Motion detectors: These devices detect change in infrared energy when an intruder enters the open space and let off an alarm. They are available in three models: standard, pet-friendly, and harsh-environment (outdoor).
Security panels: These form the brain of a home security system. They monitor the sensors, provide power to the system, connect telephone line to the monitoring system and handle the programmable options for the system.
Cameras: These are important security devices that are used to collect and transmit images of intruders into a video monitor.
Monitors: They are used to display video information processed by the camera. The information is transmitted along coaxial cables that connect the cameras to the monitor.
Switchers: They are used to process images generated by several cameras. They enable the operator to switch cameras as he scans a large area of activity.
Keywords: Home Security
Today there are scores of companies that sell home security equipment. This equipment varies from company to company but broadly comprises of the following components:
Keypad: The keypad performs two main functions. The first is that it initiates security commands; and the second is that it observes the status of the security system. It has two parts: an alphanumeric keypad and an LED display. The keypad is typically installed near a door that is most frequently used. This makes it easy for the owner to arm or disarm the system as he leaves or enters the house. Most keypads include a panic switch by which the alarm can be activated instantly in case of an emergency. Another feature of keypads is the bypass function. This allows the home owner to bypass those areas where family members may be present.
Sensors: Sensors are used to protect the perimeter as well as the open spaces inside the home. The most common sensors that are used in a home are magnetic door switches, window vibration detectors and window acoustical detectors. These sensors are installed on doors and windows to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the house. Space protection sensors are installed in interior rooms and hallways and are able to detect unwanted intruders in these areas
Door switches: These switches have two components: a switch and a magnet. The switch is sensitive to a magnetic field and is mounted on a fixed structure like frame while the magnet is mounted on the door in close proximity to the switch. When the door is opened, the magnet moves away from the switch and causes the switch to open, activating the alarm.
Window acoustic and vibration detectors: These detect the sound of breaking glass, and trigger the alarm, making it difficult to enter a home by breaking glass doors or windows.
Keywords: Home Security
On getting a request, these companies send their representative to your home to assess the security needs. The representative will look around your home to estimate the security threat and then give suitable advice. The representative will also submit an estimate that will mention details like equipment costs, setup charges, monitoring fees and warranties.
However, not all security companies give an estimate. The smaller ones will like to smooth talk you into accepting a deal. But it may not be wise to accept the first low-priced offer you get. It will be better to spend some time comparing what is on offer.
You need to be especially careful when finalizing a deal. Many security companies will require you to sign a lease. Once you do so, it may not be easy to get out of the contract, if the service is not as good as you had expected.
When dealing with security companies you must find out how long the company has been in business. A company, which has been in existence for at least five years, is less likely to disappear. You should also check if the company has relevant licenses. Another point that needs to be checked is insurance. You must find out if the company is insured or not. This will protect you against damages caused during alarm installation,
The best place to obtain the full list of security companies in you area is the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. You can also seek the advice of your friends and neighbors before selecting a home security service that meets your needs.
Keywords: Home Security
Home security companies range from big names like Guardian, ADT and Brink s to small, authorized third party installers. In between are a large number of medium sized companies that provide security services at affordable prices.
Depending upon their size, the security companies assess security needs, select and install equipment, and undertake round the clock monitoring. Good security companies do background checks on all their employees. They also get their monitoring services certified by Underwriter s Laboratories.
The large security companies are very possessive about their security equipment. They spend considerable time and money in upgrading their equipment and services. They also pay considerable attention to their monitoring stations, which are used to monitor the homes of customers.
Keywords: Home Security
Security cameras can be disguised as lamps or toys. They can also be made visible to act as a deterrent to intruders. Some cameras use the 2.4 GHz frequency range, which is more resistant to interference. These cameras provide superior signal and good picture quality, as compared to other devices.
Color security cameras are more expensive than black and white ones. They are also not as sensitive as black and white cameras. Color cameras are not a good option for night time monitoring, unless there is a lot of light. A few security cameras have a filter that enables them to function as a colored camera in day time and as a black and white camera in the night.
In a CCTV system all components are directly connected or linked by wireless. The camera has a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor that converts light into a video signal. The half-inch chips, which offer the highest resolution and sensitivity, are also the most expensive. Third-inch chips are becoming more popular, due to their improved performance.
