Home Security Products

There is a staggering number of products available in the multi billion dollar home security industry - burglar alarms and home security systems.  They all have one generic trait however, which is they are developed to protect your home and family. They all have triggers that break an electrical circuit which when tripped send out signals that activate an alarm siren.  

Most home security systems can be linked to a monitoring company whose job it is to respond to your distress signal.  Once received, they send out a response team to check your property.  You will need to pay a monthly fee for this service, but it is an additional security measure some cannot afford to live without.

Home Security Components
A good, reputable home security system can be purchased almost anywhere, but should be supplied by a company who has a licence to sell and monitor it.  If you decide to buy online, you need to check these same facts first.  Or you can use the internet as a place to do your homework before you set out with your credit card in hand.

A security system is only as good as the person using it, and if doors and windows are left unlocked, it will be compromised.

A basic system consists of a control panel and motion sensors.  Additions such as security cameras and home monitoring services are optional and can be added at a later stage. Make sure that the home security system you purchase makes allowances for add ons.

Components Explained
The main component of any home security system is the control panel.  It is here that all the circuitry and contact points connect; these include sensors, cameras, telephone connections, remote keypads and a sounder.

Depending on what your requirements are, control panels contain circuitry capable of housing a number of contact points (from four upwards).  What this means is that if you buy a control panel with a capability for housing four contact points, only four separate items can be connected to it.

Sensors attached to your doors and windows consist of two sections, one attached to the frame and one to the opening leaf.  If a door or window is opened while they are armed the circuit breaks and sends a signal to the control panel activating the alarm. Signals will be sent to your monitoring company.  

Another form of sensor is a motion sensor.  These can be installed either inside or outside the home.  When movement is detected, the same sequence is followed.  These are usually installed inside the main internal entrance areas, and hallways.  They are not suitable for bedrooms unless the bedrooms are empty.

Some motion sensors use laser beams scanning from one end of the room to another.  When these beams are interrupted a message is sent to the control panel.  Vibration sensors work on the same concept.  Outdoor sensors usually work on movement and send a signal to the control panel or they trigger lights which illuminate the area.

Cameras
A popular security measure is the use of a camera for surveillance. Security cameras can monitor your home continuously and their views can be seen on a computer or a television.  This allows multiple views of your property from a place of safety or even a remote location like a hotel room.  This has already proved to be an excellent tool. A witty home owner, on vacation abroad, called the police while monitoring his house and the thieves were caught red-handed!

Wireless Option
The nicest thing about all the components necessary for a successful home security system is that they can be installed without wires.  Wireless does not require running hundreds of feet of wiring around the perimeter or inside your home. It allows the homeowner the ability to install their system from kit form, eliminating the need to spend extra cash for a professional install making home security much more affordable to most people.