A home security system includes many different elements. Each security system component serves a unique purpose. Whether it’s motion sensors, glass break detectors, wireless remotes and even signage, they all work collectively to secure your home from different threats. Understanding the various alarm system components will make a difference in how you use your system and allow you to get the most out of it.
Know Your Alarm System Components
Our motto here at securemystuffnow.com is “Be smart and stay safe”. So, whether you are shopping for a home security provider, buying a security bundle or installing your own system, knowledge of what the various components do and how they operate will improve the quality and function of your final system. Ultimately, it will mean you get the most out of your alarm system. That translates to better safety and improved security!
Alarm control panel
The Control Panel is the brain of the system. The Control Panel is connected to all alarm sensors, sirens, keypads and other devices. It monitors the communication between them all and interprets if they are normal or in an alarm state.
The control panel is usually hidden in a closet or a basement. Some control panels will provide wireless connection to wireless devices as well as or as opposed to hard-wired devices where wires are run from the sensors back to the control panel.
Alarm keypad
This is your interface for the system. Usually placed near the main entryways or at key points in the home, the keypad lets you arm and disarm the system. It will usually offer other functions too. For example, sending a panic alarm or maybe even providing 2-way communication with the central station. A keypad can also allow you to arm various modes and zones or bypass certain devices, depending on how your system is configured.
External Siren
The siren is usually installed at the roofline away from tampering. There are different models and some include flashing lights. The intent of the siren is to scare burglars and notify the residents or neighbours of an event. In some cases, a home or business user may not want an audible siren when an alarm is activated. Instead, they want to be alerted along with a central monitoring station in hopes that the police can catch a burglar in the act!
Internal siren
Like the external siren the internal siren will make a loud, annoying sound to alert the homeowner of an activation. This ensures that the homeowner is aware of the activation since the external siren or smartphone notifications may not be audible to awaken the homeowner.
Door & window contacts (magnetic reed switches)
To protect garages, storage areas, doors and windows, a reed switch can be used. These are usually known as door and window contacts.
A door and window contact basically comes in two parts. One part of the device is installed on the door frame and houses the magnetic reed switch. A magnet is installed on the swinging door side adjacent to the reed switch. When closed, the two are close and the magnet ensures the reed switch points in one direction completing a circuit. When the door opens, the magnet moves and the reed switch no longer is pulled into a closed position so the circuit it creates is broken. This break in the circuit is the activation event. When the alarm is in an armed state, that activation will generate an alarm informing the homeowner that the door has been opened, possibly by an intruder.
Door and window contacts are older technology, but they are proven. Hard-wired contacts are also very inexpensive.
Motion sensors
Motion sensors form an integral part of any home security system. You will probably be familiar with those sensors that detect motion and turn on security lights outside. Security cameras also use motion detectors to activate video recordings of events. And motion sensors are widely used in alarm systems too. Even the most basic security systems will usually have a motion sensor because they are so flexible in how and where they can be used.
Motion detectors are ideal for monitoring movement in rooms, and hallways, and there are even outdoor motion sensors too. When motion is detected, it alerts the control panel and if the system is armed, then the motion will trigger an alarm.
Pet immune motion detectors are also a valuable device for pet owners wanting to capture motion but limit false alarms from animals such as cats and dogs.
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Security cameras form another part of the core security system. Cameras are usually a separate system from the alarm system and complement security across your property. But in recent years certain security brands have begun to integrate indoor and outdoor cameras into their alarm systems.
Security cameras can be used for recording areas in your yard or home. These days, the video is usually stored on an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or in the cloud (securely stored on the internet) allowing the video to be accessible on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Glass break detectors
Glass break detectors can be used to detect the frequency of the sound of shattering glass and activate an alarm. These sensors are a valuable component of an alarm system and can be used to alert you if anyone attempts to break into your home by smashing glass doors and windows.
Glass break detectors are typically placed indoors next to windows or any other glass that you have concerns about being broken. These sensors are inexpensive and can be a great investment to increase security.
Smoke detectors
Many homes already have smoke alarms, but you can also get one as part a complete home security system. Smart smoke detectors can also be upgraded to give you an alert that lets you know where the smoke is coming from. At the very least, make sure you have a stand-alone smoke detector in your home and ensure it is tested and the batteries are checked regularly.
Carbon monoxide detectors
Although carbon monoxide detectors may be less popular than smoke detectors they are equally important. Carbon monoxide has no odor, taste, or color. It is impossible to detect carbon monoxide without a sensor. This can be very dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are admitted to hospital because they have CO poisoning at home. Whether they are part of your home alarm system or are independent devices, make sure you include them in your home.
Shock / seismic detectors
A seismic or shock detector will alert you to any significant vibrations. For example, significant vibrations are caused when an intruder forces their way through a door, tries to break down a wall or uses a drill to dismantle windows. These shock sensors are considered more specialist devices and are more likely to be used for specific scenarios mainly in commercial security systems.
