motion sensors to detect unusual activity inside the home even when no breach in the circuit-wired entry points is detected. These systems use radio waves to survey a space, and if an object interferes with these waves, an alarm
is triggered. In homes with pets or lots of activity, motion sensors may be impractical. However, these sensors can be turned on and off, so you can choose to activate them only when you expect no movement in your home.
Control Pads
The control pad is a key feature to any alarm system. Usually a small panel placed near the main entry point of a home or business, the control pad is where a user enters a code to either arm or deactivate the alarm function. Many modern home
security systems also feature rapid response buttons to allow a resident to summon emergency services immediately. Some systems will connect you directly to 911 while others will route you through a monitoring system.
It is essential every person who is authorized to control the alarm system understands how to use the control panel. Unless the correct code is entered within a pre-determined amount of time after a sensor circuit is interrupted, the alarm will
sound. Some systems automatically summon emergency response if the alarm is not turned off at the control pad.
Back-Up Power
Alarm systems should have a battery-powered back-up feature, as any loss of electricity to the home would otherwise render the alarm system useless. Without a back-up battery, a power outage or even sabotage to your home's electrical supply could
leave you vulnerable. Most alarm systems feature batteries that are able to continuously charge themselves.