Reliable and cost-efficient alarm systems for the home are the most important components of a residential security setup. This is more or less expected given the frequency of burglar attacks in the US, which cost an annual damage of US$4.3 billion.
Today, they constitute a private property’s first line of defense against burglary and other unwanted—potentially fatal—intrusions.
Security alarm systems consist of interlinked devices such as sensors, switches, and control boxes that alert homeowners of potentially damaging intrusions into their real estate property.
Aside from notifying homeowners, alert signals also warn other people in the vicinity about an unauthorized entry into one of the residences in the area.
Generally, security alarm systems use alert signals such as sirens and flashing lights to warn homeowners and neighbors and to discourage burglars and other types of intruders from further entering the secured premises. Moreover, advanced security alarm systems also send distress signals to their central monitoring stations or directly to local law enforcement units.
The use of alarm systems for the home has consistently been proven effective by various studies, causing the demand for reliable models to rise especially in locations where burglary incidents are high.
Basic alarm system setup
Security systems use switches and sensors to detect any unauthorized entry. They may be connected using extensive but hidden cables or they may be linked using wireless transmitters. Different sensors are used to detect suspicious sound or motion.
To allow homeowners to manage security alarm systems, a control panel is linked to the system of sensors and switches that are located in different strategic areas in the residential property.
Commonly, a security breach changes the circuit state (that is, whether electric current is freely flowing or whether it is blocked) of the security alarm system. When this happens, an alert signal such as a siren or a flashing light is triggered.
Acquiring alarm systems for the home
Homeowners should do a bit of research before choosing the home alarm systems to deploy in their residence. The research should include the house plan and a layout of the entry points such as pathways, doors, and windows that burglars might use in entering the house.
It should also include an assessment of the general security level in the area, particularly on whether burglary incidents are common and whether police forces are sufficient.
Once equipped with a sound assessment of security needs of their residences, homeowners should then establish the budget they are willing to allocate for the installation of security alarm systems. It is best for homeowners to ask the advice of home security consultants on the best system to install based on budget and security considerations.
There are various models available for the home including hardwired varieties and those that use wireless communication. There are also monitored and unmonitored systems, with the latter requiring monthly service fees for the private security provider.
Lastly, there are inexpensive alarm systems that can be purchased in retail outlets or hardware stores and that can also be easily installed by homeowners. Unless technically competent, homeowners should have security professionals install the more sophisticated systems to prevent malfunctions.