An alarm system at home is a good investment and option for additional security as it provides a proven theft deterrence, most of all, peace of mind. And taking some time to fully understand the different types of security alarm systems that are available and how they would exactly improve home security is necessary. This would also be helpful for you to purchase a system that is tailored to your budget and needs. These alarm systems can be wireless or wired. Thus, you need to decide if you would like to install the system by yourself or contract with a licensed installer.
Monitored versus Unmonitored
A monitored system has a private company that watches the system for 24 hours everyday, and alerts the police when something goes wrong and you can't be contacted. On the other hand, unmonitored system has on-site sirens and flashing lights that alert the neighbors when there is a break-in, which means that you would have to rely on them to contact the police when you are not at home. Given these things, it is safe to say that monitored system can provide the best security, as its vigilance is constant. This kind of system functions as follows.
- The sensors of the system are triggered in some ways like a door opening.
- The system waits for 30-45 seconds to give the owner a chance to deactivate it to avoid false alarm
- When the alarm is not deactivated, the system will send a message to the monitoring company over the phone or through a wireless device.
- After when the monitoring company receives the message, the alarm will be verified by placing a call to the home or the mobile phone of the owner. If they do not get the right passcode or when there is no answer, the company would then call the police.
- The police then responds.
- Control Panel- All alarm system operations are centered in this panel. This includes the connections to the central monitoring system.
- Central Monitoring Station- When the system is monitored and the alarm is set off, the control panel sends here a message.
- Touchpads- It is where the system is being armed and disarmed. They need to be placed near the doors to easily arm them while on your way out, and disarm when you have returned. Most of them work on a passcode system.
- Key Fobs- Similar to the car lock, this allows you to arm and disarm the system from outside premises even without using a passcode.
- Sirens- This sounds an alert when the alarm has been set off.
- Door and Window Sensor- They set off the alarm when the window or door is opened. Glass break sensors are recommended and available.
- Motion Detectors- They are activated by the movement within the protected area. There are different styles that would meet individual needs.
- Video Monitoring- Surveillance video is one option with the majority of the systems. The images can be sent to the monitoring station or can be captured on site with a digital video recorder.
- Panic Buttons- They alert the central station for an emergency situation that needs an immediate response.