Home Alarms Systems

Home Security Systems, do you Really Need One ?

Here are a few basic security tips that should be practiced at all times.

In most cases proper exterior lighting, solid doors and windows, and quality locks will provide very cost effective protection against thieves. If you live in a neighborhood where other homes are similar to yours and if you have sturdy well secured windows and doors then you probably don’t need a home security system.

If you are in the market for an a good system, there are 2 types of home alarms systems: Those that protect doors and windows ( perimeter alarms) and those that protect the homes interior. (Area alarms)

A perimeter alarms system is comprised of a series of  sensors on doors and windows networked together. Sensors can range from  vibration detectors, strips of foil, or magnetic contacts that will trigger an alarm if a window or door is opened or broken.

One type of system that’s gaining in popularity are small disc-shaped plastic sensors that can be stuck in any corner of the window. These sensors pick up the sound waves when the window is shattered thus triggering the alarm system before the burglar can have a chance to enter the home.

For a more elaborate home security system, motion detectors can be used in conjunction with window and door sensors to act as secondary security measures when the house is unoccupied.

Motion detectors are based on sophisticated electronic sensors that scan a room or a hallway. There are many different designs of sensors with varying functions. Some respond to changes in room temperature, light sound and movement.

Here are a few types of sensors:

a) Ultransonic sensors fill a room with sound waves that are inaudable to the human ear, and will trigger the
alarm when the sound waves are disturbed.
b) Infrared systems will detect changes in room temperature such as body heat
c) Photoelectric sensors have “eyes” that trigger the alarm when the light beam is distrupted.
d) Microwave sensors deploy high-frequency radio waves to detect motion in a given area.
e) Sound sensors react to sounds such as broken glass and other noises commonly made during a break-in.
f) Proximity detectors, will sound an alarm when approached, and are used to protect valuable objects such as glass casings, paintings, and wall safes.

Both motion detection and sensor systems are usally connected with wires or wireless mini radio transmitters to a central panel. Hard wired systems are more expensive and harder to install to due the drilling of holes and running of wires throught the walls. Wireless systems are less expensive and are easier to install since there is no complex wiring to be done. However , the motion sensors usually require batteries which can get quite expensive to replace over time, not to metion that to insure proper security they constantly need to be tested.

Being able to detect a burglar is only half of the battle for a secure home. It is also vitally important to make sure that a would be intruder is aware that you have a quality home security system installed. Putting stickers in your windows and a sign on your property advertising that you own a home system is a neccesity in good crime prevention.

It is also possible to purchase “fake” home security systems stickers and yard signs at your local hardware store . So even if you don’t own an alarm system , you can still thwart a possible burglary on your home.

In conclusion, it is possible to practice good home security measures without actually owning a home security system. However if you are in the market for one there are many resources on this site that can help you find the best home security system for you and your family.