Protecting Your New Home With an Alarm System

When you buy a new house, it can be easy to get caught up in moving in and making it your home. But before you settle in to your new residence, it can bring you great peace of mind to use the time before you move in to have a security system installed.

There are a variety of options available in alarm systems, depending on your individual needs; but most systems have the basic elements in common.

Commonalities between most electronic alarm systems are the master control panel, minimum one keypad for arming and disarming the system, sensors, motion detectors and a warning signal in the case of a break in. These can come in the form of a loud siren or flashing strobe light. If the system is monitored, once the operators receive the alert they contact the police.

Master Control Panel

Similar to a computer, this component controls the entire system using a Central Processing Unit (CPU). It receives data from the sensors and determines whether to sound the alarm or send the information to the monitoring station. Hard-wired systems will have a metal cabinet mounted on a wall in the basement or closet to contain the control panel.

Keypad Access

This is where you arm and disarm the system, quiet a sounding alarm or notify central monitoring of an emergency. Generally, everytime you enter and leave the house, you'll punch in a code to instruct the system whether you are leaving or arriving. Many keypads also have an emergency alert button in case of an accident or break in. It makes sense to have keypads in the front entry or other frequently used doors. Also, many people have them in their bedrooms to arm the system before going to bed.

Sensors

Remember the old spy movies where the hunted hero would place a piece of tape on a section of the door stretching across to the frame. When he returned, if the seal on the tape was broken, he knew someone had entered his apartment. Well, modern day alarm sensors work on a similar principle. These include a combination switch and magnet that are placed above windows and doors. One part is placed on the window or door frame and the other on the sash or door; and if either is opened the magnetic force is broken and the sensors send a message to the CPU to trigger the alarm.

Door Sensors

The door sensors have an automatic alarm delay to allow for time to deactivate the system in the case of an error. A repetitive buzzer will go off for a set length of time, alerting the homeowner to the fact that the alarm will be going off shortly.

Window Sensors

The sensors for windows can be placed strategically, allowing windows to be left open slightly without triggering the alarm. In addition, special screens can be installed that will sound the alarm in the case of a removed or cut screen from the window frame. In the case of intruders who break or kick in windows, acoustic sensors are available that detect the sound of breaking glass.

Infrared Sensors

Infrared motion sensors use technology that identifies movement by detecting body heat. Usually one unit can be used for an entire room. It should be located well away from furnace vents, wood stoves, sunny windows or any other object that changes temperature. There are also pet-immune models for those who have pets roaming around the house.

Be sure to shop around and research what your options are in your area. Installation costs and monthly fees can vary greatly, depending on the company and the services offered.

Additional articles about home alarms

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