Home Alarm: To Keep Home Safe
One of the worst things that can happen to your home is to have it intruded upon by a stranger with bad intentions. Something valuable could get stolen, or even worse, you may be at home when this occurs and find yourself in a dangerous situation.
This is why security alarms have become an important staple in modern homes. Designed to detect unauthorized entry into a house or building, it immediately alerts people of an unwanted stranger’s presence.
Used in both residential and commercial properties, the main goal is to protect against theft, property damage, or even assault. Statistics show that residential areas with home alarms have fewer cases of theft than those that are unprotected.
Different types of alarms
Most home alarm systems are geared towards burglary protection. However, others also provide closed-circuit television surveillance (CCTV) systems which can record any movement in a given area.
These are usually helpful in determining what an intruder has done, and how an intruder looks like for police reference, in case they escaped.
Some alarms are also wired to access control systems, which can electrically lock doors if needed, and connected through two-way communications, which allow a line between visitor or security guard and owner. This is a more hands-on type of system, in contrast with others which are more alarm and/or surveillance based.
From small noisemakers to complex, monitoring computers, alarm systems vary depending on the property owner’s budget and preference for security.
Parts of a home alarm
A basic security alarm is composed of a sensor, to detect intruders, and an alerting device, to alert people of the intrusion.
More complicated systems offer more than that, such as:
Control Panel – This refers to the brain which reads sensor inputs and signals the intrusions. This is one or more circuit boards enclosed in metal, with a power supply to keep running.
Sensors – Like with a basic alarm, this detects intruders. It must be placed either at the perimeter of an area or within it. Monitoring varies, from the opening of doors and windows to sound, motion, or vibration detection in the interiors.
Alerting devices – Often, these are alarm bells, sirens, or flashing lights. Maybe even all of the above. They both warn the occupants of intrusion and potentially scare these intruders off.
Keypads – These are small devices that serve as the human interface to the system. They’re usually wall-mounted and feature buttons, indicator lights, and a display screen.
Interconnections – These connect the components. They may be composed of either direct wiring or wireless links to the control unit.
Of course, depending on the budget and preference of a property owner, home alarm systems vary in function, size, and complexity.
What matters above all is that they keep the occupants safe.