Home Security: Burglar Alarm Systems

A home is the most valuable property for quite a lot of people. According statistics, every 15 seconds, an intruder enters a home either with or without occupants. This statistics clearly illustrate that burglary can happen anytime of the day, to anyone perhaps to you. Normally, a home does not have drawbridges, moats, ramparts of thick walls like those found on a castle. Since these are not available for a normal home it is better to make your home safe using technological devices. For this reason, a security burglar alarm system might help you secure the safety of your family and your properties from criminals and burglars.

Some time ago the only the rich home owners could benefit from true home security. Burglar alarm systems have dropped in value ever since and they are not as expensive as they used to be. Today it is very common for the average home owner to have an alarm system at home to increase its security.

There are different types of systems. These are created to serve different purposes. It may feature alarms which can handle fire, intrusion, and simultaneous safety alarms. The features and designs range from computer controlled systems to small noisemakers. They can either be wired or wireless each with their own pros and cons.

There are two basic types of domestic burglar alarms one features an open circuit while the other type operates with a closed circuit. How they work depends on the type of circuit in question. Open circuit systems activate when a burglar tries to open a secured window or door and closes the circuit. Closes circuits work the other way but achieve the same goal, activating an alarm when someone tries to sneak into the house.

Other options are sensors. These activate when they sense any type of motion within a certain area. One the sensor is triggered it sends a signal that is received in a control panel that is capable of analyzing the signal and determine if the alarm should be activated of not. Some of these more sophisticated burglar alarm systems even send a signal to local authorities that inform them that there is some suspicious activity in the house.

Some motion sensors can be adjusted at different sensitivity levels to avoid them from being activated by pets or any other normal activity avoiding false alarms. The combination of motion sensors and magnetic switches tend to be the most efficient. While magnetic switches can help protect doors and windows, motion sensors will help to protect large spaces like rooms.

Another gadget that is very efficient is a home security camera. Video cameras an help you monitor what is happening around the house from the place you installed them. Most people like to install their monitoring systems from their bed room to be able to see what is happening in case suspicious activity. The other benefit of a security camera is that it allows for video recording which serves as great legal evidence for authorities.

Some home security companies also offer alarm monitoring. These companies have people that look after the system. In case that an alarm is set off, the company informs local authorities or send their own personnel to your home. This insures that your home is protected even if you are away day and night.


Some of the Features of a High End Home Security System


The features that may be available is very dependent on the system itself and are mostly devices that can detect motions, changes in temperature of a room and disturbances of people passing by. Some of the components that intruder alarm systems might include are the following:

A Control panel: this is the power source of the security system and it its usually hidden in a not so easy to find area.

A keypad: a keypad can be placed at the homes entry and it is used to activate of deactivate the alarm system, the best systems allow for a pass code to be used so it cannot be deactivated by the burglar or anyone that does not know the security code.

Motion sensors: these detect movement and they detect when someone is trying to break into the house. They are usually set in windows, indoor walls and doors.

Contacts: these trigger the alarm when a window or door is opened and are usually magnetic gadgets.

Glass Break Sensors: these sensors are triggered by the shock waves that are created when a glass is broken.

Fire protection: while this is not directly related to intrusions, this feature can be of big help if a fire occurs in your home. These sensors detect smoke and heat and sets of the alarm so that you can respond as quickly as possible. Some more sophisticated designs even alert the authorities of possible fire.

Two way monitoring: this helps establish communication between the home owner, alarm monitoring company or local authorities.

The newest designed systems are chiefly hardwired to be more cost-effective. However, wireless systems are also more economical and very easy to install.

It is worth mentioning that there are local agencies and insurance companies that require alarm system codes upon installation. They may also require certification from third parties to assure the efficiency of your security burglar alarm system. If your have and independent certification make sure that it meets the required guide lines and qualification level. This is to be sure that your security burglar alarm system is efficient and reliable. It is important that your home security system has these qualities to be sure that you can obtain the safety benefits that you are expecting from it.