Wherever you live and whatever type of property you live in, a home security system is a worthwhile investment. Without one, your home could be seen as an easy target by local criminals, which is something you will obviously be keen to avoid. In this article, we are going to take a brief look at how a standard modern burglar alarm system works and how it can protect your home from potential intruders.
How the Various Components of a Home Security System Raise the Alarm
Depending on the make and model of alarm system you invest in, you may have door contacts and motion sensors, along with both internal and external sirens. If you are not sure what you need for your home, it is a good idea to consult with a local electronic security expert. For those of you who live in Western Australia, Aust-Guard Security Services provide home alarm systems in Perth, and there are similar reputable home security companies in all other major cities across the country. Below, we run through how each component works,
- Door Contacts – These are incorporated into an electrical circuit that is either open or closed when the door to which they are affixed is shut. In either case, when the state of the circuit is changed by the opening of the door, a signal is sent to the control panel, which raises the alarm. In the most simplistic of systems, without a central control panel, the breaking of the door contacts will directly activate an alarm siren.
- Motion Sensors – There are two types of passive motions sensors in common usage today: infra-red motion sensors and photo motion sensors. The former detect the infra-red energy that humans and animals emit whilst the latter use lasers and light sensors (when a source of light is broken by the movement of a person across it, this is detected by the corresponding sensor). Whether your alarm system utilises infra-red or photo motion sensors, once they are triggered, they will send a signal to the control panel, which will raise the alarm.
- Control Panel – As a mentioned above, the control panel is normally responsible for actually raising the alarm. The way in which it does this will depend on the type of system in which you have invested. Virtually all systems include an audible alarm, in the form of a bell or siren, which the panel will sound when it receives a signal from a motion sensor or door contact. It might also send a signal to a remote monitoring centre, via an Internet connection or telephone line.
All home security experts advise fitting at least a basic burglar alarm system to your home and if you can afford a more advanced system, by all means consider installing one. The peace of mind and protection they offer to homeowners across the country make them an essential security measure in the modern world and they could help to reduce your home insurance costs too.