Remote alarm fob
This is one part of an alarm system I suggest as essential. It makes arming and disarming your system a lot more convenient, and also enhances security. Depending on the brand, these fobs can be programmed to send panic alarms, medical emergencies and even to open and close garage doors and automate other functions like lights.
Wireless panic alarm
A wireless panic alarm can often be included or programmed into your alarm key fob. For instance, it may require that two buttons a pressed for 3 seconds together to initiate a panic alarm. This is a great feature since your key fob can be next to your bed, or with you when you get out of your car. They are particularly helpful for those who are home alone or vulnerable. Having this on hand gives you a way to communicate your duress to the alarm panel and in turn to the central monitoring station so emergency personnel are dispatched.
Photo beam sensors
Beams combine a transmitter with a receiver. A beam is sent from the transmitter to the receiver. The receiver is looking for a contact beam. If that beam is broken, an alarm is triggered. These used to be more popular but have been replaced by more accurate motion sensors that provide area coverage. Beams can be prone to false alarms since anything that breaks that beam will trigger an alarm. That includes a leaf or a cat. Some beams have dual beams to reduce false alarms. Placing these devices appropriately is important. Typically they will pass in front of doors and windows across the side of a home. When installed correctly, these beams can travel hundreds of meters to protect much larger perimeters.
Smoke alarms
You can connect smoke alarms to your security system so that the control center can be notified in case of a fire. This extra protection can save your life at home or protect your home when you’re away.
Tamper / interruption switches
To protect systems from being tampered with, the best burglar alarms will include anti-tampering features. For example, a wireless device will check in with the control panel at regular periods. When it fails to check in, an alert is issued. This is usually because of a failure in communication or a dead battery. Or, when the cover of the device is removed, a switch is depressed, and that sends a signal to the control panel indicating it has been tampered with.
On hard-wired devices, a resistor can be added to the wire inside the security device. If the wire is tampered with further toward the control panel, the resistance changes and the control panel knows that an attempt has been made to circumvent the device.
Be sure to ask your security provider about their anti-tampering features when shopping for a system.
Flood / leak sensor
Increasingly you will find alarm systems that offer flood sensors. These are usually located in basements or near areas where water pipes are located. In the event that water reaches a certain level, the sensor will trigger, alerting you of the burst pipe or water leak. Water damage can be incredibly costly and truly devastating so early detection of an event will save a ton of money and hassle.
Batteries
A savvy burglar will do anything to burgle you and they will know potential weak spots in your security. For example, they may cut off electricity to deactivate the alarm system or prevent you from seeing them. I have seen this happen out at the roadside electrical pole- the thieves were that intent on gaining access. However, most alarm systems will have backup batteries on the control panel. This will provide ample power to send out a message and alert you of an alarm condition. Your system should also alert you when the mains power is out. This battery is charged up when the power returns. If your alarm provides a notification that your battery power is out, then make sure you or a professional replace it as soon as possible.
A growing number of systems use wireless devices too, and these require batteries. It is important to check and replace batteries in wireless devices once a year although some new devices can last for years without draining their battery.
Smartphone access
These days, smartphone access to your alarm system is almost essential. It provides enormous convenience but also enhanes the function of your security system, allowing you to control it remotely, even while on vacation. This is excellent if a device needs to eb bypassed or you need to disarm for a visitor. An app for your smartphone should be a feature you require in your new security system. It can almost act as a wireless alarm keypad, providing control while away from your home and allowing you to detect issues with your devices.
Central alarm monitoring station
This isn’t a device in your alarm system but it can an important component of your security system. Many alarm systems provide 24/7 alarm monitor services. If an alarm is triggered, a message is sent to a central station via telephone lines or cellular towers. The agents on the other end will respond by calling you. Depending on the response and nature of the alarm, will dispatch the police. This can be a very reassuring feature and helps to ensure quick response times to real emergencies.
Window stickers and yard signs
Signage that comes with burglar alarms is an element of security that should not be overlooked. It’s part of the 6-D’s strategy. These signs and window stickers are important even though you might not consider them so. They can help deter burglars from breaking into a house. And prevention is better than cure. Once a burglar gains access, even though the alarm may go off, often expensive damage has already been done. A sign will make an potential intruder think twice about attempting to break-in to your home. Make sure your signs should be prominently displayed!
The Final Score
Being smart is the key to being safe. Understanding your alarm system and the various alarm system components that make it function will improve its effectiveness and performance, like knowing how to reduce false alarms. Are you considering installing your own system? Or are you looking to purchase one? Then understanding what components are available and what they accomplish can help ensure you end up with a more reliable security system. So be smart and stay safe.