How Monitored Burglar Alarm Systems Work

Have you ever wondered how a security burglar alarm system works? The common set up even for a simple system has a one or more sensors and a set or a single control panel. When the sensors are activated the control unit is responsible for announcing the alarm. Systems can be either hard wired or wireless. The ones that are wired usually are connected with cables. This ensures that the sensor is powered at all possible times ensuring a reliable operation. However, they are difficult to install requiring more money to install. On the other hand the ones that are wireless have one very important advantage and it is the ability to detect tampering plus, they are very easy to install. The downside is that they need constant supervision and maintenance to ensure that they are working in top shape. This includes changing batteries since they use transmitters instead of wires to communicate with the control panel.

Alarm monitoring is used in systems that have a remote output. In these systems, the main control panels are connected to monitors that are predetermined then they are configured. One of the methods that its used for configuration is a connection to a central station such as a local authority such as a police station of perhaps a private security company that has a contract with the manufacturer. Although, commonly a connection to a local police department is more convenient and secure. This type of configuration is more expensive and is becoming less popular. Examples of these type of connections can be found on government agencies, banks, school campuses and places that require dedicated security.

More conventional alarm systems use the PSTN of Public Switched Telephone Network. This type if configuration uses a digital phone dialer to communicate to the central station that will announce the alarm. The monitoring system is able to find the location of the sensor that has been triggered with the use of encoders.

The vast majority of control panels are designed with a backup dialer that can be used if the connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network is not functioning like it should. This secondary dialer is sometimes connected to a separate phone line or other communication device to evade the PSTN. This is very important if for example, the primary line has been disabled or tampered, alarms could be triggered vie the secondary dialers.

In some situations the building in which the monitored burglar alarm system is installed is located where there is no PSTN service and using a direct line is too expensive. The solution to this problem is using a mobile device as the main line.

Monitored burglar alarm systems permit communication between to central station and the home owner and even with the intruder.

Some systems use video capturing to record the incidents in case evidence is needed to back up legal processes.