Security is an integral part of many homes and can be as simple or robust as desired. Access control systems, cameras, monitors, motion, temperature and smoke detection. Feel safe and comfortable knowing your system has the ability to turn on all the lights upon alarm, turn on the television to view security cameras, call the police, and sound the alarm.

Why Should I Have a Security Alarm System?

It is debated whether having an alarm system decreases the chances of a burglary. In theory, if a burglar is aware a house has a system, he or she might move on to another home. Even if the alarm system does not keep a burglar from breaking in, the burglar has a tendency to stay a shorter amount of time. This may decrease the number of items stolen and the extent of damage done.

What Should a Security Alarm System Include?

Most systems rely on a combination of contacts placed at doors and windows and motion sensors. Motion sensors, however, do not detect someone until they are already in the house. Motion sensors should NOT be used as the primary means of detection. It is best that all exterior potential points of entry have contacts that sense when they are open. Glass break sensors are also available and recommended.

The basic elements of a standard home security system include:

• Control Panel: This is the location where the system wiring terminates, the backup battery is located, and where it is connected to the phone lines if it is a monitored system.
• Keypad: This is where the system is armed and disarmed. Additional keypads can be installed. For example, a keypad can be installed next to the homeowner's bed. If the alarm sounds in the middle of the night and the security system had the capability, the keypad display could indicate which door, window, or motion detector caused the alarm.
• Siren: A loud siren sounds when there's been a break-in and it also lets an intruder know they've been detected.
• Inside Motion Detector: Passive infrared, microwave, or photoelectric detectors sense changes in a room caused by human presence. Special motion detectors are available for people who have pets.
• Door and Window Contacts: Magnetic contacts form a circuit between a door and doorframe or a window and a sill; when the door or window is opened (and the system is on), the circuit is broken and sounds the alarm.
• A Central Monitoring Station (Company): If the system is monitored, in the event of an alarm, the control panel sends a message over a telephone line to a central monitoring station, which is manned 24 hours a day. After attempting to contact the homeowner, the central monitoring station will contact the police, fire department, or medics. There is usually a monthly fee for this service.

Represented Manufacturers:

Manufacturer of an extensive line of security and automation controller products. The product line includes the Omni family of controllers, the HAI Web-Link II software for Internet access and control of your automation system, a full line of Omnistat communicating thermostats, and a complete line of accessories.

www.homeauto.com

Designer and manufacturer of quality electronic equipment for the professional security alarm and home automation installer. The products include siren drivers, speakers, relays, timers, programmable controls, surge suppressors, telephone equipment, amplifiers, recordable units, batteries and more.

www.elkproducts.com

Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC) is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of electronic intrusion alarm products. The DSC brand is recognized for superior quality and performance in over 140 countries worldwide. DSC is intrusion alarm control panels, intrusion alarm detection devices and alarm communication products and services.
 

www.dsc.com

Fire•Lite Alarms is the leading manufacturer
of low-to-mid sized fire alarm control communicators, remote power supplies, annunciators and voice evacuation products.

www.firelite.com