The wide range of security alarm systems makes choosing the best security alarm package for a particular property a very complicated process indeed.
There are a lot of options available that owners of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings tend to be confused about which system to install and which private security company to engage. Making an incorrect assessment of security needs and calling the wrong security company could mean hard-earned dollars going down the drain.
Worse, installing the wrong model can either compromise security or frustrate house occupants and other people within the vicinity when malfunctions are intermittently experienced.
Basic System
The basic design of security alarm systems aims to accomplish at least two goals when the system is triggered by the detection of a security threat. These goals are to
1) notify building occupants and other people in the neighbourhood that a security threat—presumably a burglar—has unlawfully entered the premises; and
2) discourage the burglar from further intruding or for carrying out criminal actions that include theft or result to property damage or physical injuries.
In its simplest configuration, an alarm system is composed of a control panel, a sensor or detector, and a warning device such as siren or a strobe light. Additional upgrades are available and most models today have some of these integrated.
Security System Add-ons
Once the task of choosing the appropriate security system for a property have been accomplished, the process of selecting and integrating various upgrades generally tend to be a lot easier. Commonly, these upgrades include glass break sensors, fire and smoke sensors, CCTV, interior motion sensors, and pollution (carbon monoxide) sensors.
One of the most highly recommended upgrades to basic intruder alarm systems is the establishment of a 24-hour link to an external security support group. Advanced models can now be linked by telephone cables or by wireless communication devices to a private security company that provides 24-hour monitoring services and/or directly to a local police station.
However, most systems route the threat information first to the private security companies for risk assessment in order to prevent false alarms from diverting valuable police resources to a non-existing threat. In this sense, security alarm systems also aid crime prevention by helping law enforcement authorities capture and convict burglars.
Basic intruder alarm systems can also be upgraded by integrating outdoor alarms. Outdoor models monitor the outer perimeter of a property. Advanced systems can now internally perform threat assessment by measuring the weight and height of intruders, thereby preventing false alarms when pets or children enter into the monitored area.
Another security upgrade worth considering is the integration of motion sensors. Using infrared technology, motion sensors detect intruders by analyzing the temperature fluctuations in the monitored area as caused by the entry of body heat. However, motion sensors should be located away from windows and heater vents to maintain their precision.
Some security alarm systems may also be managed using a master remote control unit. This upgrade is essential if the building owner needs to be away from the property frequently. Using this upgrade, the security system can be managed remotely using telephones or computers.
With or without upgrades, reliable models provide a sense of security for building owners, enabling them to shift valuable focus from security issues to their core business or personal targets.