Home Alarms Systems

Some homes have pre-wired arrangement for alarm systems. In such cases, you may need your security consultant’s help for doing an inventory of all the devices installed. A security consultant will help you find the devices installed and their numbers. The main devices taken into consideration will be the keypads, alarm panels, smoke detectors, motion detectors and door and window contacts.

Keypads
They are located close to the entrance and hence, they are easy to locate. They are generally located in the hall leading to the garage or near the front door. The layout of the alarm keypad is similar to the phone keypad with numbers on it. They have words like ‘arm’, ‘stay, medical, police etc. written on them. If there is a flip cover then look inside for information about the system. Make a note of all the information as it helps the security consultant know the type of system.

Alarm Panels
Alarm panels are the known as the heart of an alarm system. The wires installed in the devices run to the alarm panels. In case of pre-wired homes, most of the alarm panels are installed along with the phone boxes, cables etc. Normally, they are placed in the closet of the master bedroom though they may be placed in the garage or hallway. Alarm panels do not have a circuit inside unlike electric panels. Inside the alarm panels, there is a circuit board with wires running.
Smoke Detectors and Motion Detectors

In a completely installed home alarm system, there must be at least one motion detector. The alarm systems are normally located in the hallway and connect bedroom to the living area. They are white in color and are oval or rectangular in shape. They have a small square at the bottom which is opaque. If there is enough power in the motion detector then you will see a red light when you move around in the infrared path.
The smoke detectors are different from the usual smoke detectors. Unlike the normal smoke detectors, they are wired into the alarm system. To know if they are wired, simply open the detector and see if there are wires connected.

Window and Door Contacts
In case of pre-wired home alarm systems window frames and door frames will have contacts and magnets. In some cases, the contacts may be on the doors and windows! The contacts look like a round stud.
Once you get a list of equipments, you have you can decide on the additional equipments you need. If you are unsure of the equipments, know the target model number and name and do some research on the Internet.
When you meet your consultant you have all the basic information ready. Doing this inventory will help you save money on the additional cost of equipments as a part of your security system.