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Home Security – Alarm Systems Basics

Home security is comprised of both the technical security equipment installed in a home and people’s personal safety practices. Security equipment typically includes alarms, locks, decals, lighting, motion sensors, and video surveillance systems. Security systems are typically set up by alarm companies or monitored by security experts. These experts can either be individuals (including homeowners) or large corporations.

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Security experts can either monitor from a base station or through an Internet connection. Base stations monitor the status of your home security system and alert you if intruders or burglars enter certain areas of your home. Many home security systems provide round-the-clock assistance in responding to emergency calls. They call the local authorities, send out a signal, or redirect you directly to the local authorities.

Home security systems are often set up with monitoring devices. These devices are wired into the alarm system so when sensors are triggered, the monitoring company contacts the alarm company. Home alarms usually include motion detectors that trigger a series of sirens and flashing lights when the device is triggered. Some alarms will also have silent alarms which are not triggered by normal household objects or doors and windows but only by an intruder’s presence. Other types of alarms will also use audible alarms to alert you to intrusion attempts.

In addition to sensors for exterior use, a home security system also includes several other types of sensors. For example, doors and windows can be protected with sensors that alert you when they are opened or closed. The central control panel of most systems contains the codes required to activate sensors and also the contact details for emergency services.

Door and window sensors are the most common type of sensor used to protect your property. When a door or window is opened, they are automatically detected and sent to the central control panel. If there is no central control panel, then the sensors are transmitted to a pre-determined destination, usually the control panel of your alarm company. The door and window sensors have a range of approximately twenty feet. The range is variable and depends on the model of the alarm system.

Some systems include motion detection on the outside doors and windows of the home. Some control panels are capable of distinguishing between movements on the outside of the house and movement in. If an intruder triggers the alarm, the control panels immediately recognize this as an unauthorized entry and contact the local police. Some home security systems will automatically disarm if there is an entry but the intruder is still present and cannot be identified.

Door and window sensors are connected to the central control panel and use a radio frequency to communicate with the security company. The communication is either by direct dial or an infrared signal. This is typically achieved using a USB-based transceiver or a wireless connection. Depending on the system in place, the door and window sensors may be triggered either when someone opens the door or window or some other means. In addition to having an alarm, a home security system may also contain other components such as cameras, smoke detectors and photoelectric beams. These can all be activated manually or by remote control through the control panels.

Some security systems have a variety of motion sensors that may be wired or wireless. There is no difference in the process for activating either sensor. Wireless motion sensors tend to be more expensive than wired. Wired motion sensors need to have their power source recharged regularly so they do not remain active indefinitely. The wireless motion sensors are much more convenient for many people as they require no special installation and they can be placed almost anywhere.