Keywords: Home Security
Home security cameras or CCTV (close circuit television) are an effective deterrent for intruders. They are available in wireless as well as hard wired designs and are easy to install. Some of them are small enough to be hidden in corners.
The cameras come in a wide range of designs and perform a variety of functions. A buyer can choose cameras with audio capability and cameras with night vision capability. Some cameras can record time lapse pictures. Others shoot video images of the intruder before triggering the alarm. There are mini cameras that can be hidden from prying eyes. There are also dome cameras which give a wide vision.
You can connect cameras that monitor your home to your living room or bedroom television. This gives you the advantage of watching television and monitoring camera images from time to time. More advanced systems have motion sensors that automatically switch to the camera channel when any movement is detected. They will also automatically switch on your VCR and start recording.
A home Internet security camera that is connected to the Internet can allow you to check your house even while you are away. You, or any other person you specify, can be alerted by e-mail, about an intrusion, or fire.
Keywords: Home Security
The office security system needs central monitoring because there may be nobody at night to respond to the alarm. Central monitoring makes it possible for the security office to call the office owner, and check. The security company can also call the security guard, if the office has one, to verify if the alarm is genuine or has been triggered by a pet or a malfunction.
One office alarm that is very important is the fire alarm. Offices are generally full of files and documents that can catch fire easily if there is a short circuit. This is where central monitoring can prove very useful. It can alert the fire department the moment the fire sensor detects smoke.
The homes too become safer if central monitoring is part of the home security package. The owner may or may not be present at home when the alarm goes off. There will always be somebody to attend to the alarm in the security company, and alert the police.
However, not every individual can afford central monitoring. Several would prefer a simple home security system for which they pay a one-time installation charge.
Keywords: Home Security
There are more and more companies that are selling a combined home office security system. Such a package enables customers to sign a deal with a single company for all their security needs. It also becomes easy for them to familiarize themselves with the different alarm systems that the security company provides.
Otherwise, the individuals have to acclimatize themselves to two different security systems — one to arm their office alarm system and the other to arm their home security system. It is easier for the security companies too. They have to deal with one individual in deciding the security requirements. The central monitoring too becomes easier.
The basic security system remains the same. It can be hard-wired or wireless; it can have a central monitoring facility or it can be a stands alone alarm system. These decisions are taken based on the requirements and the budget of the individual. It is quite possible that an individual may seek a higher security level in the office or at home or vice versa.
However, the “brains” of the security system is the control panel. It receives alerts or signals from the different sensors installed on different doors and windows, and sounds an alarm whenever there is any intrusion in the monitored area.
Keywords: Home Security
Some of the more popular burglar alarm systems are as follows:
1. Single premises alarm systems: These are meant to warn customers about specific dangers. They include battery operated door wedge alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, smoke detectors etc.
2. Local Alarm Systems: These are designed to sound a siren to warn homeowners about the presence of an intruder.
3. Telephone Dialer Systems: These are designed to dial a pre-programmed number if an alarm is triggered. Usually these systems can be programmed to call up to four numbers and play a recorded message asking for help.
4. Continuously Monitored Security systems: These are the most hi-tech and effective systems. They are also the most expensive. When an alarm is triggered, the monitoring team of the security company that has installed the alarm alerts the police.
Keywords: Home Security
The more sophisticated burglar alarms use motion sensors. These sensors use infra red rays to sense movement. The change is transmitted to a control panel that analyzes the signals. If the signals are beyond the high suspicion levels, the alarm is triggered.
Several Americans prefer to install both motion sensors as well as electric circuit-based alarms to give added protection to their homes. The advantage of such a system is that large, open spaces like halls can be guarded better with sensors.
Many home burglar alarm systems use video cameras. These cameras are mounted at different strategic places around the house. Their job is to transmit images to a central monitor in the house for screening.
Several home security companies also provide centralized monitoring of the premises. The home owner, in this case, need not worry about security but leave it to the security company. When the alarm is triggered the security company informs the local police. In some cases it also rushes its own emergency team to help the customer.
Keywords: Home Security
